The Eurovision Young Dancers 1999 was the eighth edition of the Eurovision Young Dancers, held at the Opéra de Lyon, in Lyon, France, on 10 July 1999.[1] Organised by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and host broadcaster France 3, dancers from ten countries participated in the televised final. A total of sixteen countries took part in the competition. Czech Republic made their début while host country France, Netherlands, Switzerland and United Kingdom returned. Estonia and Slovakia decided not to participate.[1]
Both single dancers and couples younger than 20 could enter the competition, male or female. Single dancers had to perform 2 pieces of maximum 10 minutes in total, while couples could choose to perform 1 or 2 dances, but in total no longer than 10 minutes as well. The semi-final that took place in the same venue 6 days before the final (4 July 1999).[1]
The non-qualified countries were Cyprus, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, Switzerland and United Kingdom. Katja Wünsche and Stegli Yohan of Germany won the contest, with Sweden and Spain placing second and joint third respectively.[2]
Opéra de Lyon, in Lyon, France, was the host venue for the 1999 edition of the Eurovision Young Dancers.[1]
The Opéra Nouvel (Nouvel Opera House) in Lyon, France, is the home of the Opéra National de Lyon. The original opera house was re-designed by the distinguished French architect, Jean Nouvel between 1985 and 1993 in association with the agency of scenography dUCKS scéno and the acoustician Peutz. Serge Dorny was appointed general director in 2003.
The format consists of dancers who are non-professional and between the ages of 16–21, competing in a performance of dance routines of their choice, which they have prepared in advance of the competition. All of the acts then take part in a choreographed group dance during 'Young Dancers Week'.[3]