1. Fred Astaire Memorial Statue, London
Fred Astaire Memorial Statue, London
The Fred Astaire Memorial Statue is a bronze sculpture in London, England, dedicated to one of the most renowned dancers of all time. The statue is located in the heart of London’s West End, in the centre of Leicester Square.
The statue was unveiled in 2002 by the legendary dancer’s daughter, Ava Astaire-McKenzie, and is a tribute to her father’s life and legacy. The sculpture was created by artist David Wynne and is a life-size figure of Fred Astaire in his iconic top hat and tails.
The statue stands proudly in the centre of Leicester Square, surrounded by a beautiful garden. It is a popular spot for ballroom dancers and fans of Fred Astaire alike, and is a great place to take a photo or simply admire the work.
The Inspiration Behind the Statue
The inspiration for the Fred Astaire Memorial Statue comes from the iconic dance scene in the film ‘Top Hat’ (1935). In the film, Astaire and his co-star, Ginger Rogers, perform the famous ‘Cheek to Cheek’ dance. This scene has become one of the most iconic moments in film history and is often cited as the pinnacle of Fred Astaire’s career.
The statue is a fitting tribute to the legendary dancer, and a reminder of the joy and beauty that the art of ballroom dancing can bring.
2. Arthur Murray Memorial, Manchester
2. Arthur Murray Memorial, Manchester
The Arthur Murray Memorial is located in Manchester, England and pays tribute to the famous ballroom dancer Arthur Murray. The memorial was erected in 2006 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Murray’s birth.
The memorial is a sculpture of a large bronze ballroom dancer, with a plaque that reads “Dedicated to Arthur Murray, the Father of Modern Ballroom Dancing”. It is located in the heart of Manchester, near the city’s Town Hall, and is a popular spot for ballroom dancers of all levels to visit and take pictures.
The memorial is also a reminder of the impact Murray had on the world of ballroom dancing. He is widely credited with popularizing the art form and helping to make it more accessible to the general public.
Arthur Murray’s Legacy
Arthur Murray was a pioneer in the world of ballroom dancing, and his legacy lives on today. He developed a unique style of teaching, which is still used in ballroom dance classes around the world. His influence helped to make ballroom dancing a popular activity for people of all ages and skill levels.
Murray was also a successful entrepreneur, founding the Arthur Murray Dance Studio chain, which continues to operate today. He was a passionate advocate for ballroom dancing, and his memorial is a fitting tribute to his life and legacy.
3. Latin Dance Monument, Bristol
3. Latin Dance Monument, Bristol
The Latin Dance Monument is a tribute to the many Latin dancers who have graced the stages of Britain over the years. Located in Bristol, the monument is a bronze sculpture of a man and woman dancing the cha-cha-cha. It was unveiled in 2011 by the Latin Dance Society of Great Britain and is a permanent reminder of the joy and passion that Latin dance brings to the nation.
The monument is a popular spot for visitors and locals alike, who come to admire the sculpture and take part in the Latin dance classes that are held nearby. The Latin Dance Society of Great Britain also hosts regular events and workshops at the monument, giving people the opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of Latin dance in Britain.
Where to Find the Latin Dance Monument
The Latin Dance Monument is located in Bristol’s Queen Square, just a few minutes from the city centre. It is easily accessible by public transport and is a popular spot for people of all ages and abilities.
4. Dancesport Monument, Birmingham
4. Dancesport Monument, Birmingham
The Dancesport Monument in Birmingham is a tribute to the history of ballroom dancing in the UK. Erected in 2008, the sculpture is a bronze figure of a couple dancing the waltz, and stands in the city’s Centenary Square.
The monument was designed by renowned sculptor, Paul Day, and is the first of its kind in the country. It is accompanied by a plaque which reads: “In celebration of the joy and beauty of Ballroom Dancing, and to commemorate the many thousands of dancers, teachers, and organisers who have devoted their lives to its pursuit.”
The monument is a popular spot for couples and dancers to visit, and its presence in the city has helped to raise the profile of ballroom dancing in the area.
Events
The Dancesport Monument is the centrepiece of the annual Birmingham Dance Festival, a celebration of ballroom dancing and culture in the city. The festival includes a variety of events, from workshops and classes to performances and competitions.
