GPAA Dubai 2027: Your Next Stage in Performing Arts

A competition can be a performance milestone—and a starting point for what comes next.

The GPAA UAE Competition takes place on 2, 3 and 4 April 2027 at New Covent Garden Theatre, Dubai. Bringing dance, singing and musical theatre to the stage, the event gives young performers an opportunity to share their work and discover the wider world of Urdang International.

Whether you are a performer preparing a solo, a parent supporting your child or a teacher planning your school’s entries, here is how GPAA connects performance with community, continued learning and future possibilities.

GPAA Dubai 2027: key dates

Last registration date for routines: 10 March 2027

Final music upload date: 19 March 2027

Competition: 2–4 April 2027

Venue: New Covent Garden Theatre, Dubai

Plan your routine entries and music submissions around these separate deadlines. Visit the GPAA Competition 2027 page for entry information, fees and competition terms.

A stage for different performance styles

GPAA—the Global Performing Arts Alliance—was founded by Solange Urdang OBE. Its Dubai competition includes solo, duet, small-group and large-group entries, with disciplines spanning ballet, contemporary, commercial, street dance, jazz, tap, acro, song and dance, and musical theatre.

For schools and studios, this provides scope to showcase different strengths. For individuals, it offers a focused goal: preparing a performance and bringing it to the stage.

Before entering, check the GPAA Dubai 2027 entry guide for age categories, routine formats and preparation guidance.

More than a competition: discover a wider creative network

Preparing for a performance involves much more than remembering choreography. It can encourage commitment, collaboration and the confidence to communicate with an audience.

GPAA also offers a setting in which performers, teachers and schools can meet others who share their interests. Those conversations can be valuable: discovering a different approach to training, learning about another discipline or finding inspiration for a future performance.

The connection does not need to end when the event finishes. Explore GPAA events and opportunities to stay connected with the wider programme, and discover Urdang International UAE for information about its regional performing arts community and training.

Explore performing arts awards and qualification pathways

For performers asking “What comes after the competition?”, continued learning is an important part of the answer.

Urdang International Awards offers a separate range of performing arts programmes, examinations and awards. These provide routes for schools, teachers and learners to explore structured development alongside performance experience.

Depending on the programme and the learner’s stage, options include performance awards, subject-specific study and professional diploma pathways in teaching or performance.

Entering GPAA does not automatically award a qualification or enrol a performer in an Awards programme. Qualification routes have their own entry requirements, learning and assessment arrangements. Schools, parents and performers should confirm the appropriate pathway and its recognition with the Awards team before enrolling.

For academic and international schools, explore Urdang’s performing arts programmes for schools to understand how an ongoing programme could sit alongside rehearsals, productions and competition preparation.

Connect performance with the professional creative world

A young performer’s interests may develop in many directions: performing, teaching, choreography or the work that brings a production together.

Within the wider Urdang network, Solange Urdang Productions provides another perspective on the industry through theatre production, creative leadership and arts advocacy.

Exploring these different areas can help performers understand the breadth of the performing arts. Competition participation is not a promise of casting, representation or employment; it can, however, be one meaningful experience within a longer journey of learning and discovery.

Make your next step count

Start with a clear preparation plan. Confirm your category, review the rules, organise rehearsals and leave time to check your music before submitting it.

Then think beyond the performance itself. What would you like to develop next? Greater confidence? A new discipline? A structured assessment pathway? A stronger connection with other performers and teachers?

GPAA Dubai 2027 can be a moment to celebrate your work—and explore those next steps.

Visit the official GPAA registration portal or contact the GPAA team with questions about entering.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I find the competition rules and entry fees?

The official GPAA Competition 2027 page links to competition information, terms and entry fees. Check these before completing your registration.

Can GPAA participation lead to a performing arts qualification?

Participation alone does not confer a qualification. Performers interested in qualifications can separately explore Urdang International Awards programmes and confirm eligibility, enrolment and assessment requirements.

How can a school connect with the wider Urdang network?

Schools can contact GPAA about competition participation and explore Urdang International Awards for ongoing performing arts programmes. These are distinct opportunities that can support different aspects of a school’s provision.