BalletMet Columbus and Pepsi challenge dance fans to get out of their seats and onto the dance floor to show off their moves in Take the Stage Columbus, July 18-Aug. 13. The top two finalists in the exciting online dance competition will enjoy time in the spotlight as they perform during BalletMet’s season opening event, 30x30.

The contest coincides with BalletMet’s 30th anniversary performance, 30x30, Aug. 6-26 at the BalletMet Performance Space. The event is an exploration of the creative process and features 30 choreographers with a variety of dance backgrounds, from ballet to hip-hop.

The top two finalists in the competition will receive private instruction with BalletMet’s Ballet Master, Hisham Omardien, and will perform on stage during opening night of 30x30, Aug. 23.

The grand prizewinner will receive a gift pack courtesy of BalletMet and Pepsi, complete with a BalletMet Flex Pack Season Subscription and a fashion shoot with photographer Will Shively.

Contestants can enter by downloading a music mix on BalletMet’s Web site, www.balletmet.org, and uploading their best one-minute dance video (any style) set to this music onto the Web site July 18 through Aug. 13.

They can also opt to be videotaped at an open studio call at the BalletMet Dance Centre, 322 Mount Vernon Ave., between noon and 4 p.m. Aug. 11. The videotapes will be uploaded to the contest Web site. Participants must be 18 or older, no experience necessary. Submissions can be singles or pairs only. BalletMet reserves the right to edit submissions.

The public can view and vote for videos on BalletMet’s Web site throughout the competition. The semi-finalists will be chosen based on public vote and a panel of judges. The semi-finalists will be announced on the Web site Aug. 14. The public can vote for their favorite semi-finalist Aug. 14 through 17. The two semi-finalists with the most votes will be announced online Aug. 20 and will perform their dances during intermission of the opening performance of 30x30 Aug. 23. The winner, determined by a combination of online and live audience votes, will be revealed at the end of the show. 

The top two finalists will have the exclusive opportunity to perform on opening night of 30x30, following a private rehearsal with BalletMet’s Ballet Master. The grand prizewinner will receive a gift pack courtesy of BalletMet and Pepsi, complete with a BalletMet Flex Pack Season Subscription and a fashion shoot with Will Shively.