1. The Blackpool Tower Ballroom
The Blackpool Tower Ballroom
The Blackpool Tower Ballroom is one of the most iconic and renowned ballroom dance venues in the UK. Located in the seaside town of Blackpool, it has been a popular destination for ballroom dancers since it was built in the late 19th century.
The ballroom was designed by Frank Matcham, a renowned theatre architect of the day, and was opened to the public in 1894. It was an immediate success and soon became a popular destination for ballroom dancers from across the country.
The ballroom has a distinctive domed roof, with a glittering chandelier and ornate balconies. It is also home to the world’s largest Wurlitzer organ, which is played during the regular tea dances.
The Famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom
The Blackpool Tower Ballroom is most famous for its annual Blackpool Dance Festival, which is the world’s largest and most prestigious ballroom dance competition. Every year, thousands of dancers from around the world come to compete in the festival, which is held over a week in May.
The Blackpool Tower Ballroom has also been featured in numerous films and television shows, including the BBC’s long-running series Strictly Come Dancing. The venue is also a popular destination for weddings, as well as corporate and private events.
The Blackpool Tower Ballroom is a must-visit destination for any ballroom dancing enthusiast. Its unique architecture and rich history make it one of the most iconic ballroom dance venues in the UK.
2. The Royal Albert Hall
The Royal Albert Hall
The Royal Albert Hall is one of the most iconic and recognisable venues in the UK and it is no surprise that it is also one of the most popular spots for ballroom dancing. The Hall, located in South Kensington, London, was commissioned by Queen Victoria in 1867 and opened by her in 1871. It has since been home to many of the most important events in British cultural history, including the first performance of Handel’s Messiah.
The Royal Albert Hall has been the site of many ballroom events, including the World Professional Latin Championships in 2005 and the UK Open Professional Latin Championships in 2013. The Hall’s grand and opulent atmosphere makes it the perfect setting for a night of ballroom dancing, and its impressive size can accommodate a large number of dancers.
Notable Events
The Royal Albert Hall has hosted a number of notable ballroom events, including the Royal Albert Hall Ballroom Championships in 2009, the UK Open Professional Latin Championships in 2013, and the World Professional Latin Championships in 2005. The Hall has also hosted a number of other events related to ballroom dancing, such as the London Ballroom Dance Festival in 2010, the British Open Championships in 2011, and the British National Championships in 2012.
Visiting the Royal Albert Hall
The Royal Albert Hall is open to the public, and visitors can take a guided tour of the building or simply explore the venue on their own. The Hall also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, plays, and ballet performances. Ballroom dancers can also take part in classes and workshops at the Hall, which are offered by a number of different organisations.
3. Tower Ballroom, Birmingham
Tower Ballroom, Birmingham
The Tower Ballroom in Birmingham is one of the most iconic ballroom venues in the UK. Located in the heart of the city, it has been a popular destination for dancers for over a century.
The venue was built in 1901, and quickly became a hub of activity for the locals. It was a popular spot for dances, concerts, and other events. The venue was also used for a variety of competitions, including the British Open Championship.
Architecture
The Tower Ballroom is known for its unique architecture. The building has a distinctive dome-shaped roof and an ornate interior. It also features a large, curved dance floor, which is perfect for ballroom dancers.
Notable Events
The Tower Ballroom has hosted many notable events over the years. In the past, it has been the site of the British Open Championship, as well as a variety of other competitions. It has also been the setting for many popular concerts and shows.
Conclusion
The Tower Ballroom in Birmingham is one of the most iconic ballroom venues in the UK. It has been a popular destination for dancers for over a century, and is known for its unique architecture and ornate interior. The venue has also been the site of many notable events, including the British Open Championship.
4. The Royal Festival Hall
The Royal Festival Hall
The Royal Festival Hall is an iconic venue for ballroom dancing in the UK. Located on the Southbank in London, the hall has been host to some of the most memorable ballroom events in the country.
The hall first opened in 1951, and since then has been the site of many prestigious ballroom events. In 1972, the UK Open Ballroom Championships were held at the Royal Festival Hall, and it has since been the home of the UK Open Ballroom Championships until its closure in 2019.
The Royal Festival Hall also hosted the World Professional Ballroom Championships in 1981, and the European Professional Ballroom Championships in 1987.
Notable Performances
The Royal Festival Hall has seen some incredible performances over the years. In 2001, the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing was broadcast from the hall, with celebrities and professionals taking to the floor.
In more recent years, the Royal Festival Hall has welcomed some of the world’s top ballroom dancers, including the likes of Len Goodman, Anton du Beke and Erin Boag.