Location
The Dancesport Monument is located in Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2ND.
5. John Travolta Memorial, Glasgow
5. John Travolta Memorial, Glasgow
The John Travolta Memorial in Glasgow is a tribute to the late actor and dancer, John Travolta. Located in Glasgow’s George Square, the memorial was unveiled in 2015 and features a life-sized bronze sculpture of the star in his iconic pose from the movie Saturday Night Fever.
The sculpture was created by Scottish sculptor Alan Beattie Herriot and was commissioned by the John Travolta Foundation, which was set up to honour the actor’s legacy and to support charitable causes. The foundation also donated £100,000 to the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity in his memory.
The memorial is a popular spot for ballroom dancers, who often gather to take pictures and pay their respects. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of ballroom dancing in the life of John Travolta, who starred in a number of classic dance films, such as Grease and Saturday Night Fever.
Visiting the Memorial
The John Travolta Memorial is located in George Square, in the heart of Glasgow. It is easily accessible by public transport and is open to visitors all year round.
6. The Royal Albert Hall, London
The Royal Albert Hall, London
The Royal Albert Hall is one of the most iconic buildings in Britain, and has been a major venue for ballroom dancing for over a century. Built in 1871, the Hall has hosted some of the world’s greatest dancers, including the legendary Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
The Hall’s main ballroom, the Great Hall, is one of the largest in the country, and can accommodate up to 2,500 dancers. It is regarded as one of the finest examples of Victorian architecture in the world, with its ornate ceiling and gilded columns.
The Royal Albert Hall is also home to the BBC Big Band, which regularly hosts ballroom dancing events. The Great Hall is also used for large-scale competitions, such as the British Open Ballroom Championships, which take place every year.
Notable Events
The Royal Albert Hall has hosted some of the most memorable ballroom dance events in Britain, including the Royal Ballet’s production of ‘The Nutcracker’ in 1957, and the Royal Ballet’s ‘Swan Lake’ in 1960.
In recent years, the Hall has also been the venue for the UK Open Ballroom Championships, the UK Latin American Championships, and the UK Amateur Ballroom Championships.
The Hall also hosts regular social dances, such as the ‘Ballroom at the Royal Albert Hall’, which takes place every Saturday night. This event is a great opportunity for ballroom dancers of all levels to experience the grandeur of the Great Hall.
7. The Royal Ballet, London
The Royal Ballet, London
The Royal Ballet is one of the world’s foremost ballet companies and is based at the Royal Opera House in London’s Covent Garden. Founded in 1931 by Dame Ninette de Valois, the company has been at the forefront of ballet for nearly a century, presenting a wide range of classical and contemporary works.
The Royal Ballet’s repertoire includes works by some of the greatest choreographers of the 20th and 21st centuries, such as Marius Petipa, Frederick Ashton, Kenneth MacMillan, and Christopher Wheeldon. The company is also renowned for its commitment to new works and commissions, and it regularly premieres works by leading choreographers.
The Royal Ballet’s annual performances at the Royal Opera House attract audiences from all over the world, and the company is also renowned for its international touring schedule. The company has performed in more than 50 countries, including the United States, China, and Japan.
Notable Performances
The Royal Ballet has presented some of the most iconic works in the history of ballet, including Petipa’s Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, and La Bayadère; Ashton’s Cinderella, Symphonic Variations, and Marguerite and Armand; and MacMillan’s Romeo and Juliet and Manon.
The company has also presented world premieres of works by leading choreographers, including Wheeldon’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Wayne McGregor’s Chroma, and Akram Khan’s Giselle.
Notable Dancers
The Royal Ballet has been home to some of the greatest dancers of the 20th and 21st centuries, including Margot Fonteyn, Rudolf Nureyev, Darcey Bussell, and Tamara Rojo. The company has also produced some of the most acclaimed choreographers of the same period, such as Kenneth MacMillan, Christopher Wheeldon, and Wayne McGregor.
8. The Blackpool Tower Ballroom, Blackpool
The Blackpool Tower Ballroom, Blackpool
The Blackpool Tower Ballroom is a stunning Grade I listed building located in the heart of Blackpool. The Ballroom was originally built in 1899 and has since been the site of many iconic ballroom events throughout its history.
