Draft:Participation in the Eurovision Dance Contest

Across the two editions of the Eurovision Dance Contest, a total of 17 nations participated. In addition, Belarus intended to participate in the third edition, which was originally scheduled for 2009, then rescheduled for 2010, but ultimately did not take place. update 5

Background
When the competition was first planned, the aim was to begin with ten to twelve participating countries and expand in subsequent years. However, the response rate was greater than anticipated and it proved difficult to turn away the additional countries interested in participating in the event. For logistical reasons, a limitation on number of participants was established. In order to ensure the event was a success, the EBU invited participating broadcasters from member countries to take part. In several countries, where the EBU had more than one member, two broadcasters expressed interest. The final decision of which broadcaster would represent those countries was decided by either an internal accord by the two broadcasters, or by a draw, conducted by the EBU.

Sixteen countries; Austria, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine and the host country the United Kingdom all débuted in the very first Eurovision Dance Contest in 2007. The Croatian broadcaster HRT had expressed an interest in taking part, but did not appear on the final list of participants. In June 2008, Switzerland announced their withdrawal from the 2008 contest without specifying a reason, while Germany withdrew from the 2008 event the same month, due to comparatively low ratings for the 2007 contest in the country. Spain was originally due to take part in 2008, but withdrew in late August 2008 just days before the event, reportedly due to a scheduling clash with the country competing in a qualifying match for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which was taking place the same evening. In accordance with the rules, Spanish broadcaster TVE were obliged to broadcast the contest live due to their late withdrawal as an active participant. After Switzerland announced their non-participation, and with the format change meaning each couple would dance one one minute and forty five seconds dance each, new countries became eligible to join the event. Azerbaijan were the only country to join that year, but negotiations had taken place with broadcasters from Belarus and Cyprus.

Belarus intended on competing for the first time in 2009 but the contest was cancelled. Although the 2009 contest never happened, Austria, Finland, Lithuania, Sweden and the Netherlands had confirmed they would not compete in the third contest.

Austria
Austria took part in the first Eurovision Dance Contest in 2007. Married couple Andy and Kelly Kainz, both professional dancers, were internally selected to represent Austria in the Eurovision Dance Contest 2007. The couple had previously appeared on ORF's Dancing Stars. The first routine they performed at the competition was a Jive to "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, originally by Andrews Sisters, but performed here by a choir and Stars Orchestra. Their second routine was a Paso Doble, to the tune "The Black Pearl" from the film series Pirates of the Caribbean, also performed by Stars Orchestra. Both routines were choreographed by Andy and Kelly, with British choreographer Richard Potter. Austria came sixth after receiving 74 points from all other countries.

Austria participated again in 2008. In 2008, ORF hosted a national final called "Dancing Stars for Europe" to select the Austrian entry. The competition featured several couples that had previously featured on Dancing Stars, each composed of one celebrity and one professional dancer. The competition was won by television presenter Dorian Steidl and professional dancer Nicole Kuntner. Their routine was a fusion of Foxtrot, Jive and Hip Hop, and was performed to a medley of "The Pink Panther Theme" by Henry Mancini, "The Third Man/Harry Lime theme by Anton Karas, "Der Kommissar" by After The Fire/Falco and "U Can't Touch This" by MC Hammer, all of which were performed by the Dance For Europe Orchestra.

Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan debuted in the Eurovision Dance Contest in 2008, after debuting in the Eurovision Song Contest in the same year. They were represented by professional dancers Eldar Jafarov and Anna Sajina, who were selected internally. There was controversy due to Azerbaijan, as well as Greece, selecting professional dance couples as their representatives. According to the regulations of the contest, professional couples were not allowed to take part in the competition. The EBU specified that the couple had to be composed of one professional (defined as a dancer who earns his or her living through dance and dance-related activities), and one non-professional known in a field other than dance. The non-professional was not required to be a celebrity, as long as he or she was known in his field, and it was also not a requirement that the non-professional had no dance experience. Since the representatives for Azerbaijan and Greece both consisted of two professional dancers, however, it is not clear why their entries were considered valid. Eldar and Anna danced to a version of "Phantom of the Opera", from the musical of the same name, arranged by Yashar Bahysh. Their routine was a fusion of Paso Doble, Rumba, Tango, and Azeri Folk Dance. They finished 5th, receiving 106 points from all countries except Denmark, and the maximum 12 points from Lithuania and Poland).

