Tanzolymp — International Dance Festival

The World's Largest Youth Dance Platform

Tanzolymp was founded in Berlin in 2003 and has since grown into one of the world's largest platforms for young dance talents. With around 1,000 participants per edition from over 40 countries, Tanzolymp is one of the most important addresses for ballet pedagogy, talent scouting, and international networking in classical and contemporary dance. The festival runs every year in February — a deliberate choice to avoid clashing with other major dance competitions and to give students who are nearing their final exams an opportunity to perform.

Six Disciplines in Competition

Tanzolymp is not just a ballet competition, but a multidisciplinary dance festival. Six main disciplines are contested in the Solo, Duo, and Group categories:

• Classical (classical ballet): by far the largest discipline, with variations from the repertoire (Pas de deux, variations) and original choreographies
• Modern / contemporary dance
• Folklore: character and folk dances from the participants' various countries of origin
• Jazz dance: Lyrical Jazz, Musical Jazz, Commercial Jazz
• Pop: Hip-Hop, Street Dance, Show Pop
• Tap: Tap dance

Master Classes with World Stars

In parallel with the competition, an international program of Master Classes takes place. Instructors come from the world's major dance houses: Bolshoi, Mariinsky, Paris Opera Ballet, Royal Ballet, Staatsballett Berlin, Friedrichstadt-Palast. The master classes are held partly at the Fontane Haus and partly in renowned Berlin studios — for example, at the Staatsballett Berlin or at the Friedrichstadt-Palast.

Closing Gala — The Highlight

The Grand Final Gala on February 16, 2026 is the artistic peak of the week. This year's and former Tanzolymp winners will share the stage with stars from international ballet companies. The gala is open to the public and is considered one of Berlin's most extraordinary dance events.

Scholarships and Career Prospects

Winners are not only awarded medals but also receive scholarships from renowned ballet schools (including the Royal Ballet School, Vaganova Academy St. Petersburg) as well as contracts or performances with major companies. Tanzolymp is a real career platform — many current ensemble members of the Staatsballett Berlin, Vienna State Opera, or Mariinsky Theatre had their first international performances here.

Fontane Haus in Märkisches Viertel

The Fontane Haus at Königshorster Straße 6 is the socio-cultural center of Märkisches Viertel — one of Berlin's largest prefabricated housing estates, located in the north of the Reinickendorf district. With its large hall and several dance and workshop rooms, the Fontane Haus has been the central venue for Tanzolymp for years. The choice is also a deliberate statement: Tanzolymp aims to reach young people outside the traditional West Berlin cultural zones.