[Dubai, December 2019] — The internationally recognized dance competition 2019 Dubai Dance Open, accredited by the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF), was grandly held in December at the JW Marriott Hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. As one of the most internationally influential DanceSport events in the Middle East, this year’s competition attracted over 800 contestants from 32 countries and regions around the world.
During the preparation phase of the event, the organizers specially invited DanceToday, a leading Chinese youth dance brand, to participate as an official guest organization, aiming to strengthen cooperation and cultural exchange with high-level Asian dance institutions. Additionally, the organizers extended a special invitation to Jinpeng Guo, Choreography Director of DanceToday, to serve as an international adjudicator for the competition — a high-level recognition of his professional expertise and artistic insight in the international dance judging arena.
DanceToday Invited as China’s Representative to Promote Cross-Cultural Exchange in the Middle East
Since its establishment in 2017, the Dubai Dance Open has remained committed to building an inclusive and professional international dance competition platform. This year, the event further expanded its international influence. Under the meticulous planning of the organizing committee, it not only attracted contestants from around the world but also, for the first time, invited overseas brands to participate in on-site cultural exchange as official guest organizations.
As a fast-growing youth dance brand in China, DanceToday was selected by the event organizers as a guest institution for this year’s edition, due to its comprehensive strengths in competition systems, arts education, and international cooperation. DanceToday’s participation at the invitation of the Dubai Dance Open reflects the brand’s rising recognition and influence in the international dance community.
Jinpeng Guo Invited as Official Judge, Representing Asian Dance Adjudication on the International Stage
Meanwhile, Jinpeng Guo, Choreography Director of DanceToday, was invited to serve as an official international adjudicator for this year’s competition, taking part in technical scoring and artistic evaluation across multiple categories. This marks another major international engagement for him in 2019, following his role as a judge at the WIDC Dansinn International Dance Competition in Poland earlier the same year.
At the Dubai Dance Open, Jinpeng Guo was responsible for adjudicating several categories, including the Professional, Youth, and Senior divisions, implementing the WDSF technical scoring system across the board. In his assessments, he placed strong emphasis on the dancers’ technical precision, rhythm control, body energy management, and musical expression. He stressed that dancers must not only master technical elements but also demonstrate personal style and artistic depth on stage.
During the judging of the youth category, Guo provided numerous practical and constructive suggestions for participants’ fundamental techniques. These included: “Enhance the weight transfer integrity on the fourth beat of Cha-Cha” and “Pay close attention to the rise and fall rhythm and ankle control in Standard dances.” His remarks were well received and praised by several international coaches and fellow adjudicators.
Blending Technique and Culture: Showcasing the Diversity of Middle Eastern Dance Competitions
This year’s Dubai Dance Open continued its dual-track model of “competition + performance,” with the aim of promoting cultural dialogue through dance. During the gala dinner performance segment, the organizers curated several innovative showcases blending Arabic music and Latin dance elements — highlighting the unique expression of Middle Eastern culture within international dance language.
Jinpeng Guo was also invited to serve as artistic adjudicator for this segment. In his commentary, he emphasized that dance should not merely replicate technique but rather reflect the integration of local culture and artistic innovation. He noted, “A truly excellent stage performance must not only conform to technical standards but also be able to express the voice of its land.”
In between events and during follow-up cultural exchange sessions, Guo engaged in in-depth discussions with adjudicators and institutional representatives from Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. He shared his practical experience in areas such as instructor development systems, content creation, talent selection mechanisms, and international collaboration. His insights received enthusiastic responses from professionals across multiple countries. The event organizers expressed strong appreciation for both DanceToday and Jinpeng Guo’s professional expertise in youth dance education and platform development, expressing hope for further collaborations in the future.
Looking Ahead: New Roles for Asian Adjudicators and Brands on the International Stage
As the WDSF competition system continues to expand across Asia and the Middle East, an increasing number of Asian judges, institutions, and brands are stepping into the global spotlight. Jinpeng Guo and DanceToday’s participation in the 2019 Dubai Dance Open reflects the growing professional capabilities and cultural influence of China’s dance community on the global competitive stage.
Looking forward, DanceToday will continue to focus on competition content, educational systems, and international cooperation — striving to equip more Chinese youth dancers with a global vision and to help them realize their artistic aspirations on broader, international stages.
