What is the CND (Concours National de Danse)?

What is the Concours National de Danse: a richly structured competition

The Concours National de Danse (CND) is a prestigious dance competition organized by the French National Confederation of Dance. It brings together amateur, pre-professional, and professional dancers united by their passion for dance.

Established to promote and celebrate choreographic talent, the CND welcomes participants of all ages and backgrounds. Dancers compete in various categories determined by age, technical level, dance style, and performance format (solo, duo, group, or ensemble).

The competition features a wide range of styles, from classical to contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, character dance and many more. It provides a unique platform for dancers to hone their skills, measure themselves against other talents, and perform in front of a jury of renowned dance professionals, including choreographers, teachers and star dancers.

The CND is organized into two main stages:

1. Regional selections are held throughout France by the various regional federations of the Confédération Nationale de Danse.
2. The national final, where the best regional dancers compete to demonstrate their technical and artistic mastery in a prestigious setting.

The competition is also distinguished by its system of imposed variations, present in certain disciplines such as classical dance and jazz, to ensure fair evaluation. These variations, imposed by the organizers, enable candidates to be compared on a common basis, while at the same time highlighting their personal interpretation and artistic sensibility.

In short, the Concours National de Danse is a flagship event in the French choreographic landscape, combining rigor, excellence and creativity, while offering dancers a unique opportunity to progress, get noticed and enjoy an unforgettable artistic experience.

The main aim of the Concours National de Danse (CND) is to promote and enhance the practice of dance in all its forms, celebrating its artistic diversity and highlighting the talents of dancers from all walks of life. It aims to encourage artistic excellence by stimulating participants’ technical development and interpretation through rigorous evaluation criteria that include technique, musicality, creativity and expressiveness. The competition also plays an essential role in providing a platform for all dance styles – classical, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, character dance, and many others – enabling each dancer to express themselves in their specialty and share their passion.

As a springboard for young talent, the CND offers participants the opportunity to perform in front of juries made up of renowned professionals such as choreographers, teachers and star dancers, while giving them access to professional opportunities such as internships, auditions or specialized training. The competition also fosters exchange and encounters within the choreographic community, bringing together dancers, teachers and choreographers around a shared passion, enriching participants’ artistic and human perspectives.

Through categories defined by age, technical level and performance format (solo, duo, group, formation), the CND structures dancers’ progression, enabling them to measure themselves against talent of their own level, while encouraging them to move on to more demanding categories. It also promotes the pedagogical work of dance schools and their teachers, highlighting the quality of teaching through student performances.

Finally, the CND offers an unforgettable artistic experience: taking to the stage, receiving feedback from a professional jury and sharing powerful moments with other enthusiasts is a milestone in a dancer’s career. In short, the Concours National de Danse is much more than a competition: it’s a celebration of dance, a driving force for progression for its participants, and a showcase for choreographic excellence and creativity.

History and organization of CND

• Origin: Explain when and how the competition was created.
• Organization: Describe the process (regional selections, national final).
• Categories: Ages, levels (beginners, advanced), dance styles.
• Jury members: Often dance professionals or well-known personalities.

The Concours National de Danse (CND) is an event created by the Confédération Nationale de Danse France, an organization dedicated to the promotion and development of dance in all its diversity. Founded several decades ago, the CND was born of the idea of providing a platform to highlight France’s choreographic talent and promote the richness of the art form to the general public.

The origins of CND

The Confédération Nationale de Danse was created to unite schools, teachers, choreographers and dancers around a common vision: to support the learning and practice of dance, while offering concrete opportunities to young talent. With this in mind, the National Dance Competition was born as a natural extension of this mission.

In its early days, the CND was essentially a regional competition, but its growing success soon led to the organization of a national event, bringing together participants from all regions of France. Its aim was to offer official recognition to dancers, while encouraging artistic emulation and technical progress.

