BOTH SUMMER INTENSIVES ARE FULLY BOOKED! ONLY WAITLIST AVAILABLE
The IDC Berlin Annual Dance Competition offers a unique, structured event where young dancers can showcase their skills and perform in front of a live audience and professional judges.
Our Competition takes place all in one weekend!
WHY IDC BERLIN?
- Professional stage experience in a supportive, inspiring atmosphere
- Learn from internationally acclaimed professional dancers and judges
- Constructive feedback that encourages growth and confidence
- Achievement-based awards that celebrate every dancer's progress
HOW IT WORKS
The competition is divided into different groups based on age, dance styles, and routine type to ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all participants.
AGE
Minis | Ages 4-8
For our youngest dancers who are just starting their journey in dance
Pre-Competitive | Ages 9 - 11
Young dancers who are beginning to gain experience in performing
Juniors | Ages 12 - 13
A more advanced group for dancers who have been training for a few years
Teens | Ages 14 - 15
Dancers who are transitioning into more challenging choreography and preparing for advanced training.
Seniors | Ages 16- 18
Our pre-professional division, often consisting of dancers with longer dance experience
Adults | Ages 19- 25
For those who may not be pursuing a career in dance, but just want to get on stage!
DANCE STYLES
Participants can perform in a variety of styles, catering to their strengths and interests
Classical Ballet/ Neoclassical/ Open Classical
Traditional ballet technique, showcasing grace and precision
Contemporary/ Lyrical
A blend of classical technique with modern movements. Classical lines such as stretched feet and legs can be used.
Modern Dance
Emphasizes freedom of movement, more acrobatic and usually with floorwork. Classical lines are not necessary.
Character Dance/ National Dance/ Folklore
Story-driven performances that incorporate theatrical or folk styles. (Mazurka, Czardas, Polka...)
Jazz Dance/ Show Dance/ Musical Theatre
Energetic, rhythmic, and often upbeat performances inspired by pop culture, and or "broadway" style.
Hip Hop/ Street/ Commercial/ Funk
A street style dance focused on freestyle movements and rhythm
Choreographic Composition
Abstract or mixed styles of dance that don't fit into a specific category.
ROUTINE TYPE
Performances are categorized based on the number of participants
Solo/ Variation
1 dancer performing alone
Duet/ Trio
2 or 3 dancers performing together
Group
4 or more dancers performing as a group
SCORING
Each performance is given a mark out of 100 by each judge, based on the
following criteria:
Technique (40%)
The dancer’s ability to execute movements accurately and skillfully
Artistry and Stage Presence (30%)
The dancer’s emotional expression and connection with the audience. Confidence and professionalism on stage
Staging and Performance Execution (20%)
The overall polish of the performance, including timing, synchronization, spacing, and how cleanly the choreography is delivered — whether as a soloist or in a group.
Choreography (10%)
The creativity and originality of the performance (non classical pieces)
Age appropriate choice of choreography, as well as level of difficulty (classical)
AWARDS AND PRIZES
The lowest of the four judges’ scores is eliminated, and the remaining three are added for a final score out of 300.
Performance Levels:
Every entry will receive a performance level pin based on their total score:
150-179 = Merit
180- 225 = Topaz
226- 239 = Silver
240-290 = Gold
291- 300 = IDC Legend
Winners:
In addition, the Top overall solos , Top overall duets/ Trios and top overall groups
with the highest scores in each age group will be announced.
Within each age category, the solo with the highest overall score out of 300, regardless of style, will be awarded ‘Best Overall Talent.
Prizes will be given to the top winners of each category.
Additionally, special awards will be given in each age category for 'Best Choreography', 'Best Artistry', 'Most Improvement' (for those dancers who competed in previous years' IDC Berlin).
Scholarships and Prizes
Dancers and schools will receive prizes such as gift vouchers, dancewear, scholarships and discounts to summer schools, dance courses and programs around the world.
2026 Prizes
-
100 EUR Gift vouchers to Yumiko to all first place winners of each age category
-
2 × €500 scholarships for the Steps Professional Training Program – International Artist Program (IAP)
-
1 × €500 scholarship for the Steps on Broadway Academy 2026 Summer Intensive
-
2 × class packs (5 classes each) from Steps on Broadway (€250 each)
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Dance Attire Vouchers to your favorite dancewear shops!
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Private invitation to observe trainings/rehearsals at Staatsballett Berlin for the top 3 overall solo winners in each age category
-
3 direct entry passes to Pineapple Studios London Summer Course
-
2 direct entries to “Tanz Tanz” workshops at Staatsballett Berlin (one ballet, one contemporary) on May 17
-
Invitation for a one-week training residency with Berlin Ballet Company
-
10 annual memberships to Dance Europe Magazine
-
€2,000 worth of IDC vouchers
-
3 × three-month memberships to the Corps de Ballet Mentorship Program
-
Scholarship to Berlin Dance Institute’s Professional Education Program.
-
Additional scholarships to summer courses and dance intensives across Europe
These will also be handed at our Masterclass series which will take place before the start of the competition - Judges will watch the classes and present scholarships and prizes to those they see stand out. This way, those who may be better in class, than in a prepared stage routine, have their moment to shine. See below at Masterclasses for more information.