The Ballroom is a popular destination for ballroom dancers from all over the world, and is home to the world-famous Blackpool Dance Festival. The Festival has been running annually since 1920 and is the largest ballroom dancing event in the world. It is an event that has been attended by some of the world’s greatest dancers and is a must-see for any ballroom enthusiast.
Architecture and Design
The Ballroom has a unique and iconic design, with its distinctive turreted roof and ornate features. The main floor is made up of a series of concentric circles, with a balcony encircling the entire room. This design provides excellent acoustics and allows for a wide variety of dance styles to be performed.
The room is also decorated with beautiful stained glass windows, ornate chandeliers, and a large organ. The organ is a magnificent instrument that is used to accompany the dancers during performances, and is a highlight of the Ballroom.
Notable Events
The Blackpool Tower Ballroom has been the site of many famous events throughout its history. It has hosted the Blackpool Dance Festival since its inception in 1920, and has also been the venue for the World Professional Latin Championship since 1949.
The Ballroom has also been the site of many other ballroom competitions and shows, including the BBC’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. The show has been filmed at the Ballroom since 2004, and has been seen by millions of viewers around the world.
The Ballroom is a must-visit destination for any ballroom enthusiast, and is a great place to experience the history and culture of ballroom dancing in Britain.
9. The Tower Ballroom, Birmingham
The Tower Ballroom, Birmingham
The Tower Ballroom in Birmingham is one of the most iconic ballroom dance venues in Britain. It was built in the late 19th century and has been a popular destination for ballroom dancers ever since.
The building itself is a Grade II listed building and is an impressive sight, with its large domed roof, ornate balconies, and grand staircase. The ballroom has a sprung dance floor, which is ideal for ballroom dancing, and is also home to a large pipe organ.
The Tower Ballroom is a popular venue for both competitive and social ballroom dancing. It is used for a variety of events, from competitions to live music nights. It also hosts regular classes and workshops for ballroom dancers of all levels.
History
The Tower Ballroom was originally built in 1890 as a music hall and theatre. It was later converted into a ballroom and dance hall in the early 1900s and has been a popular venue for ballroom dancing ever since.
The Tower Ballroom has seen many famous ballroom dancers over the years, including Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. It is also home to a number of prestigious ballroom competitions, such as the British Open and the World Masters.
Location
The Tower Ballroom is located at 521-523 High Street, Birmingham, B18 6NF. It is open from 12pm to 10pm, Tuesday to Sunday.
10. The National Ballroom Dance Hall of Fame, Liverpool
The National Ballroom Dance Hall of Fame, Liverpool
The National Ballroom Dance Hall of Fame in Liverpool is a testament to the city’s long-standing passion for ballroom dancing. Established in 2008, it is home to a range of exhibits and memorabilia that celebrate the many forms of ballroom dancing that have been popular in Britain over the years.
The Hall of Fame is located in the heart of the city, in the old Royal Court Theatre. It contains a variety of displays that highlight the history and culture of ballroom dancing. Visitors can explore the history of the dance form, as well as its many styles and techniques.
The Hall of Fame also hosts a range of events throughout the year, from workshops and lectures to competitions and performances. It is a great place for anyone interested in ballroom dancing to learn more about the art form and to meet other enthusiasts.
Notable Exhibits
The National Ballroom Dance Hall of Fame is home to a number of unique and interesting exhibits. One of the most notable is the ‘Dance Through the Decades’ exhibit, which showcases the evolution of ballroom dancing from the Victorian era to the modern day.
Other exhibits include the ‘Great Dancers of Britain’ gallery, which celebrates the achievements of some of Britain’s most famous ballroom dancers, and the ‘Dance Around the World’ display, which showcases the different styles and techniques of ballroom dancing from different countries.
Visiting The Hall of Fame
The National Ballroom Dance Hall of Fame is open to the public seven days a week. There is a small admission fee, and visitors are encouraged to bring their own refreshments. The Hall of Fame also offers a range of educational and interactive activities, including dance classes and workshops.
For anyone interested in ballroom dancing, the National Ballroom Dance Hall of Fame is an essential visit. It is a great place to learn more about the history and culture of ballroom dancing, and to meet other enthusiasts.