The Future of the Royal Festival Hall
Although the Royal Festival Hall is no longer hosting ballroom events, the building is still very much alive and well. The hall is now used for a variety of events, from concerts to conferences.
The Royal Festival Hall is also set to be refurbished in 2021, with plans to improve the acoustics and modernise the building. This is sure to bring a new lease of life to the iconic venue, and ensure that it remains a landmark of ballroom dancing in the UK for many years to come.
5. The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford
The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford
The Alhambra Theatre in Bradford is a Grade II listed building that has been a hub of ballroom dancing since the 1930s. Built in 1914, the theatre has been the setting for many of the UK’s most iconic ballroom dancing events over the years.
The Alhambra Theatre has been the home of the British Open Ballroom Championships since its inception in 1933. This prestigious event has been held at the theatre every year since then, and is one of the most important competitions on the UK ballroom dancing calendar.
Notable Performers
The Alhambra Theatre has been graced by some of the world’s most famous ballroom dancers, including the likes of Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, and Gene Kelly. The theatre has also played host to some of Britain’s own ballroom stars, such as Len Goodman, Anton du Beke, and Craig Revel Horwood.
Restoration
The Alhambra Theatre underwent extensive restoration in 2011, which included the refurbishment of its grand ballroom. The theatre now boasts one of the largest and most beautiful ballroom dance floors in the UK, making it the perfect setting for ballroom dancing events.
Events
The Alhambra Theatre hosts a wide range of ballroom dancing events throughout the year, including the British Open Ballroom Championships, the UK Closed Ballroom Championships, and the British National Ballroom Championships. The theatre is also used for regular dance classes, workshops, and social dances.
Conclusion
The Alhambra Theatre in Bradford is an iconic landmark in the UK ballroom dancing world. From hosting the British Open Ballroom Championships since 1933 to providing a beautiful venue for regular classes and social dances, the theatre is a much-loved part of the British ballroom dancing community.
6. The Winter Gardens, Blackpool
The Winter Gardens, Blackpool
The Winter Gardens in Blackpool, Lancashire, is one of the most iconic ballroom dance venues in the UK. The grand building was constructed in 1878 and has remained a popular dance destination ever since.
Grand Ballroom
The Grand Ballroom is the largest and most impressive of the Winter Gardens’ ballroom dance spaces. It has a capacity of over 3,000 people and is adorned with chandeliers, ornate plasterwork and gilded mirrors. It is one of the most popular venues for national and international ballroom competitions.
The Empress Ballroom
The Empress Ballroom is the second largest ballroom at the Winter Gardens. It is a stunning venue that features a sprung dance floor and a capacity of 1,500 people. The Empress Ballroom is a popular venue for practice dances and social events.
The Spanish Hall
The Spanish Hall is a smaller ballroom that is perfect for intimate dances and events. It is also home to a variety of classes such as Latin and Sequence dancing.
The Tower Ballroom
The Tower Ballroom is another popular venue at the Winter Gardens. It is renowned for its stunning views of the Blackpool Tower and the Irish Sea. The Tower Ballroom is a great venue for practice dances and competitions.
Other Facilities
The Winter Gardens also offers a range of other facilities for ballroom dancers. These include a bar and restaurant, a cafe, and a shop. There are also a variety of other activities such as a bowling alley and arcade.
Conclusion
The Winter Gardens in Blackpool is one of the most iconic ballroom dance venues in the UK. It features a range of stunning ballrooms, as well as other facilities such as a bar and restaurant, cafe, and shop. The Winter Gardens is a popular destination for both national and international ballroom competitions, as well as practice dances and social events.
7. The London Coliseum
The London Coliseum
The London Coliseum is a Grade II listed theatre located in the heart of the West End. It is the largest theatre in London and has been a major venue for ballroom dancing since its opening in 1904.
The Coliseum was built by the impresario Oswald Stoll and designed by the theatre architect Frank Matcham. The theatre was originally intended to be a variety theatre, but over the years it has been the home of many different kinds of performances, including ballet, opera, musicals, comedy, and of course, ballroom dancing.
The Coliseum has hosted some of the most famous ballroom dance events in the UK, including the British Open Ballroom Championships and the World Professional Ballroom Championships. It has also been the venue for the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour, which showcases the best of ballroom dancing from the popular TV show.
Notable Performances
The Coliseum has played host to some of the most iconic ballroom dance performances in British history. In the 1920s, the theatre was the venue for the first ever performance of the Quickstep and the Foxtrot, which were both created by the legendary dance team of Irene and Vernon Castle.