MEET OUR ESTEEMED JURY
Our jury is composed of professional dancers, teachers, and choreographers from prestigious stages across Europe. Each member brings their experience and expertise to ensure fair and insightful evaluations. Judges are well rounded in all styles of dance. Get to know who will be judging this year's IDC competition:
2027 Jury Members and Masterclass schedule will be announced shortly!
2026 JURY
Ballet/ Contemporary
Marek Rozycki
Artistic Director
State Ballet School Berlin
Ballet/ Contemporary
Elena Pris
Former Principal Ballerina
Faculty of Education Department at
Staatsballett Berlin
Contemporary/ Commercial
Lucia Poelzer
Dancer TheCompany Berlin
Performed with Cro
Performed with Badmomzjay
Ballet
Alejandro Vireles
International Principal Dancer
Bayerisches Staatsballett
English National Ballet
National Ballet of Cuba
Contemporary/ Ballet
Alexandre Cagnat
Soloist Staatsballett Berlin
San Francisco Ballet
Paris Opera Ballet School
Ballet
Aya Okumura
Principal Dancer
Czech National Ballet
Dutch National Ballet
Staatsballett Berlin
Modern/ Character
Susi Neff
Director/ Founder
Berlin Dance Institute
Ballet
Polina Semionova
International Prima Ballerina
Staatsballett Berlin
American Ballet Theatre
Ballet/ Character Dance
Tomas Karlborg
International Ballet Master
Former Principal Dancer
Deutsche Oper Berlin
Lyrical/ Jazz/ Contemporary
Melissa Sicre
Friedrichstadt Palast
Soloist at Lido Paris
Opera de Paris
Contemporary/ Jazz
Aeri Kim
Friedrichstadt Palast
Universal Ballet Korea
Kirov Academy
Staatsballett Berlin
Contemporary/ Ballet
Martin Ten Kortenaar
Principal Dutch National Ballet
Principal Staatsballett Berlin
National Ballet of Canada
Commercial/ Jazz
Jessica Scorpio
Dancer/ Teacher and Choreographer
Performed at Eurovision
Let's Dance on RTL
Commercial/ Hip Hop
Karen Schweiger
International Choreographer and Dancer
FORMER JURY MEMBERS
Staatliche Ballettschule Berlin
Netherlands Dans Theatre
Johannesburg Ballet
Soloist Staatsballett Berlin
Principal Staatsballett Berlin
Soloist Staatsballett Berlin
Principal Boston Ballet
Choreographer
Artistic Director Koreos Ballet
Freidrichstadt Palast
OUR 2026 PRIZE PARTNERS
FEES
2027 Fees coming soon
MASTERCLASSES
Masterclasses will take place parallel to the competition.
Masterclasses will be taught in various styles by the IDC Berlin jury members. It is an excellent opportunity for the dancers to work up close with today's top professionals, and the chance to be seen off stage.
Masterclasses are optional.
More to come soon...
COMPETITION SCHEDULE
2026 (2027 TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON)
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 28th, 2026:
All Non- Classical categories: Contemporary/ Lyrical, Modern, Jazz/ Show Dance, Hip Hop/ Commercial/ Funk/ Street, Character Dance/ National Dance/ Folklore, Choreographic Composition
Competition: 09:00 - 21:00
Competition will go in order of age categories, starting with Minis and finishing with Seniors/ Adults in the evening.
SUNDAY MARCH 1st, 2026:
All Classical categories: Ballet, Open Classical, Neoclassical
Competition: 9:00 - 19:00
Competition will go in order of age categories, starting with Minis and finishing with Seniors/ Adults in the evening.
Exact Schedule/ Show Order will be announced 1-2 weeks before competition begins, sent privately to all participants.
Please be prepared to spend the entire day with us as times are all approximate!
COMPETITION GUIDELINES
For a complete list of the IDC Competition Guidelines/ Rules and Regulations, see here
Or download as a PDF here:
TICKETS
Come support the dancers and watch the action live!
More to come...
LOCATIONS
Competition 2027
February 26- 28, 2027
Fontane Haus Berlin
Königshorster Str. 6, 13439 Berlin
Stage Dimensions:
21 meters wide
12 meters deep
Masterclasses 2026:
Fontane Haus Berlin
Public Transportation:
U8 or S1 to Bahnhof Wittenau
transfer to bus X34, M21, 124 to Märkisches Zentrum.
Be aware: Google Maps shows incorrect walking route from Märkisches Zentrum to Fontane Haus. Please see correct route here:
(or use St.-Martin-Kirche, Wilhelmsruher Damm, Berlin-Reinickendorf as your destination when using google maps)
Parking
1. Free Parking available on site (limited)
2. Parking Berlin Baustela (140 meters)
Königshorster Str. 8A, 13439 Berlin
3. Parkplatz am Fußballplatz (270 meters)
Königshorster Str., 13439 Berlin
4. Parkplatz Sportanlage (280 meters)
Königshorster Str., 13439 Berlin
5. Märkisches Quartier Tiefgarage, (400 meters) Senftenberger Ring 5a, 13439 Berlin
6. Q-Park Märkische Zeile (550 meters)
Senftenberger Ring 17, 13439 Berlin
CHECK OUT OUR PARTNER HOTELS
Coming Soon...
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Sarah Mestrovic,
Director Berlin School of Dance
After one weekend at IDC, I never saw my kids so motivated, they want to rehearse all the time, i cant get them to stop!
Pauletta Jane,
Mother
My daughter loves the IDC Events, just tell me when the next one is, we'll be there!
Luise Schäffer,
Dancer
Thank you, for creating this space where I can display my hard work and perform on stage in front of such an incredible jury, I never thought I could enjoy so much. Thank you thank you!!