Welcome to Enjoy Ballroom and Latin: dancing show and competition
Cheese Town Trophy 2026
Welcome to Enjoy Ballroom and Latin - Cheese Town Trophy 2026
An event with international allure
Organized on the grounds of an internationally renowned football club, this tournament offers a professional stage that attracts dancers from the Netherlands and abroad. The venue is fully equipped for large international events and offers everything a dancer or team could wish for. An internationally recognized jury will judge the performances with expertise and an eye for detail. Dancers will perform on one of two fully equipped dance floors: one for competition and one for dancing, both of equal quality. Participants from several countries are expected to compete, making this event a true meeting place for international dance enthusiasts.
Optimal atmosphere in a unique location Exclusive location
The Kees Kist Lounge in the AZ Stadium, the stage for this special event, will be transformed into a true temple of dance. In a stylish setting, dancers and spectators alike will be immersed in an atmosphere of class and sophistication. The Cheese Town Trophy 2026 is more than a competition; it is a celebration of the art of dance. In addition to the impressive competition floor, the event will also feature a special warm-up dance floor where dancers can prepare and experience the magic of dance up close.
An unforgettable experience for everyone
Come and shine on the dance floor or enjoy the elegance and energy of Ballroom and Latin as a spectator. Top international dancers bring their passion to life on two professional dance floors, supported by an expert panel of judges and an atmosphere that feels like a championship. Everything has been designed with the audience in mind: excellent sight lines from every seat, a choice of comfortable seating classes and access to catering facilities. VIP guests will be pampered with exclusive service, snacks and drinks in a stylish setting. This day is more than a competition - it is an unforgettable experience for dance lovers and performers alike.
Participating organizations
Don't miss out on this unique dance event!
The competition team
Gerard Kluver
Dance is in my blood. My mother founded our dance school over 65 years ago. I grew up among dancing couples and took over the school 25 years ago. As a former top-level dancer in both amateur and professional categories, I hold full FDO certification and am qualified to train dance instructors. In my classes, I focus especially on footwork, technique, and dancing as a true unit. For me, dance is precision and joy a language you speak together.
Karin Karamat Ali
A passionate dance professional with years of experience in the Latin and Salsa world. As a certified coach and FDO instructor, she shares her knowledge and expertise with the next generation of dancers. In addition, she serves on the board of the Dutch Association of Dance Teachers (NBD) and is an international judge with the World Dance Council (WDC). Her commitment to quality and development in dance has made her a respected figure both nationally and internationally.
Sylvia van Geldre
Dance has been in my heart since I was fourteen. As a dancer, I competed at a high level for many years both in the amateur and professional circuits and reached the finals in both Ballroom and Latin. At the age of 24, I obtained my FDO diploma and began teaching. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of training and coaching countless dance couples. As a judge, I pay close attention to musicality, expression, technique, and perhaps most importantly: dancing together as one. To me, dance is not just movement it’s a story you tell together.
Hans van der Hoef
My journey began at the renowned dance schools of Marcel and Ratna de Rijk, where I grew from manager to owner of several studios. With great joy, I’ve taught thousands of people their very first dance steps. Thanks to Marcel’s passion for dance competitions, I also had the opportunity to become a presenter at many events. From the Dutch Open in Slagharen and Assen to the Open World Championships in Paris, Dublin, and even South Africa I brought my full energy to every stage. Nationally, I was also involved with the competition organizations S.O.N.D. and D.M.N. With all this experience, I’m incredibly excited about the upcoming dance competitions in the Netherlands. Hopefully, in 2026, we’ll create a celebration in Alkmaar that puts both the dancers and the city in the spotlight. I can’t wait to see you there!
Jean-Pierre De Pelsmacker
If dance is your passion… After winning six Belgian amateur and professional titles and reaching multiple semi-finals at European and World Championships, I continued my professional career by teaching students and coaching competitive dancers. I also have the honour and privilege of serving as president of Buldo/FDSF, the Belgian professional federation for dance teachers and the federation for amateur dancers. As a professional adjudicator with WDC / WDC-AL, I believe that musicality, technique, and movement are the key elements in seeing a couple truly dance together in harmony, making the best possible use of floorcraft. Wishing you every success!
Olivia Zhang
As a former Chinese professional champion in ballroom and 10-dance, a title I proudly held for ten consecutive years, I had the privilege of representing my country on the world stage. I reached the finals of the Professional Rising Star categories at prestigious international events such as the UK Open, Blackpool Dance Festival, Japan Open, German Open, Italian Open, Australian Open, International Open, and more. During my career, I had the honour of being the only Asian dancer sponsored by globally renowned brands such as London Choice, Chrisanne Clover, Freed UK, and International Dance Shoes. Dance has always been deeply rooted in my soul. Each of the ten dances feels like a unique interpretation of life, filling my existence with romantic stories and magical colours. This vision still forms the foundation of my judging: I place great value on authenticity, musicality, and the emotional connection between dance partners, alongside technical perfection. My journey has taught me that determination and perseverance are the true foundations of success. I hope this inspires young dancers to pursue their dreams with passion.
Giselle Keppel
Dance has fascinated me since I was seven years old, when I started ballet in Cologne. And I've still been hooked ever since. At a very young age, I decided to become a professional dancer, and I could never have imagined in my wildest dreams that I would become a 16-time German champion in standard dances and standard freestyle. I can look back with pride on three vice world championship titles and one vice European championship title in the freestyle championships. My appearances in the finals and semifinals of the most important dance sport competitions in Blackpool and Bournemouth have always been particularly significant to me. For many years, I was the proud ambassador for the shoe brand SupaDance. Influenced by my wonderful trainers, music and the interaction between dance partners have always been at the heart of dancing for me. Emotion and authenticity move me.
Serge van Rooij
DJ