The evolution of the competition

Since its creation, the CND has grown steadily to become a benchmark in the French choreographic landscape. Here are a few milestones in its development:

1. Institutionalization: With the introduction of strict rules, standardized evaluation criteria and juries made up of recognized professionals, the competition has gained in prestige and credibility.
2. Geographical expansion: The addition of regional federations has made it possible to organize local selections, making the competition accessible to a larger number of participants, and to unearth talent from all regions.
3. Diversification of disciplines: While the first editions focused mainly on classical and contemporary dance, the competition has opened up to jazz, hip-hop, character and folk dances, and even emerging disciplines such as acrobatic dance.
4. Introduction of compulsory variations: For certain categories, notably in classical and jazz dance, imposed variations have been integrated to ensure fair evaluation based on common technical and artistic criteria.
5. Digitization and modernization: In recent years, the CND has adopted digital tools to facilitate registration, share teaching resources (such as videos of compulsory variations) and communicate with participants.

A pillar of French dance

Today, the CND is regarded as an essential springboard for many dancers, both amateur and professional. It helps to raise the profile of choreographic disciplines while celebrating the diversity and universality of dance. At the same time, it supports dance schools and promotes the work of teachers through student performances.

A living legacy

By maintaining its founding values – excellence, passion, transmission and diversity – the CND continues to be part of the history of dance in France. It perpetuates a rich artistic heritage, while adapting to contemporary developments in the choreographic world. Today, the Concours National de Danse remains one of France’s finest showcases for dance, inspiring new generations of dancers each year to surpass themselves and fully express their talent.

The jury and the choreographers

Every year, the Concours National de Danse (CND ) brings together a jury of eminent professionals from the world of dance, including renowned teachers, artistic directors, choreographers and top-level dancers. Jury composition varies from year to year, reflecting the diversity of disciplines represented, including classical dance, jazz, contemporary and hip-hop. Recent jury members include :

• Isabelle Riddez: After international training, she pursued a career as a dancer, soloist and ballet master in France and abroad. A teacher for over 20 years, she teaches at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Paris and has been invited by prestigious companies such as Alvin Ailey and Preljocaj.
• Natacha Crouzet: State-qualified teacher of classical and jazz dance, she has been teaching at the EPSE Danse professional training center in Montpellier since 1997. A former dancer with the Compagnie d’Anne-Marie Porras, she has also choreographed and performed in several pieces.
• Marc Galvez: Trained at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris, he has danced for the CCN – Ballet de Lorraine and the London company Balletboyz. He teaches workshops and masterclasses for both amateurs and professionals.
• Redouane Gadamy: A dance teacher since 1998, he won the “Danse Ville Danse” competition in Grenoble in 2000. A teacher and trainer at the CND in Pantin and the CCCB in Barcelona, he is also a dancer and choreographer with Compagnie Styl O Styl.

Choreographers collaborating with the CND play an essential role, notably by designing imposed variations adapted to each level and discipline. These variations help to structure the assessments, while providing the dancers with a solid technical and artistic foundation on which to express their talent. Each choreography is meticulously designed to meet the demands of the competition, while highlighting the specific qualities of the participants, whether amateur or pre-professional. The choreographers also work closely with the juries, made up of dance professionals, to ensure that each performance is judged fairly and according to well-defined criteria.

Some emblematic figures in CND choreography

• Bérangère Andreo: Choreographer of the imposed variations in classical dance for the 2025 edition, Bérangère Andreo is renowned for her elegant and demanding creations, suitable for all levels. Her work reflects a deep respect for classical traditions, while leaving room for a subtle contemporary touch.
• Sadok Khechana: Soloist and director of the Centres de Formation Pléiade, Sadok Khechana is a key figure in jazz dance. He regularly designs imposed variations for the CND, where his energetic, precise style highlights the dancers’ technical skills and musicality.
• Swann Gougeon-Lewis: Creator of jazz variations for advanced levels, Swann Gougeon-Lewis blends modernity and dynamism in his choreography. His work, much appreciated by young dancers, encourages the exploration of personal expression within rigorous choreographic frameworks.
• Elisabeth de Chabannes: Specializing in imposed variations for preparatory levels in classical ballet, Elisabeth de Chabannes is a key figure at the CND. Her creations are designed to support young dancers in their technical and scenic development.
• Floriane Blitz: A reference for higher levels of classical dance, Floriane Blitz offers complex variations that challenge even the most experienced dancers. Her choreographies demand perfect mastery of technique and strong interpretive skills.
• Corinne Lanselle: Artistic Director of Studio Harmonic in Paris, Corinne Lanselle is a renowned contemporary choreographer who regularly acts as a jury member. Her expertise and innovative approach enrich each edition of the competition.

