January 30, 2026
How do the Weekender Battles work
This year, the SDF Weekender includes both the House Dance and Hiphop Battle in Duo-Mode! We are also introducing a new step in the Preselections: a Top 48. Check out the explanation and video below to learn more about this battle concept.
Preselections:
Everyone is welcome at the Preselections: whether you're participating or just there to enjoy the vibe. Dancers will hit the floor and have 45 seconds to show what they've got. After this, the three judges will select 48 dancers that each get one more minute to impress them and try to earn a spot in the Top 24 that will continue to the battles.
Battles:
In the Battles, those Top 24 dancers will go head-to-head in 1vs1 rounds to reach the Top 12, Top 6, and ultimately the Top 3. They will face off against the three Judges, who step into the battle themselves: the so called legendary Judge Battles. This is what sets Summer Dance Forever apart: our judges don’t just sit behind a desk, they jump into the action and battle on the floor. Don't talk about it — be about it!
Duo-mode:
From the Judge Battles on, we switch to Duo Mode - 2vs2 battles! Each Top 3 dancer and each Judge chooses a partner from the Top 24 to form a duo. Together, they’ll battle side by side for the title. Yes... a duo takes the win!
Audience vote:
And you, our audience in Paradiso play a vital role… In the Semi-Finals and Final, it's up to the duos themselves to answer the legendary question: Did you win or lose? But if they can’t agree, you will have the final vote to crown our Forever champions who will earn prize money, eternal glory, and the chance to judge at a future event.