Call for Participants

The general direction of the International Aerial Dance Competition "GUACAMAYA DE FUEGO" invites children, teens, and young adults from Mexico and around the world to participate in an unprecedented experience that merges aerial dance and the majesty of the Yucatecan cenotes.

🗓 This event will take place April 10-12, 2026
📍 Cenote Hacienda Chukum, Yucatán, Mexico

• Performances above water, in the heart of a cenote
   
• Artistic gala, cultural workshops & daily awards
   
• Optional tourism activities in haciendas and magical towns
   
• Rich cultural context, safe environment & professional logistics
   
• A one-of-a-kind artistic and cultural experience
   

🔸 Minimum age to participate: 7 years

Participants will compete by age groups and within each age group by experience level, based on international standards and recognized competition systems.

• Infantil I: 7–9 years
   
• Infantil II: 10–12 years
   
• Juvenil I: 13–15 years
   
• Juvenil II: 16–18 years
   
• Adults I: 18–20 years
   
• Adults II: 21–30 years
   
• Adults III: 31–40 years
   
• Adults IV: 41–50 years
   

• Basic: At least 1 year of experience on the apparatus
   
• Intermediate: At least 3 years of experience or 2+ prior competitions
   
• Advanced: 5+ years of experience and/or 3+ prior competitions
   

• ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST BE IN THE WARM-UP AREA 1 HOUR BEFORE THEIR PERFORMANCE.
   
• No items that could fall into the water are allowed.
   
• Competitors must know how to swim. If not, participation is not allowed.
   
• If a participant wants to end their routine with a dive, they must notify during registration. If not previously registered, the dive will be considered an accident and grounds for disqualification.
   
• Routines begin and end on the apparatus. A canoe will transport each participant to the performance point. Once there, they will have 1 minute to adjust the height and test the apparatus. When ready, they will signal to begin.
   
• Participants must be dry before performing to avoid wetting the apparatus for the next person.
   
• No glitter or sparkles in hair or body that could contaminate the cenote.
   
• All costume accessories must be securely attached to the outfit.
   

• Basic: Max 3 minutes (no minimum)
   
• Intermediate: Max 4 minutes
   
• Advanced: Max 5 minutes
   

Stage Presence – 25 pts
Confidence, control, and connection with the audience, even in the face of challenges.

Expression – 25 pts
Ability to convey emotions, strength, calm, energy; meaningful connection with the audience.

Technique - 35 pts

• Safe, clean, and precise execution
   
• Proper posture and apparatus mastery
   
• Knowledge of apparatus dynamics
   
• Weight distribution and support points
   
• Controlled, fluid movements
   
• Breathing coordination
   
• Transitions and flow
   
• Safety (knots, grips, physical prep)
   
• Aesthetic presentation (hands, feet, gaze)
   

Difficulty Level – 35 pts
Fluidity of Movement – 30 pts
Musicality – 20 pts
Makeup & Costume – 20 pts
Artistic Interpretation – 20 pts

Scenic & Logistical Experience

A One-of-a-Kind Setting

• All performances will take place over water, inside the cenote.
   
• Apparatus (silks, hoop, or other) will be suspended at the cenote’s center.
   
• Competitors will be transported by gondola from the shore to the center.
   
• Each will have 1 minute to adjust and test the apparatus.
   
• Total time allowed per participant (including transport and warm-up): 10 minutes
   
• Coordinated and supervised by experienced rigging and safety staff.
   

Applies to all ages and levels.
This format merges aerial arts with natural and cultural immersion—an alternative to traditional stage competitions.

The audience will enjoy the show from special viewing areas at the cenote.

• Solo performances only
   
• Disciplines: Silks, Aerial Hoop, and other innovative aerial apparatus (e.g., trapeze)
   

• Celebrate and honor Día de Muertos through contemporary performance art
   
• Promote cultural tourism and cross-cultural connection among young artists
   
• Provide a safe, inspiring, and professional aerial dance platform
   
• Support female talent in non-traditional performance settings
   

Cenote Hacienda Chukum, Yucatán, Mexico
A natural stage equipped with eco-friendly, safe infrastructure.

• Registration opens: December 16th, 2025
   
• Registration deadline: March 31st, 2026
   
• Event dates: April 10-12, 2026
   

• Completed online registration form
   
• Technical info (title, apparatus, music, level)
   
• Signed waiver by parent/guardian (if minor)
   
• Proof of payment (instructions after pre-registration)
   
• Proof of valid health insurance (can be assisted by the organizers)
   

• December/January: $2,100 MXN
   
• February: $2,300 MXN
   
• Until March 31st: $2,500 MXN
   

Includes:

• Participation in competition
   
• Gala entrance (in Valladolid)
   
• Awards ceremony access
   
• Buffet lunch
   
• Cenote entrance (for participant, teacher, and director)
   

Prices are locked based on reservation date. Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.

🕔 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

• Participant Check-In
• Welcome Kit delivery for school directors
   

🕖 7:00 AM – Opening Ceremony
🕢 7:20 AM – Aerial Silks Competition Begins (Children’s Category)
🏆 11:00 AM – Award Ceremony (Children’s Category)

🕐 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Lunch Break at Buffet
🎪 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Aerial Silks Competition (Youth & Adult Categories)
🏆 8:00 PM – Award Ceremony (Youth & Adult Categories)

🕖 7:00 AM – Aerial Hoop Competition Begins (Children’s Category)
🏆 11:00 AM – Award Ceremony (Children’s Category)

🕐 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Lunch Break at Buffet
🎪 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Aerial Hoop Competition (Youth & Adult Categories)
🏆 8:00 PM – Award Ceremony (Youth & Adult Categories)

🕖 7:00 AM – “Novel Element” Competition (Children, Youth & Adult Categories)
🏆 11:00 AM – Award Ceremony for Novel Element

🕐 1:00 PM – Lunch Break at Buffet

🌟 6:00 PM – Gala Night in Downtown Valladolid

• Live showcase of all category winners
• Free Entrance
   

📨 Online Form: [Insert Link]
📧 Email: info@mayandancecompetition.com
📱 WhatsApp: +1 (305) 987-2166 / +52 984 240 2765
🌐 Social Media:
Instagram: @mayandancecompetition
Website: mayandancecompetition.com

Any matters not covered in this call for participation will be subject to evaluation.
Mayan Dance Competition reserves the right of admission.
Mayan Dance Competition reserves the right to modify guidelines at any time without prior notice.