Eurovision Dance Contest: Baku, AZE

The Eurovision Dance Contest is organised by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and will be hosted by its Azerbaijani Member, Ictimai Television, in September this year. The 8,000-capacity Heydar Aliev Sports and Concert Complex in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is the venue for the 135-minute television spectacular, which will again be broadcast live across Europe.

The concept of the competition was initiated by the International DanceSport Federation (IDSF) and transformed into a TV show by two British production companies: Splash Media and Sunset Vine. The EBU included the show in its family of Eurovision events.

The first two editions of the EDC were hosted successfully by the BBC in 2007 (London) and 2008 (Glasgow). Azerbaijan's public service broadcaster, Ictimai Television, then won the EBU tender to serve as host broadcaster for the 2009 edition.

"The EBU is very pleased with the level of commitment, professionalism and high spirit expressed by Ictimai, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Azerbaijani DanceSport Federation in the negotiations following Ictimai's bid to become host broadcaster," says Bjørn Erichsen, Director of Eurovision TV. "We truly look forward to this production by one of the EBU's newest Members."

Participating EBU broadcasters will each be represented by a couple dancing a freestyle choreography inspired by the country they represent. In addition to being judged by a panel of IDSF Adjudicators in the arena, the European audiences at home will cast their vote by televoting to determine this year's winner of the EDC title.

Go to the Eurovision Dance Contest website for further information, click here!