Our Journey so far
2020-21
GDO WAS FOUNDED
Founded in 2020 during the pandemic, GDO began as a Virtual Competition, pioneering an interactive format that kept dancers connected when stages were closed.
Qualifiers were held virtually, giving dancers around the world the chance to compete from home, and lead to an exciting interactive Finals that brought together talent on a global stage.
Through live online performances, workshops, interactive prize givings, and countless scholarship opportunities, GDO gave dancers a platform to be seen, supported, and celebrated. Our first Online Finals brought dancers from over 20 countries together.
What began as a digital initiative has since evolved into Global Dance Open, an international stage dedicated to opportunity, growth, and excellence in dance worldwide.
2021
Live Qualifiers & Finals were launched
The 2021–2022 season marked the launch of Live Qualifiers in over 10 countries, signalling the world’s return to a sense of normality. For the first time since the pandemic, dancers were able to connect, perform, and share their passion in person once again.
2022
2022 FINALS PORTO, PORTUGAL
Our first Finals took place in Porto, Portugal, a landmark celebration of dance that laid the foundations for what has now become the Global Dance Open.
The Classical & Contemporary Finals were judged by an esteemed panel including Iain Mackay, Director of The Royal Ballet School, Robert Parker, Director of Elmhurst Ballet School, Lisa Pavane, Director of The Australian Ballet School, and Johannes Hartl, Director of The Iwanson School of Contemporary Dance.
On the Performer panel, the judges included Nic Espinosa, Director of London Studio Centre, Luis De Abreu, former Principal of Bird College, and Lucas Newland of Brent Street.
In total, over £200,000 worth of scholarships were awarded by these prestigious institutions, cementing GDO’s mission to create life-changing opportunities for dancers across the globe.
2023
2023 FINALS
AVILA, SPAIN
The 2023 Spain Finals saw a doubling in the number of dancers and countries participating compared to the previous year. This year also featured the first-ever City Parade around Ávila. Additionally, our Global Grand Prix and Dancer of the Globe competitions were launched during this final—adding another exciting dimension that allows exceptional dancers to reach the highest level and gain invaluable insights from our incredible judges.
Once again, scholarships were at the heart of our Finals experience, with the total value awarded rising to €400,000.
2024
2024 FINALS
APELDOORN, NETHERLANDS
The 2024 Apeldoorn Finals continued to incredible growth, with dancers representing 35 countries. Scholarship awards also increased significantly, reaching a total of €600,000, further cementing the Finals as a stage for exceptional talent and life-changing opportunities.
2025
2025 FINALS
BRIMINGHAM, ENGLAND
The 2025 England Finals was a true celebration of exceptional talent, showcasing dancers performing at the highest level. Once again, scholarship awards increased, providing life-changing opportunities for the most outstanding performers. The event was a spectacular showcase of skill, passion, and artistry, bringing together dancers, teachers, and audiences for an unforgettable experience that highlighted the very best of the dance world.
WHERE TALENT EARNS IT FUTURE
Since its establishment in 2020, Global Dance Open (GDO) has become one of the most respected and rapidly expanding international dance competitions.
What began as a vision to unite dancers across borders has now evolved into a global stage where artistry, passion, and talent are celebrated at the highest level. GDO provides an international platform for dancers, choreographers, teachers, studios, and entire nations to share their skills, creativity, and dedication to the art of dance.
More than just a competition, GDO is a movement. It is a space where excellence is not only admired but nurtured, a place where dancers are given the opportunity to shine, to push beyond their limits, and to transform their hard work into life-changing possibilities.
At GDO, we seek to attract and showcase the very best dancers the globe has to offer.
From our qualifier events, the most exceptional talents are invited to our prestigious Global Finals, an elite gathering of dancers who embody the highest calibre of technical skill and artistic expression.
Since its creation, GDO has seen participation from 37 countries worldwide, making it one of the most diverse stages in competitive dance today.
Each year, the competition grows- not only in size but in influence, as we continue to bring together communities, cultures, and traditions through the universal language of dance.
The breadth of styles at GDO reflects our commitment to celebrating dance in all its forms. Competitors have the opportunity to present themselves in Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Neoclassical, Jazz, Lyrical, Showdance, Acro, Hip Hop/Street/Commercial, Tap, and Musical Theatre. By offering such diversity, GDO ensures every dancer finds a space to belong, to explore, and to inspire.
Looking forward, GDO remains committed to its mission: connecting the most promising dancers with the globe’s leading dance institutions, training centres, and professional companies. Through scholarships, mentorship, and international opportunities, we aim to support the next generation of dancers in building successful careers, while fostering an international community united by a shared love of dance.
Global Dance Open is more than a competition. It is a gateway to the future of dance.
FINALS
An annual final is held in July, hosted in a new city each time. The finals are 5 days of high-level competition, progressive learning opportunites and formation of deep connections and friendships. We are very lucky, that since our creation in 2021 we have awarded over 1.2£ million worth of scholarships.
Our finals works in two halves: Our Classical/Contemporary & our Performer Styles- 13 Artistic Directors will fly in for both halves- all specialists of their styles.
