European Dance Award Baden-Baden

European Dance Award — the European Dance Gala in Baden-Baden

Since 2013, the European Dance Award has been the leading European award in show dance — a prestigious gala held annually at the Kurhaus Baden-Baden, one of the historic highlights of the Black Forest town. In the magnificent Bénazetsaal with its crystal chandeliers, ornate stucco ceiling, and grand stage, an evening is choreographed that combines dance, excitement, and show business at the highest level.

Six Finalists — Three Dance Rounds — One Trophy

The gala follows a clearly structured competition format: a top-class jury of European dance professionals has pre-selected six finalists from numerous applications. On the gala evening, they compete against each other in three dance rounds, with three of the six acts in each round. All show dance disciplines are permitted: Solo, Pairs, Groups, modern, classical, urban, Latin American, or a combination. Professional show acts perform between the competition rounds. The audience decides as the sixth jury member — a special feature that gives the European Dance Award its unique suspense.

The Golden Colibri

The main prize is the "Golden Colibri" — a trophy in the shape of a golden hummingbird. The organizer explains the symbolism: "The hummingbird symbolizes elegance and beauty and fascinates with its speed and grace" — qualities that also apply to dance. The award winners since 2013 cover an astonishing stylistic range: Tango Argentino, Standard-Latin, Show Dance, Modern Dance, Breakdance — the award is genre-open.

Program of the Gala Night

The evening begins at 7:30 PM with admission and a champagne reception in the foyer. At 8:00 PM, the festive welcome opens the competition. Three dance rounds alternate with show acts by professional dancers, with lounge breaks with live music in the winter garden in between. The award ceremony with the winner's dance takes place around 11:00 PM — afterwards, the Bénazetsaal remains open until 2:00 AM, with live bands and DJs on multiple dance floors and lounge areas for the after-party.

Baden-Baden and the Kurhaus

Baden-Baden is the spa capital of the Black Forest (Baden-Baden district, Baden-Württemberg) and has been an international spa and cultural center for over 200 years. The 19th-century Kurhaus, with its casino, the Bénazetsaal, and the Weinbrenner-Saal, is one of Germany's most magnificent event halls — historically shaped by the Russian nobility of the 19th century (Dostoyevsky wrote his "The Gambler" here). For the European Dance Award, the Kurhaus provides the ideal setting: a place that combines elegance, international flair, and show culture.