The EBU announced that the Eurovision Dance Contest 2010 would be held in Baku, Azerbaijan at the Heydar Aliev Sports and Concert Complex in 2009. however, the event was postponed. The contest's coordinator on behalf of EBU, Tal Barnea, stated "concrete plans for a 2010 autumn event are now being developed, with considerable changes to introduce a new programme proposal". These plans were expected to be unveiled in the autumn of 2009. The EBU also praised "the commendable work on the next Eurovision Dance Contest already completed by our partners Ictimai Television and the Azerbaijani officials" stating that 2010 edition of the contest was planned to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan as well.

In January 2010, EBU Eurovision coordinator, Svante Stockselius, announced that contest has been postponed again, and was now unlikely to happen at all, at least within the next couple of years. He explained this decision with the fact that the boom of the TV dance shows had calmed down recently. Azerbaijan had not announced their planned 2009 entry at the time of the event's postponement.

Belarus
Belarus broadcaster BTRC has announced the countries participation in the 2009 edition of the contest prior to its postponement. They would have been represented by gymnast Yulia Raskina and professional dancer Denis Moryasin, who had won the National final 'Star Dances'. It was confirmed that Raskina and Moryasin would have taken part in the Eurovision Dance Contest 2010 if it had been organised.

Star Dances 2009
36 couples comprising of one celebrity and one professional dancer participated, with four participating in the final.

Denmark
Denmark took part in the Eurovision Dance Contest in 2007 and 2008. The couple representing the country in the first Eurovision Dance Contest in 2007, Mette Skou Elkjær and David Kim Ehlers Jørgensen, were chosen on a live national selection event on 24 August 2007. The dances they performed at the contest were a Rumba to "Love Fool" by Olivia Ong, and a freestyle, to "LoveStoned/I Think She Knows" by Justin Timberlake. Denmark came ninth after receiving 38 points from 10 countries.

In 2008, Denmark were represented by Patrick Spiegelberg and Katja Svensson, who were selected internally following the cancellation of a planned national final. Their routine was a lyrical jazz dance with elements of samba, tango and paso doble. They danced to the Twin Peaks theme by Angelo Badalamenti, which was performed by The Daniel Caine orchestra and "Igen & Igen" by Nephew. Denmark placed sixth overall; despite receiving no 12 points from televoting, Denmark received the full 48 points from the jury.

Dansk Danse Grand Prix 2007
8 couples participated, with three participating in the final. Ties were broken in favour of the couple with the higher televoting score.

Finland
Finnish broadcaster Yle entered the first edition of the contest, professional couple Jussi Väänänen and Katja Koukkula were chosen to represent the country on the 25th of August 2007 in a national preselection.

Finland was the last country to decide whom to send to the contest, the contest taking place only a week after the selection process. The couple performed a Rumba for their first dance to the song All in Love Is Fair by Carmen McRae. Finland performed a  Paso Doble for their second dance, to the song The Unforgiven, originally by Metallica, they danced to an alternate version of this song by Apocalyptica, who had previously performed as an interval act at the Eurovision Song Contest 2007, which Finland hosted. Finland won the first edition of the contest after scoring 132 points. All other countries awarded Finland points, three of which gave 12 points.

In 2008, Finland were represented by singer and actress Maria Lund and dancer Mikko Ahti who danced a Finnish Tango routine, to the song Satumaa, performed by Tango For Four. They finished 10th, receiving 44 points from 7 countries, including the maximum 12 points from Sweden.

Yle announced they would not take part in the third edition of the contest in Baku in 2009, which ultimately did not take place.

Germany
Germany took part in the first Eurovision Dance Contest in 2007. The country decided to send Wolke Hegenbarth and Allan Frank to the contest on 30 June 2007 in a national selection event; though Allan Frank later withdrew because of difficulties with his schedule. He was replaced by Oliver Seefeldt. The dances that were performed at the contest were Samba and Freestyle. Germany came eighth after receiving 59 points from 10 countries.

Germany withdrew from the Eurovision Dance Contest 2008 in Glasgow.

Greece
Greece took take part in the first Eurovision Dance Contest in 2007. The couple representing the country were Ourania Kolliou and Spiros Pavlidis who were chosen internally. They performed Jive and Showdance dances at the contest. Because of the Greek forest fires, the event was not screened live in Greece and the back-up jury was used to award points rather than televoting. Greece came thirteenth after receiving 31 points from 11 countries.