A key role in training dancers

CND choreographers contribute to dancers’ learning and progression by offering them stimulating artistic challenges. Imposed variations, in particular, enable participants to work on common ground while developing their artistic sensibility. Each choreography becomes an opportunity to perfect one’s technique and interpretation. These collaborations also reflect the CND’s commitment to promoting excellence in dance and providing a unique educational framework for young talent. For precise information on the jury members and choreographers of the variations imposed for a specific edition, please consult the official competition rules for the corresponding year, or contact the organizers directly.

Why participate in the NEC?

• For dancers:

Taking part in the Concours National de Danse (CND ) offers many advantages for dancers, whether amateur, pre-professional or professional. First and foremost, the CND is a unique opportunity to excel and progress. By working on imposed variations or free choreographies, dancers hone their technique, musicality and interpretation, while confronting the demands of a prestigious competition. What’s more, their performances are assessed by a jury of renowned professionals – choreographers, star dancers and teachers – who provide constructive feedback, enabling them to better understand their strengths and areas for improvement.

The competition also provides a stage for national visibility, enabling participants to get noticed by recruiters, institutions and dance schools. For those wishing to pursue a professional career, the CND can be a real springboard thanks to the opportunities it offers, such as access to internships, auditions or specialized training. In addition, taking part in a competition of this scale helps dancers to develop their stage presence, manage the stress of performing in front of an audience and boost their self-confidence.

Beyond competition, the CND is a platform for sharing and exchange. It brings together dancers from all disciplines – classical, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop and more. – and offers a unique opportunity to meet other enthusiasts, discover new styles and draw inspiration from the performances of other participants. It’s also an enriching human experience, helping to forge links within the choreographic community. Finally, winning a distinction or medal at the CND is a guarantee of quality and a prestigious recognition in a dancer’s career, highlighting both his or her talent and the work of his or her teachers or school. In short, taking part in the CND combines artistic progress, recognition, human exchanges and the pleasure of dancing in a unique setting.parcours d’un danseur, valorisant à la fois son talent et le travail de ses professeurs ou de son école. En somme, participer au CND, c’est allier progression artistique, reconnaissance, échanges humains et plaisir de danser dans un cadre unique.

• For dance schools:

Taking part in the Concours National de Danse (CND ) is a major asset for dance schools, enabling them to showcase their work, their teaching and their students on a prestigious stage. First and foremost, it’s a unique opportunity to highlight the quality of their teaching. The awards won by our students (medals, special mentions or jury’s favorites) are a direct recognition of the investment and expertise of our teachers. These awards reinforce the school’s reputation and attract new students, convinced by the results obtained during the competition.

The CND also enables schools to unite their students around a common project. Preparing for a competition creates a positive dynamic, strengthening cohesion between dancers and their teachers. It motivates students to surpass themselves, while working on choreographies adapted to their level, whether imposed variations or free creations. The competition experience helps reinforce the dancers’ commitment to their learning and their passion for dance.

What’s more, the competition offers schools valuable visibility, both regionally and nationally. By taking part in an event of this scale, the schools position themselves as serious and committed players in the choreographic world. Their students’ performances, presented before a jury of professionals and an audience of enthusiasts, bear witness to the quality of the work accomplished throughout the year. This visibility can also translate into professional opportunities for students, further enhancing the school’s credibility.

