Geneva, 26 April – The EBU announced today that Eurovision Young Dancers, one of Europe’s premier dance events returns in 2011 to be held in Oslo on 24 June.

The revamped format of the biennial dance contest will provide a unique prime-time show for Europe’s most talented young dancers. In a break with previous years, the event embraces all dance styles, from ballet to hip hop and street dance.

As a further innovation in the lead-up to this year’s Eurovision Young Dancers Contest, the EBU has launched an Online Dance Contest for the general public to find the best dance performance to a set piece of music. Dancers must be aged 18-30. This winner will win a trip for two to the contest in Oslo.

Bettina Brinkmann, Head of EBU Entertainment, Fiction & Arts says:
“Public broadcasters are delighted to foster talented dancers from 10 countries all over Europe.”

She continues, “This event will provide dancers with the spring-board they need for international attention.”

Host broadcaster NRK is staging the show in Oslo's renovated Dansens Hus theatre on 24 June 2011. The competition is open to solo dancers aged between 15 and 20 representing European Broadcasting Union (EBU) Members.

The live event is  directed by renowned Dutch choreographer Ed Wubbe.

A jury of reputed professionals will be judging the contest:
Ilze Liepa (Russia): classical ballet dancer/choreographer
Ballet Boyz (UK), Michael Nunn & William Trevitt: modern dance
Fredrik Rydman (Sweden): hip-hop choreographer

Participating broadcasters include: NRK (Norway), WDR (Germany), SVT (Sweden), NPS (The Netherlands), HRT (Croatia), ERT (Greece) , RTVSLO (Slovenia) , RTP (Portugal), TVP (Poland), RTK (Kosovo).

For more information go to the Eurovision Young Dancers website: www.youngdancers.tv