IDO World Ballet, Jazz, Modern and Contemporary Competitions in De Panne, Belgium!

Get ready to witness the epitome of grace and talent as IDO Belgium & Kreadance DiVa - Dimitri Covent proudly present the upcoming IDO World Dance Competitions in the picturesque city of De Panne, Belgium!

The magical Proximustheatre, Plopsaland will be filled with world-talented dancers to showcase their brilliance in Ballet, Modern, Jazz, and Contemporary from 27.11. till 03.12.2023. Prepare to be captivated by the beauty of movement and the power of expression.

We got together with Dimitri Covent - coorganizer and had a short interview.

Dear Dimitri, we all can't wait to come to the magical Proximustheatre in Plopsaland. But before we do can you tell us a bit more about you and your work?
My name is Dimitri Covent. I am a father of two beautiful daughters. My main job is teaching and choreographing dance. I am the owner and director of Kreadance DiVa, presidium member of the Belgium federation Buldo which is part of IDO, and coordinator of Indoor Cycling within the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale).

How would you describe yourself in 5 words?
I found it difficult to describe myself in five words, so I asked those around me.
Passionate, Ambitious, Stubborn, Opportunistic, Funny

The IDO WORLD BALLET, JAZZ, MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY CHAMPIONSHIPS are now for the first time in Belgium. What can participants and spectators expect from this year's championships? What are the biggest challenges as the organizer?
Everyone should expect something new. In particular, I think we should be ready for a bit of healthy chaos because it is the first time. Despite that it is the first time, we can guarantee that we will do everything with the right intention and with a lot of love for the dancers. It is again an event where many overseas countries are back to compete. Actually, it is difficult to expect anything competitively, because of the many new faces among the dancers. For me personally, I hope everyone can expect a super fun week full of emotional and legendary moments.
The Biggest challenge for us is timing, given the large field of participants. There is a second hall and that is not always ideal, but it is necessary to keep it realistic and healthy for the dancers. Another challenge that we hope to achieve is that everyone can go back home with a big smile.

What inspired you to bring this event to Plopsaland De Panne, Belgium?
I always dreamed of organizing a big dance event at Plopsaland. When I attended IDO for the first time seven years ago, I immediately saw the pieces of the puzzle falling together. After years of research, we contacted Plopsaland and there was a big click right away. I sincerely hope that everything goes as imagined in my fantasy and that everyone can shine on the huge stage in the Plopsa Theatre.
A nice bonus, of course, is the Plopsaland setting.
Besides Plopsaland, if you have a day off, it is also nice that you can visit surrounding cities within reasonable travel distance. For example, Bruges, Ghent, and Ostend are not so far away.


How many countries and dancers will participate at the competition?
33 countries from five different continents are competing.
515 dancers in Jazz, 377 dancers in Ballet, and 1775 dancers in Modern.


Can you share your personal favourite memory or performance from past IDO championships?
I want to share 2 personal memories.
My favourite performance ever in my little IDO history is without a doubt ‘Behind the Wall’ by Slovenia at the World Showdance Championships, this completely blew me away. Another memory, without going into details, is the choreography of our school that reached the finales for the first time at a European Championship in Kielce. (Ask me again after the worlds :P )


What else to expect from De Panne/PlopsaLand?
Plopsaland has done its best in terms of setting. The park is open on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and the park is already completely in the Christmas spirit. More info on how to enter the park will follow.
De Panne is incredibly cosy. Unfortunately, we can't sunbathe because it's winter of course, but you can shop easily and the restaurants are super cosy.


Please share with us your message to the IDO dance community.
Enjoy every moment to the fullest and be grateful for the opportunities you get from your parents, coaches, IDO etc.
There is so much behind this wonderful federation. Without these strong individuals, we would not be allowed to experience this event, where we can hopefully look back on with a lot of pride in the future.

Thank you so much for your time
And dancers we will see you all in De Panne.