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Application guide

Everything to know before you apply

The pre-selection process, video guidelines and dress code — on one page.

Deadline
1 February
Performance video
Required
Evaluated by
The IFLC team
Outcome
Invitation to the program

Application & pre-selection

Students who want to join the Colors of Heritage program take part in a pre-selection that evaluates their artistic performance.

  1. 1

    Deadline

    Performance videos for pre-selection must be submitted by 1 February at the latest.

  2. 2

    Performance video

    A video is required so that each student's talent and performance can be evaluated accurately.

  3. 3

    Evaluation

    Submitted performance videos are evaluated by the IFLC team.

  4. 4

    Acceptance

    Students who succeed in pre-selection and are found suitable are invited to the Colors of Heritage program.

  5. 5

    Where to send your video

    Create an account on this website and upload your video from the entry form in your dashboard.

Important notes

Theatre group

Students from the theatre group can join the program if they are selected in the evaluation.

Group performances

In group performances — for example a video with four students — the jury may evaluate each student individually, and only students found suitable may be invited. A successful group performance does not mean every member of the group is accepted.

Language

Poetry and song can be performed in different languages. Students may perform in their mother tongue or in a language that reflects their cultural identity — for example, Kazakh students in Kazakh and Kyrgyz students in Kyrgyz.

Performance areas & filming guidelines

Check the guidelines for your area before you record.

A boy in a black suit sings, his whole body in the frame
Whole body in the frame, stage posture, clear sound.

Poetry & song

  1. 1

    Staging & visibility

    • Perform as if you were on stage.
    • Body language, posture and gestures should be clearly visible.
    • Wear stage-appropriate clothing.
  2. 2

    Camera angle

    • Your whole body should be in the frame.
  3. 3

    Acoustics & location

    • Choose a quiet room without echo.
  4. 4

    Sound balance

    • Music and voice should not drown each other out.
  5. 5

    Introduction

    • At the start of the video, say your name, age and school or organisation.

“My name is Ayşe, I am 11 years old, and I am taking part from New Jersey SKY Academy.”

Folk dance, stand-up & instruments

  1. 1

    Staging & appearance

    • A folk dance group can have at most 8 students.
    • Wear traditional clothing that fits the region of the dance.
    • Instrumentalists should pay attention to correct playing posture.
    • Gestures and facial expressions matter in stand-up.
  2. 2

    Filming

    • The whole body and the instrument should be clearly visible.
  3. 3

    Acoustics

    • Sound should be clear and natural.
  4. 4

    Sound balance

    • Speech and instrument should be balanced.
  5. 5

    Introduction

    • Start the video with a short introduction.

Dress code

Clothing for girls and boys must be appropriate for the stage.

For girls

  • Sleeveless and revealing outfits are not accepted.
  • Half sleeves are acceptable.
  • Skirts should preferably reach the ankle.
  • With below-knee skirts, wear opaque, skin-tone tights.
  • Heeled shoes are not accepted — including thin heels and platform heels.

Important: Outfit photos must be approved by the COH team. We cannot take responsibility for outfits whose photos were not sent.

Transparency

How you are judged

Every entry is scored by multiple judges against the same published criteria, on a 10-point scale.

  • Performance

    Technique, control, and stage presence.

  • Cultural authenticity

    How faithfully the piece represents your heritage.

  • Originality

    Interpretation and personal expression.

  • Language

    Clarity and command of the language performed.

Scores are averaged across judges. A submission is approved when it meets the published threshold.

Ready?

Create your account, choose your category and upload your performance video.

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