Greece was once again present at the contest in 2008. Professional dancers Jason Roditis & Tonja Kosovich performed Latin dances and came in 7th with 72 points. Greece, alongside Azerbaijan, There was controversy due to Azerbaijan, as well as Greece, selecting professional dance couples as their representatives. According to the regulations of the contest,[3] professional couples were not allowed to take part in the competition. The EBU specified that the couple had to be composed of one professional (defined as a dancer who earns his or her living through dance and dance-related activities), and one non-professional known in a field other than dance. The non-professional was not required to be a celebrity, as long as he or she was known in his field, and it was also not a requirement that the non-professional had no dance experience. Since the representatives for Azerbaijan and Greece both consisted of two professional dancers, however, it is not clear why their entries were considered valid.

Ireland
Ireland participated in both editions of the Eurovision Dance Contests. Ireland decided upon their entry through a public vote on a special edition of The Late Late Show.

Ireland made its debut at the 2007 contest. The couple representing the country was Nicola Byrne and Mick Donegan, performing Jive and Fandango dances. They were given the chance to represent their country after winning Celebrity Jigs 'n' Reels. Byrne and Donegan came third after receiving 95 points from all the other countries.

The 2008 Irish representatives were Gavin Ó Fearraigh and Dearbhla Lennon, also from Celebrity Jigs 'n' Reels. The couple were chosen on The Late Late Show in May 2008. They finished in eleventh position at the contest in Glasgow, Scotland, on 6 September 2008.

Lithuania
Lithuania took part in the first Eurovision Dance Contest in 2007. The couple representing the country was chosen by national selection, which started on 4 July and ended on 22 August. The couple chosen were Gabrielė Valiukaitė and Gintaras Svistunavičius winning the jury votes and the televoting. The dances they performed at the contest were Paso Doble and Traditional Lithuanian Folk Dance. Lithuania came eleventh after receiving 35 points from 9 countries.

In 2008, Lithuania received their highest placing ever in any Eurovision contest, coming fourth. Besides this, the highest place they had ever achieved was in the Eurovision Song Contest 2006. This was beaten by the third place they got in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2008.

Poland
Poland took part in the first Eurovision Dance Contest in 2007. Katarzyna Cichopek and Marcin Hakiel, who won the series Taniec z gwiazdami (local version of Strictly Come Dancing) represented the country. The dances that were performed at the contest were Cha-Cha-Cha and Showdance. Poland came fourth after receiving 84 points from 12 countries.

Poland took their first Eurovision title in any form in the Eurovision Dance Contest 2008, coming first with 154 points from all countries (maximum 12 points from Austria, Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands and hosts the United Kingdom). The Polish team of Edyta Herbuś and Marcin Mroczek have won the Eurovision Dance Contest 2008, which was held at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre in Glasgow, Scotland. The pair performed a version of the Rumba, Cha-Cha and Jazz Dance. The pair were given 20 points by the jury and 134 points from the voting public with a total of 154. They were given the maximum 12 points by Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Russia came second with 121 points and Ukraine with 119 points. Poland is the most successful country in the Eurovision Dance Contest.

Polish broaddcaster TVP announced that they would participate in the third edition of the contest in Baku, Azerbaijan, however this edition ultimately did not take place.

Portugal
Portugal took part in the first Eurovision Dance Contest in 2007. Representing the country were Sónia Araújo, a TV host, and Ricardo Silva, a ballroom dancer. Sónia is a co-hoster of the Portuguese talk-show "Praça da Alegria", by RTP, RTP África and RTP Internacional, along with Jorge Gabriel and Hélder Reis. The couple were chosen after winning the second Portuguese version of Strictly Come Dancing ("Dança Comigo", in Portuguese). The dances they performed at the contest were Jive and Tango. Portugal came joint fifth after receiving 74 points from 12 countries. It was their first top five finish in any Eurovision contest.

In 2008, Portugal were represented by singer Raquel Tavares and dancer João Tiago, who danced a fusion of Rumba and Tango.

Portugal's RTP were due to take part in the 2009 Eurovision Dance Contest in Baku, Azerbaijan, and would have internally selected a couple being selected from the series Dança Comigo. , however the event was postponed prior to a couple being selected.

Russia
Russia took part in the first Eurovision Dance Contest in 2007. The couple chosen to represent the country were Vladislav Borodinov and Maria Sittel. The dances they performed at the contest were Rumba and Paso Doble. Russia came seventh after receiving 72 points from 11 countries. In 2008 they were represented by Tatiana Navka and Alexander Litvinenko who danced a fusion of Cha-Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble and Russian Folk Dance. They placed 2nd, receiving 121 points from all other countries (including maximum 12 points from Finland, Greece and Ukraine) except hosts the United Kingdom. Russia would have taken part in 2009, and would have been represented by professional couple Sergey Konovaltsev and Olga Konovaltseva.