Finally, the CND enables teachers and choreographers to make contact with other professionals in the field, whether juries, choreographers or heads of institutions. These exchanges foster mutual enrichment and open the door to future collaborations. In short, participating in the CND is a beneficial experience for dance schools, combining recognition, visibility, student motivation and the development of a reputation in the choreographic world.

The different stages of the competition

The Concours National de Danse (CND ) is a two-stage event in which the best dancers from all over France are selected.

Regional selections

The first stage of the competition is organized in each region affiliated to the Confédération Nationale de Danse. Amateur and pre-professional dancers present their performances to a regional jury of professionals.

This is where they have the chance to showcase their talents, either on compulsory variations (especially in classical and jazz), or on free choreography, depending on their discipline and category.
The best dancers, having won a gold medal or special mention, qualify for the national final. These regional selections also provide an opportunity for participants to share and exchange ideas, while gaining their first competitive experience.

The national final

Once qualified, the selected dancers meet again at the national final, the real climax of the competition. This prestigious event takes place in an emblematic venue, often a large concert hall or renowned theater.

During the final, the participants face a national jury made up of leading figures from the world of dance: choreographers, renowned teachers, star dancers and artistic directors. This stage is marked by high technical and artistic standards.

Dancers perform in their respective disciplines – classical, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, character dances, etc. – and can be assessed on criteria such as :

• Technical expertise
• Artistic interpretation
• Musicality and respect for choreography
• Originality (for free choreography)

Awards and distinctions

At the end of each stage, awards are presented to the dancers:

• Medals (gold, silver, bronze) to recognize the quality of their performances.
• Special mentions or jury “coups de coeur” for particularly outstanding performances.
  These distinctions reflect not only the level of the dancers, but also the excellence of the schools that accompany them.

Evaluation criteria

The evaluation criteria for the Concours National de Danse (CND) are designed to ensure a rigorous and fair analysis of the dancers’ performances, while highlighting their technical skills and artistic flair. The jury, made up of renowned professionals, examines several key aspects. Technique is paramount: precision of movement, placement, body control and clean execution are carefully scrutinized.Artistic interpretation also plays a central role, reflecting the dancer’s ability to convey emotion and appropriate the choreography with sensitivity and commitment. Musicality is another essential criterion, assessing the candidate’s ability to dance in harmony with rhythm, accents and musical intent. Finally, for free choreography,originality and creativity are valued, in particular the coherence of the dancer’s artistic choices and personality. These criteria are adapted to each discipline (classical, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, etc.) and level, guaranteeing a relevant assessment for all participants.

An international outlook

The Concours National de Danse (CND ) is opening up on a European scale by organizing a European Competition that brings together talented dancers from various countries. This prestigious competition is aimed at candidates who have won first prize with congratulations or unanimous first prize in national competitions in their home country, such as Italy, France, Spain, Israel, Luxembourg, Belgium, Romania and Greece. For example, the Concours Européen 2024 was held in Rome, Italy, from November 1 to 3, 2024, at the Auditorium del Massimo. Participants had the opportunity to showcase their talents before an international jury, promoting cultural and artistic exchanges between different nations. This European opening enables dancers to measure themselves against their counterparts from other countries, enrich their stage experience and benefit from increased visibility on the international scene. It testifies to the CND’s commitment to promoting the excellence and diversity of dance beyond national borders.

NEC benefits for participants

The Concours National de Danse (CND) has many benefits for participants, on an artistic, personal and professional level. Here are the main benefits they can derive from their participation:

Artistic recognition

The CND is a prestigious competition, and winning a distinction (medal, special mention or jury’s “coup de coeur”) is a real recognition of talent. This validation by recognized professionals in the choreographic world can boost dancers’ confidence in their potential and their work.

Opportunities for progress

Participating in the CND opens the door to invaluable opportunities for dancers. These include:

• Advanced workshops: Winners may be invited to take part in workshops with renowned choreographers or teachers.
• Auditions and training: Some dancers are offered auditions for prestigious schools or dance companies.
• International exchanges: the best participants may have the opportunity to represent their country at the European Competition, broadening their experience on an international scale.

