1. Blackpool Dance Festival
Blackpool Dance Festival
The Blackpool Dance Festival is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious ballroom dance events. Founded in 1920, it has been held annually in Blackpool, England ever since.
The Blackpool Dance Festival consists of several different competitions, including the World Professional Latin Championship, the World Professional Ten Dance Championship, and the British Open Amateur Latin Championship. The event also features a variety of other professional and amateur competitions, as well as a variety of social dances.
The Blackpool Dance Festival is one of the most highly anticipated events in the ballroom dance world. Each year, the event draws a large number of competitors from around the globe, as well as thousands of spectators.
Competitions
The Blackpool Dance Festival features a variety of different competitions, including the following:
• World Professional Latin Championship
• World Professional Ten Dance Championship
• British Open Amateur Latin Championship
• British Open Amateur Ballroom Championship
• British Open Professional Ballroom Championship
• British Open Professional Latin Championship
• British Open Professional Ten Dance Championship
• International Open Amateur Latin Championship
• International Open Amateur Ballroom Championship
• International Open Professional Ballroom Championship
• International Open Professional Latin Championship
• International Open Professional Ten Dance Championship
Schedule
The Blackpool Dance Festival is held over a two-week period each year. The event typically begins on the first Saturday in May and runs until the following Sunday. Competitions are held throughout the week, with the finals taking place on the final day.
The event also features a variety of social dances, such as the popular Blackpool Waltz. These social dances are held throughout the two-week period and are open to all attendees.
Venue
The Blackpool Dance Festival is held at the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom. The ballroom is renowned for its beautiful architecture, ornate decorations, and stunning views of the city.
Tickets
Tickets for the Blackpool Dance Festival are available online and at the door. Prices vary depending on the type of ticket and the day of the event.
2. British Open Championships
2. British Open Championships
The British Open Championships is the longest running ballroom dance event in the UK, having been held annually since 1930. The event is open to both professional and amateur dancers, and is one of the most prestigious ballroom competitions in the world.
Competition Format
The competition is split into two sections: the Professional Championship and the Amateur Championship. In the Professional Championship, couples compete in a series of rounds, with the highest scoring couples progressing to the finals. In the Amateur Championship, couples compete in a series of heats, with the highest scoring couples going through to the semi-finals and then the finals.
Judging
The judging panel is made up of internationally renowned judges, who are appointed by the British Dance Council. The judges are responsible for assessing the couples’ technique, artistry, and musicality.
Prizes
The winners of the Professional Championship receive the title of ‘British Open Champions’. The Amateur Championship winners receive a trophy and a cash prize.
3. UK Open Dance Championships
3. UK Open Dance Championships
The UK Open Dance Championships is one of the most prestigious ballroom dance competitions in the world. Held annually in the UK, this event attracts some of the best dancers from around the globe.
Competition Structure
The UK Open Dance Championships is divided into two categories: Amateur and Professional. Each category is further divided into a variety of dance styles, including Latin, Standard, and Showdance.
Judging Criteria
Judges at the UK Open Dance Championships score dancers based on their technique, musicality, and overall performance. Each judge is looking for a different set of criteria, so it is important for dancers to be well-prepared for any given competition.
Prizes
The UK Open Dance Championships offers a variety of prizes for both Amateur and Professional dancers. For Amateur dancers, the prizes include trophies, medals, and cash prizes. Professional dancers have the chance to win even more, with the top prize being a trip to the World DanceSport Federation World Championships.
4. UK Closed Dance Championships
4. UK Closed Dance Championships
The UK Closed Dance Championships is an annual event that has been held in the UK since the 1950s. It is a prestigious event that brings together the best dancers from all over Britain.
The event is held over two days and consists of five different categories: Latin American, Standard, Sequence, Ballroom, and Disco. The UK Closed Dance Championships is an invitation-only event, and only the best dancers are invited to compete.
Competition Format
The UK Closed Dance Championships is a competition that tests the technical ability and artistry of the dancers. The competitors are judged on their dancing style, technique, and performance.