In the 1950s, the Coliseum was the home of the famous BBC television show Come Dancing, which showcased some of the best ballroom dancers in the country. The show ran for over 30 years and was watched by millions of people.
Visiting the Coliseum
The Coliseum is open to the public for tours, and visitors can see the incredible theatre and learn about its history. The theatre is also available for hire for special events, including ballroom dance performances.
8. The Grand Theatre, Leeds
The Grand Theatre, Leeds
The Grand Theatre in Leeds is a majestic venue that has been a hub of ballroom dancing in the UK for over a century. Built in 1878, the theatre has hosted some of the most famous ballroom dance competitions in the country, including the British National Ballroom Championship and the UK Open Ballroom Championship.
The theatre is also renowned for its ornate and grandiose interior design, featuring a stunningly decorated ceiling and intricate stained glass windows. The venue is also home to a large stage, perfect for hosting large-scale ballroom dance competitions.
Notable Events
The Grand Theatre has been the host of many notable ballroom dance competitions throughout its history, including the British National Ballroom Championship and the UK Open Ballroom Championship. The theatre has also been the venue for many other events, such as the World Latin Dance Championship and the World Professional Latin Dance Championship.
Notable Dancers
The Grand Theatre has been the stage for some of the most talented ballroom dancers in the UK. Notable dancers who have competed at the theatre include the likes of Anton du Beke, Erin Boag, and Karen Hardy.
Conclusion
The Grand Theatre is an iconic venue in the UK and a must-visit destination for any ballroom dancer. With its grandiose interior design and its impressive history of hosting some of the most prestigious competitions, the theatre is a true landmark in the world of ballroom dancing.
9. The Royal Opera House, London
The Royal Opera House, London
The Royal Opera House in London is one of the world’s most iconic venues and has been a major player in the ballroom dancing scene since its opening in 1858. It is located in the heart of the city and is home to some of the most prestigious and renowned ballroom events in the world.
The Royal Opera House was originally built for the purpose of hosting opera performances, but it quickly became a popular venue for ballroom dancing events. In the early years, the venue hosted a variety of performances, including the annual Royal Ballet Ball, the Royal Ballet Gala, and the Royal Ballet Dance Festival.
Today, the Royal Opera House is still one of the most popular venues for ballroom dancing in the UK. It is home to a variety of events, including the Royal Ballet Ball, the Royal Ballet Gala, and the Royal Ballet Dance Festival.
Notable Performances
Over the years, the Royal Opera House has seen some of the most famous ballroom dancers perform on its stage. These include the legendary Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, who made their debut at the Royal Opera House in 1932, and the renowned British ballroom dancer, George Balanchine, who performed at the venue in 1935.
The Royal Opera House has also hosted some of the most prestigious dance competitions in the world, such as the International Ballroom Dancing Championships and the British Open Championships.
The Future of Ballroom Dancing at the Royal Opera House
The Royal Opera House continues to be a major player in the ballroom dancing scene in the UK. It hosts a variety of events, including the Royal Ballet Ball, the Royal Ballet Gala, and the Royal Ballet Dance Festival. It is also home to the International Ballroom Dancing Championships and the British Open Championships.
The Royal Opera House is committed to promoting the art of ballroom dancing and providing a platform for dancers to showcase their skills. It is also actively involved in the development of new talent and fostering a vibrant ballroom dancing community in the UK.
10. The Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow
The Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow
The Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow is one of the most iconic ballroom dance venues in the UK. Located in the heart of the city, the venue has hosted some of the biggest ballroom events in the country, including the British Ballroom Championships in 2017.
The Royal Concert Hall was built in the late 19th century and was originally used as a theatre. In the 1920s, it was transformed into a ballroom and has been used for ballroom events ever since. The Royal Concert Hall is renowned for its elegant ballroom decor, with its grand staircase, ornate chandeliers and stunning stained glass windows.
The venue is also home to the Scottish Ballroom Championships, which is held annually in the spring. The event sees hundreds of dancers from across the UK, Europe and further afield competing for the title of Scottish Ballroom Champion.
Notable Events
The Royal Concert Hall has been the venue for some of the most prestigious ballroom events in the UK, including the British Ballroom Championships and the Scottish Ballroom Championships. The venue has also hosted the World Ballroom Championships, which is one of the most prestigious ballroom events in the world.
The Royal Concert Hall is also a popular venue for private ballroom events, such as weddings and corporate functions. Its grand staircase and ornate chandeliers make it an ideal setting for any special occasion.