Increased visibility

Performing on the CND stage, especially at the national finals, gives dancers the opportunity to be noticed by professionals in the field (company directors, choreographers, teachers). This can translate into future collaborations, career opportunities and valuable recommendations.

Artistic and personal enrichment

The CND is much more than a competition: it’s a formative experience that enables dancers :

• Work on compulsory variations or free choreography, encouraging technical and artistic progress.
• Learn to manage stress and develop stage presence.
• To observe and be inspired by the performances of other dancers in various disciplines, thus enriching their vision of dance.

An unforgettable experience

Taking part in the CND is often a milestone in a dancer’s career. The excitement of the competition, the artistic atmosphere, the exchanges with other enthusiasts and the feedback from jury members all leave lasting, stimulating memories. Beyond the rewards, the CND is a human and artistic adventure that pushes each dancer to excel. It’s also an opportunity to meet people with a passion for dance, to discover other disciplines and to make progress thanks to feedback from professionals. By taking part in the CND, dancers are not just competing: they are learning, sharing and promoting their art.

Shared pride

For dancers and their schools alike, taking part in the CND and winning awards is a way of showing off the work they’ve accomplished. It’s a source of both personal and collective pride, highlighting the quality of the teaching received and the dedication of the teachers.

A springboard for the future

Last but not least, the CND is a real springboard for young talent looking for a career in dance. It offers a first official recognition that can be added to an artistic CV, and helps to integrate institutions, companies or choreographic projects.

In short, the National Dance Competition brings multiple benefits to participants, combining recognition, artistic progress, professional opportunities and a unique human experience. It’s a key stage in a dancer’s career, whether amateur or aspiring professional.

How to prepare for the CND?

To prepare for the Concours National de Danse (CND), it’s essential to follow a structured approach tailored to your objectives. It all starts with a clear understanding of the competition’s expectations: read the rules, identify the evaluation criteria and familiarize yourself with the imposed variations, if they apply to your category. Once you’ve understood the requirements, it’s time to choose a choreography that highlights your strengths, whether it’s an imposed variation or a free creation. This step often requires working with an experienced teacher or choreographer, able to adapt the dance to your technical level while emphasizing interpretation and musicality.

Physical preparation is also a key element. Regular training, combining choreography rehearsals, muscle-strengthening exercises and stretching, helps develop endurance and precision. Every detail counts: transitions, body lines and even facial expressions must be mastered to capture the jury’s attention. Watching recordings of your rehearsals can be very useful in identifying areas for improvement.

At the same time, it’s important to take care of the scenic aspect. The choice of costume and accessories, as well as hair and make-up, must be carefully thought out to reinforce the visual impact and respect the style of the discipline. Mental management also plays a crucial role: working on self-confidence, learning to manage stress and simulating performances in conditions close to those of the competition will help you feel at ease on the big day.

Finally, organization before the competition is essential. Prepare everything you’ll need in advance (outfit, make-up, pins, etc.), arrive early to warm up and discover the stage area, and stay focused on your performance. With rigorous training, solid mental preparation and good organization, you’ll be ready for the rewarding and stimulating experience that is CND.

The Concours National de Danse (CND) is much more than just a competition. A true celebration of dance, it offers a unique platform for showcasing choreographic talent, whether amateur, pre-professional or professional. Thanks to its rigorous organization, from regional selections to the national final, the CND guarantees an enriching and memorable experience for every participant.

By bringing together a diversity of disciplines – classical, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, character dance and many others – the CND promotes both artistic richness and technical excellence. It also serves as a springboard for dancers, enabling them to progress, meet demanding professional standards and gain access to valuable opportunities such as training courses and auditions.

Beyond the awards, the CND stands out for its unifying spirit: it brings together enthusiasts, teachers and professionals around the beauty and artistic expression of dance. To take part in this event is not only to surpass oneself, but also to be part of a dynamic of exchange and learning.

Whether you’re a dancer, teacher or spectator, the Concours National de Danse is an invitation to vibrate to the rhythm of creativity, performance and emotion. An unmissable event for all dance lovers.

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