[1] The non-qualified countries were Austria, Canada, Cyprus, Italy, Norway, Portugal and Yugoslavia.

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.

[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] Broadcasters from sixteen countries took part in the preliminary semi-final round of the 1989 contest, of which ten qualified to the televised grand final.

[1] The jury members consisted of the following:[1] The 1989 Young Dancers competition was broadcast in 19 countries including Jordan and Bulgaria.