The competition is divided into two rounds, with the first round being a solo round and the second round being a couples round. In the solo round, the dancers must perform a set routine that is choreographed by the judges. The couples round consists of a combination of Latin and Standard dances.
Prizes
The UK Closed Dance Championships is a prestigious event, and the prizes are highly sought-after. The winners of the competition receive a trophy, a cash prize, and a certificate of achievement. The winners also receive invitations to compete at other international dance competitions.
Conclusion
The UK Closed Dance Championships is a prestigious event that brings together the best dancers from all over Britain. The competition is a test of technical ability and artistry, and the winners receive a trophy, cash prize, and an invitation to compete at other international dance competitions.
5. Imperial Ball
5. Imperial Ball
The Imperial Ball is one of the most prestigious ballroom dance events in the UK, held annually in London. It was first held in 1897 and continues to be one of the most popular events of its kind.
The event is hosted by the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), the leading ballroom dance organisation in the UK. The ballroom is decorated with beautiful decorations, and the dancers dress in their finest attire. The Imperial Ball is a great opportunity for dancers to showcase their skills and gain recognition from the world of ballroom dancing.
The event features a variety of dances, including the waltz, foxtrot, tango, quickstep, and cha-cha. The competition is judged by a panel of experienced ballroom dance professionals. The winner of the competition is crowned the Imperial Ball Champion.
Dress Code
The dress code for the Imperial Ball is very strict. Dancers must wear formal attire, such as evening gowns for women and tuxedos for men. The attire must be in line with the ballroom dance tradition.
Prizes
The winner of the Imperial Ball receives a trophy and a cash prize. The runner-up also receives a cash prize. Additionally, the winner and runner-up are invited to perform at the ISTD’s Annual Gala.
Tickets
Tickets for the Imperial Ball are available for purchase online. They cost £50 per person and include admission to the event, a programme, and a light refreshment.
6. UK Championship Ballroom Dance Festival
6. UK Championship Ballroom Dance Festival
The UK Championship Ballroom Dance Festival is one of the most prestigious events in the world of ballroom dancing. Hosted in London, the festival is a celebration of the best ballroom dancers from across the UK and around the world.
The event is held annually and is open to all levels of ballroom dancers, from beginners to professionals. It features a range of different styles of ballroom dancing, including Latin, Standard, and Smooth.
The festival itself is a two-day event, with a variety of competitions, performances, and workshops. The competitions include solo and group dances, as well as a championship round for the best dancers.
The performances include a range of styles, from classical to modern. The workshops offer the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and to develop skills in a variety of different ballroom styles.
The UK Championship Ballroom Dance Festival is an incredible experience for all levels of dancers, and a great opportunity to show off your skills and meet new people.
Competitions
The UK Championship Ballroom Dance Festival features a variety of competitions for all levels of dancers. The competitions include solo and group dances, as well as a championship round for the best dancers.
Performances
The performances at the UK Championship Ballroom Dance Festival feature a range of styles, from classical to modern. The performances are a great way to enjoy the best of ballroom dancing in the UK.
Workshops
The workshops at the UK Championship Ballroom Dance Festival offer the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and to develop skills in a variety of different ballroom styles. The workshops are a great way to get involved in the ballroom dancing community.
7. International Festival of Ballroom Dancing
7. International Festival of Ballroom Dancing
The International Festival of Ballroom Dancing is a four-day event held annually in London. It is the largest and most prestigious ballroom dancing event in the United Kingdom, and attracts dancers from all over the world.
The event features a range of competitions, including the British Open, the European Open, the World Open, and the Grand Final. The competition is judged by a panel of international experts, and the winners receive cash prizes and prestigious titles.
The International Festival of Ballroom Dancing also includes a range of social activities and workshops, such as the ‘Dance for Fun’ classes, which provide a more relaxed atmosphere for dancers of all levels.
The event is held in the Royal Albert Hall, and is one of the most popular ballroom dancing events in the UK.
Competitions
The International Festival of Ballroom Dancing features a range of competitions for all skill levels. These include the British Open, the European Open, the World Open, and the Grand Final.
The British Open is open to all British dancers, while the European Open and World Open are open to all European and World dancers respectively. The Grand Final is open to all dancers who have won a previous competition at the event.