Spain
Spain took part in the first Eurovision Dance Contest in 2007. Amagoya Benlloch and Abraham Martinez were chosen to represent the country in the program ¡Mira Quién Baila a Eurovisión! (a special edition of the Spanish version of Dancing with the Stars). The dances they performed at the contest were Cha-Cha-Cha and Paso Doble. Spain came tenth after receiving 38 points from 7 countries.

Spanish broadcaster TVE announced its withdrawal from Eurovision Dance Contest 2008 on August 28, just days before the contest took place. In July TVE had conducted national selection show ¡Quiero Bailar! and named singer Rosa López and dancer Nieto, who won the series, as their representatives in the contest. According to the draw they were supposed to be 15th couple to perform.

Sweden
Sweden took part in the first Eurovision Dance Contest in 2007. Representing the country were Martin Lidberg, a professional wrestler and Cecilia Ehrling, a ballroom dancer. The couple were chosen after winning the Swedish version of Strictly Come Dancing. The dances they performed at the contest were Paso Doble and Disco Fusion. Sweden came fourteenth after receiving 23 points from 6 countries.

Sweden took part in 2008, represented by singer Danny Saucedo, and professional dancer Jeanette Carlsson. Sweden is one of only two countries that did not place in the top 10 of either edition of the contest, the other being the Netherlands. Sweden's TV4 confirmed they would not have participated in the 2009 contest.

Switzerland
Switzerland took part in the first Eurovision Dance Contest in 2007. Professional figure skater Denise Biellmann and professional dancer Sven Ninnemann were chosen as the first Swiss entrants. The dances they performed at the contest were Paso Doble and Swing. They were the only couple who scored zero points in either edition of the contest. Switzerland did not take part in 2008.

The Netherlands
The Netherlands took part in the first Eurovision Dance Contest in 2007. The couple representing the country was chosen on 4 August 2007. Alexandra Matteman & Redmond Valk won the televoting and the jury's votes and performed the Cha-Cha-Cha and Rumba in London. The Netherlands came twelfth after receiving 34 points from 7 countries. The Netherlands is one of only two countries never to finish in the top 10, the other being Sweden.

Due to poor results, the Netherlands withdrew from the planned Eurovision Dance Contest 2009 in Baku.

Ukraine
Ukraine took part in their first Eurovision Dance Contest in 2007. Representing the country were Yulia Okropiridze, a student of Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts, and Illya Sydorenko, a professional in ballroom choreography. The dances they performed on the night were Quickstep and Showdance. Ukraine came second after receiving 121 points from all other countries. Ukraine is arguably the most successful country to date, with two top 3 positions, despite not winning yet. Lilia Podkopayeva and Sergey Kostetskiy represented the country in the 2008 contest, Kostetskiy replaced Kirilo Hitrov as Podkopayeva's dance partner, after he withdrew from the competition due to injury. They finished 3rd, receiving 119 points from all other countries (maximum 12 points from Azerbaijan, Portugal and Russia).

United Kingdom
The United Kingdom was the host country for the inaugural Eurovision Dance Contest in 2007 in London, and also hosted the 2008 competition in Glasgow, both editions were hosted by the BBC.

The participants chosen to represent the country for the first contest were Strictly Come Dancing professional dancers Brendan Cole and Camilla Dallerup, who were chosen internally by the BBC. The dances they performed at the contest were Rumba and Freestyle. The UK's Dallerup and Cole's performance would be their last. After nine years as partners on and off the dance floor, they had split up amid tensions during 2004's first series of Strictly Come Dancing. They were reforming their dancing partnership for one last turn round the floor at the contest, the BBC's press office said on 4 July. 'Invited to represent the nation in the new Eurovision Dance Contest, Brendan and Camilla will have to sweep aside their angst and hot-step around a ballroom for their last dance,' the corporation's press office added. It expected 'a sensational performance with passion, zeal and real life tension as the couple let the sequins fly'. United Kingdom earned 18 points in 2007 and finished last but one to Switzerland, who ended up with no points. They received points from four countries, Denmark awarded 3 points, Greece 3, Ireland 7 and Lithuania 5.

After successful participation in the fourth series of the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing and The Live Tour! 2008, couple Louisa Lytton and Vincent Simone competed for the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Dance Contest 2008,which took place on 6 September 2008 in Glasgow. Louisa and Vincent placed ninth, receiving 47 points.