The participant countries could send one or two dancers, male or female, that could not be older than 19. Each dancer was free to participate in any of these 2 categories: classical dancing or contemporary, modern or jazz dancing. The pas de deux performances could not be longer than ten minutes, while the variations could not be longer than five minutes. There were 4 awards that year: contemporary dancing prize, classical dancing prize and 2 jury's special prizes (for contemporary and classical dance).[1]
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 the dancers then take part in a choreographed group dance during 'Young Dancers Week'.[3]
Jury members of a professional aspect and representing the elements of ballet, contemporary, and modern dancing styles, score each of the competing individual and group dance routines. The overall winner upon completion of the final dances is chosen by the professional jury members.[3]
The opening act was "Mon truc en plumes" performed by host Zizi Jeanmaire with her dancers and for the interval "Concerto en Ré" by L'École du Ballet de l'Ópera de Paris.[1]
Results
Due to time restrictions, a semi-final was held to select the ten performers for the final.[1]
Preliminary round
A total of sixteen countries took part in the preliminary semi-final round of the 1989 contest, of which ten qualified to the televised grand final. The following countries failed to qualify.[1]