The competition is judged by a panel of international experts, and the winners receive cash prizes and prestigious titles.
Social Activities and Workshops
The International Festival of Ballroom Dancing also includes a range of social activities and workshops. These include the ‘Dance for Fun’ classes, which provide a more relaxed atmosphere for dancers of all levels.
The event also features a range of shows and performances, including a special show by the Royal Ballet.
Venue
The International Festival of Ballroom Dancing is held in the Royal Albert Hall in London. This iconic venue is one of the most popular ballroom dancing venues in the UK, and provides a truly unique atmosphere for the event.
8. Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour
8. Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour
The Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour is one of the UK’s most popular ballroom dance events. Since 2004, the tour has been travelling across the country and thrilling audiences with performances from professional dancers, celebrity guests, and special guests from the hit BBC show Strictly Come Dancing.
The tour usually takes place in the winter and spring months, beginning in January and ending in April. Each night of the tour features a different line-up of professional dancers and celebrities, with the audience voting for their favourite performances.
The tour also features a variety of other performances, including Latin and Ballroom dance displays, musical numbers, and comedy acts. The tour culminates in a grand finale, where the audience’s favourite couples are crowned the winners.
What to Expect
The Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour is a great opportunity to experience ballroom dancing in a live setting. Audiences can expect to enjoy a night of high-energy performances, with professional dancers, celebrities, and special guests from the hit BBC show.
The tour also features a variety of other performances, including Latin and Ballroom dance displays, musical numbers, and comedy acts. Audiences can also expect to be part of the voting process, as they cast their votes for their favourite performances.
At the end of the tour, the audience’s favourite couples are crowned the winners of the tour. It’s an exciting and fun event for all ages, and a great opportunity to experience ballroom dancing in a live setting.
9. National Dance Championships
9. National Dance Championships
The National Dance Championships is one of the most prestigious ballroom dance events in the UK. Hosted by the National Dance Council, the event takes place annually in the summer months and attracts the best dancers from across the country.
Competition Categories
The National Dance Championships consists of four categories, each of which is judged separately: Ballroom, Latin, Sequence and Rock ‘n’ Roll. Each category has its own set of rules and regulations, which can be found on the National Dance Council’s website.
Competition Format
The competition is divided into two stages – the Preliminaries and the Finals. In the Preliminaries, dancers compete in heats and are judged on their technique, musicality and style. The top couples in each category then advance to the Finals, where they compete for the title of National Champion.
Prizes
The winners of the National Dance Championships receive a trophy, a cash prize and the title of National Champion. All finalists also receive a certificate of achievement.
Location
The National Dance Championships are held in different cities each year, with the location being announced several months in advance. The event is typically held in a large stadium or auditorium, with seating for spectators.
Tickets
Tickets for the National Dance Championships are available on the National Dance Council’s website. Prices vary depending on the category and the location.
10. British National Dance Championships
10. British National Dance Championships
The British National Dance Championships are held annually in London, and are the largest ballroom dance event in the UK. The competition has been running since the 1950s and is open to both amateur and professional dancers.
The event is divided into several categories, including Latin, Standard, Showdance, and Formation. Competitors from all over the UK come to take part in the event, and the competition is judged by a panel of experienced and qualified dance professionals.
The competition culminates in a spectacular grand final, where the best dancers from each category are awarded medals and prizes. The event is considered to be the highlight of the British ballroom dance calendar, and is a great opportunity for dancers to showcase their skills and talents in front of a large audience.
Prizes and Awards
The British National Dance Championships awards prizes for the top three competitors in each category. The winners of the Latin and Standard categories are also awarded the prestigious British National Dance Champions title.
In addition to the medals and prizes, the event also awards a number of special awards, such as the Best Couple award, the Most Promising Newcomer award, and the Best Performance award.
Event Organisers
The British National Dance Championships are organised by the British Ballroom Dance Council (BBDC). The BBDC is a non-profit organisation that promotes and supports the development of ballroom dancing in the UK.
The event is held in London every year, and is supported by a number of sponsors and partners, including the BBC, Sky Sports, and the National Lottery.
