Your Guide To The Biggest Dance And Theatre Competition In The UAE 2026

If you love performing and you are based in the UAE this is the one to circle in your calendar.

The GPAA Competition 2026 is recognised as the biggest musical theatre and dance competition in the UAE, created by the Global Performing Arts Alliance, founded by Solange Urdang OBE. It brings together young performers from schools and studios across the region to compete, learn and perform on a professional stage.

Below is everything you need to know in one place.

Quick facts about GPAA Competition 2026

• What it is: The UAE’s biggest musical theatre and dance competition for young performers.

• Dates: 11 and 12 April 2026.

• Venue: Sharjah Performing Arts Academy in the UAE.

• Organiser: Global Performing Arts Alliance (GPAA), in partnership with Urdang International.

• Who it is for: Young dancers, singers and musical theatre performers from schools, studios and independent backgrounds.

• Main styles:

  • Musical theatre performance

  • Ballet and contemporary

  • Jazz and commercial

  • Acting through song

What is the GPAA Competition?

The GPAA Competition is an annual event that gives young performers a proper professional style stage experience. It started as a way to bring the standards and energy of London’s West End into the UAE and it has grown into a highlight of the performing arts calendar.

Every year hundreds of students from schools and academies across the UAE and beyond gather to perform in front of industry level judges, many of whom work in the West End and on major productions. You are not just dancing or singing for fun. You are learning how it feels to perform at a professional level while getting real feedback on your craft.

What makes GPAA 2026 special

The 2026 edition is designed to be bigger and more exciting with new opportunities for young performers.

For this years competition, you can expect:

• Expanded categories
  More performance divisions across different ages and group types so solos, duets and groups all have space to shine.

• World class judging panel
  Judges include West End performers, choreographers, directors and casting professionals who understand what it takes to train and work at a high level.

• Workshops and masterclasses
  Alongside the competition there are exclusive workshops run by industry professionals and Urdang International, designed to sharpen your skills and build your confidence before and around the event.

• Full theatre experience
  You perform on a professional stage with lighting, sound and staging that mirrors real West End style shows. For many students it is their first time under that kind of pressure in the best possible way.

Who can enter?

The competition is open to young performers from across the UAE and nearby regions. Entrants usually come from:

• Performing arts schools

• Dance studios

• General schools with strong performing arts departments

• Independent students who train with private teachers or programmes

There are different age divisions so juniors, inters and seniors can compete at the right level and there are options for solos, duets and groups depending on the category.

If you are not sure whether you or your group fits, the safest move is to ask your teacher or studio owner to check the latest category breakdown on the GPAA website when entries open.

Categories and performance styles

The competition focuses on the areas that matter most for modern musical theatre and dance performers. Current information highlights these key styles:

• Musical theatre performance
  Think storytelling, character work, singing and acting combined.

• Ballet and contemporary dance
  Technique, control and emotional performance.

• Jazz and commercial
  Big dynamics, style, precision and musicality.

• Acting through song
  Focusing on vocal delivery and character work rather than choreography.

Each routine is judged not only on technique but also on stage presence, storytelling, emotional connection and originality.

What happens during the competition days?

Across the two days at Sharjah Performing Arts Academy you can expect a full on but exciting experience:

1. Registration and orientation
   You arrive with your school or studio, check in and get familiar with the theatre and backstage areas.

2. Heats and performance rounds
   Different categories and age divisions perform across scheduled sessions. You will be called to stage with your group, perform your routine and then return to the audience or backstage.

3. Judging and feedback
   Judges score each performance and may give feedback either live, in written form or through school or studio contacts. The focus is on growth not just results.

4. Workshops and masterclasses
   Depending on the schedule you may get the chance to join workshops run by West End professionals and GPAA partners. These sessions often cover choreography, performance skills, audition technique and more.

5. Awards and recognition
   At the end of the event winners in each category are announced and there can be special prizes, scholarships or invitations to further training such as GPAA Summer School programmes.

Why you should enter as a young performer

If you are serious about dance, singing or musical theatre GPAA is a big opportunity.

Here is what you gain:

• Real stage experience
  You perform under proper lights with sound and staging that feels like a professional show.

• Feedback from professionals
  Your work is seen by people who actually work in the industry and they care about helping the next generation.

• A taste of West End standards
  The connection to Urdang International and the Urdang Academy means the standard of training and expectations is high in a good way.

• New friends and networks
  You meet students from other schools and studios who share the same passion that you do.

• Possible next steps
  If you stand out there can be invites to workshops, summer schools or further training linked to GPAA and its partners.

How to register your interest

You do not have to figure it out alone. Here is a simple way to get started using the official links.

1. Talk to your school or studio
   Ask if they are planning to enter the GPAA Competition 2026 and tell them you are interested.

2. Visit the event page
   Go to the GPAA Competition 2026 page on the Global Performing Arts Alliance website to see the latest details and updates.

3. Use the register interest form
   There is a dedicated register interest form that schools and individuals can use to stay updated on categories, entry details and pre event workshops.

4. Watch for deadlines
   Keep an eye on entry deadlines, category announcements and any early information about workshops or masterclasses.

Your teacher or studio owner will usually handle the official entry but it helps if you know what is happening and stay involved.

How to prepare like a pro

Even before the big weekend your preparation starts now. Urdang International recommends focusing on a mix of technique, expression, conditioning and confidence.

Here is how that looks in real life:

• Drill your technique
  Keep up regular classes in dance, singing or acting. Clean lines, accurate timing and strong basics always stand out.

• Tell the story
  Do not just do the steps. Know who your character is, what the song or piece is about and what you want the audience to feel.

• Look after your body
  Stretch, warm up properly and stay hydrated. Competitions can be long days and you want to feel strong not tired halfway through.

• Rehearse in costume where possible
  Practice in shoes and outfits similar to what you will wear on stage so there are no surprises.

• Get comfortable on stage
  If your school does showcases or small performances use them to practice dealing with nerves and stage space.

To conclude

The GPAA Competition 2026 is not just another event on the calendar. It is a chance to step into a professional space, learn from people who work in the industry and see how far you can push yourself as a performer.

If you are a young dancer, singer or actor in the UAE and you want to experience what a West End standard stage feels like this competition is your moment to go for it.

Share this with your friends, speak to your teacher, register your interest then start preparing. The stage in April 2026 is waiting for you.