Global Dance Open 2027 Finals

The Global Dance Open 2027 Finals run from Tuesday 20 to Tuesday 27 July 2027 at Theatre Orpheus in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands. Only qualified routines compete. Dancers in Ireland earn their place at the All Ireland Qualifier in Belfast on 16 and 17 January 2027.

Key details

• Dates: Tuesday 20 to Tuesday 27 July 2027

• Venue: Theatre Orpheus, Apeldoorn, the Netherlands

• Who competes: routines that qualified at a live or virtual Global Dance Open qualifier

• Irish route: All Ireland Qualifier, Belfast, entries close 15 December 2026

• Contact: info@globaldanceopen.com

How the finals work

The finals run in two halves: Classical/Contemporary and Performer, each judged by specialists in those styles. Scholarships to vocational schools and companies are a large part of the week. They are chosen by the judges and are not tied to medal placings, so a dancer can be offered one without reaching the podium. Global Dance Open says it has awarded more than £1.2 million in scholarships since 2021.

Solos that qualified with more than 90 points in the Junior, Teen and Intermediate ballet sections dance in the Upper Division. Those that qualified with 75 to 89 dance in the Main Division.

Finals rules to know before you travel

• A dancer can compete with one solo per category, and in one duet or trio per category.

• The music must be the same version used at the qualifier, and a routine cannot be lengthened. Choreography can be improved, but repertoire dancers must keep the same variation.

• A solo dancer cannot be replaced. One member of a duet or trio, and members of groups, can be substituted, as long as the new dancer competed at the qualifier and the change does not move the routine into another age division or entry type.

• Dancers should be available for the full finals until the styles for each day are announced.

• There is no written feedback from judges at the finals. Comments are given at the qualifiers only.

Global Dance Open has not yet published the 2027 daily schedule, hotel arrangements or spectator ticket details on its website. We will add them here when it does.

Questions

When are the Global Dance Open 2027 Finals? Tuesday 20 to Tuesday 27 July 2027.

Where are they held? At Theatre Orpheus in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands. Apeldoorn also hosted the 2024 finals.

How do Irish dancers qualify? At the All Ireland Qualifier in Belfast on 16 and 17 January 2027, which covers the Republic and Northern Ireland. Dancers who live in Ireland cannot qualify by video.

Can a dancer change their repertoire variation for the finals? No. Repertoire dancers must perform the same variation they danced at the qualifier.

The Global Dance Open guide explains the ballet sections, pointe rules and age divisions in full.

Dancers who have qualified for the 2027 Global Dance Open Finals, or are aiming to at the All Ireland Qualifier in Belfast, and the teachers and families travelling with them.

• Tuesday 15 December 2026: entries close for the All Ireland Qualifier.

• Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 January 2027: All Ireland Qualifier, Stranmillis Theatre, Belfast.

• Tuesday 20 to Tuesday 27 July 2027: Finals, Theatre Orpheus, Apeldoorn.

The finals run in two halves, Classical/Contemporary and Performer, each with its own judges. Ballet entries come through the Ballet Repertoire and Classical solo sections, Ballet duets, trios and groups, and the pas de deux. Repertoire dancers must perform the same variation they danced at their qualifier.

• All Ireland entries close: 15 December 2026

• All Ireland Qualifier: 16 and 17 January 2027

• Finals: 20 to 27 July 2027