1. National Ballroom Dance Museum, London
National Ballroom Dance Museum, London
The National Ballroom Dance Museum in London is the UK’s first dedicated museum to the history of ballroom dancing. Located in the heart of the city, the museum is a must-see for any enthusiast of the art form.
The museum was founded in 2011 by the late Dr. Kenneth MacMillan, a renowned ballroom dance historian. The museum’s mission is to preserve and celebrate the history of ballroom dancing in the UK, offering visitors the chance to explore the evolution of the art form through its collection of artefacts, costumes, and memorabilia.
The museum’s permanent collection includes a wide range of items, from vintage dance shoes and costumes to photographs, videos, and records. The museum also offers an extensive range of educational programmes and events, including lectures, workshops, and exhibitions.
Highlights
The National Ballroom Dance Museum’s highlights include a range of interactive displays, including a virtual ballroom dance floor and a 3D projection of the original ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ set. Visitors can also explore the museum’s costume collection, which includes outfits from the 1930s to the present day.
The museum also houses a library of books and magazines on the history of ballroom dancing, as well as a selection of films and documentaries about the art form. There is also a cafe and gift shop on-site, offering a range of souvenirs and memorabilia.
The National Ballroom Dance Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history and culture of ballroom dancing in the UK. It is open seven days a week and admission is free.
2. Imperial War Museum North, Manchester
Imperial War Museum North, Manchester
The Imperial War Museum North in Manchester is an important cultural destination for anyone interested in the history of ballroom dancing in the UK. Located in the Trafford Park area of the city, the museum is home to a vast collection of artefacts and documents related to the history of ballroom dancing in Britain.
The museum has an interactive exhibition, ‘Dancing Through the War’, which explores the history of ballroom dancing in Britain during the First and Second World Wars. Visitors can learn about the dances popular during the time, the music that was played, and the social context in which ballroom dancing took place.
The museum also houses a library and archive, which contains a wealth of information about ballroom dancing in Britain. This includes a collection of books, photographs, documents, and other materials related to the history of ballroom dancing.
Events
The Imperial War Museum North also hosts a number of events related to ballroom dancing. These include lectures, workshops, and performances, which provide an opportunity to learn more about the history of ballroom dancing in Britain.
The museum also organises regular ballroom dance classes, which are open to all and provide an opportunity to learn the basics of ballroom dancing. The classes are taught by experienced instructors, and are suitable for both beginners and experienced dancers.
The Imperial War Museum North is a great place to visit to learn more about the history of ballroom dancing in Britain. It is a great resource for anyone interested in the history of this popular dance form.
3. National Museum of Dance, Scotland
3. National Museum of Dance, Scotland
The National Museum of Dance in Scotland is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the history of ballroom dancing in the UK. Located in the heart of Edinburgh, the museum houses a collection of artefacts, documents and photographs from the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as a range of interactive displays and activities.
The museum’s permanent exhibition, ‘Dancing Through Time’, takes visitors on a journey through the history of ballroom dancing, from the early days of the waltz and the polka to the modern day. Visitors can explore the development of the different dances, learn about the etiquette of the ballroom and discover the stories of the people who shaped the dance.
The museum also hosts a range of temporary exhibitions and events throughout the year, including lectures, workshops and performances. The National Museum of Dance also offers a range of educational programmes for schools and groups, as well as a range of resources for teachers.
Opening Hours
The National Museum of Dance is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm to 5pm. Admission is free.
4. The Royal Pavilion, Brighton
The Royal Pavilion, Brighton
The Royal Pavilion in Brighton is a unique and beautiful museum that celebrates the history of ballroom dancing in the UK. Built in the early 19th century, the building was originally used as a seaside resort for the Prince Regent, later King George IV.
The Royal Pavilion is a stunning example of Regency architecture, with its bright yellow and pink exterior and exotic interior. Inside, visitors can explore a range of galleries and exhibitions that tell the story of the development of ballroom dance in the UK.
The museum also houses a number of historic artifacts related to ballroom dancing, including costumes, paintings, and furniture. The Royal Pavilion also offers a range of interactive activities, such as dance classes and workshops, to help visitors explore the history of ballroom dance.
Visiting the Royal Pavilion
The Royal Pavilion is open to visitors all year round, with a range of tickets available to suit different budgets. Tickets can be purchased online or at the museum. The museum is located in the city centre of Brighton, and is easily accessible by public transport.
5. The People’s History Museum, Manchester
The People’s History Museum, Manchester
The People’s History Museum in Manchester is the UK’s national museum of democracy, telling the story of the struggle for social justice and equality in Britain. It also celebrates the history of ballroom dancing in the UK, with a permanent exhibition on the history of dance in Britain.
The museum’s ‘Dance: A Social History’ exhibition covers British dance from the 17th century to the present day, and includes a range of interactive displays and activities. Visitors can learn about the different styles of dance popular in Britain, and how they have developed over time. The exhibition also looks at the impact of ballroom dancing on society, and how it has been used to bring people together and express their emotions.
The museum also holds regular events, such as dance classes and lectures, to celebrate the history of ballroom dancing in Britain. It also has a range of resources available to help people explore the history of dance in Britain, including books, films, and photographs.
Visiting the People’s History Museum
The People’s History Museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm, with last admission at 4.30pm. Admission is free, although donations are welcome. The museum is located in the city centre of Manchester and is easily accessible by public transport.
6. The Black Country Living Museum, Dudley
The Black Country Living Museum, Dudley
The Black Country Living Museum in Dudley is a great place to explore the history of ballroom dancing in Britain. The museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the area, and it has a dedicated gallery to ballroom dancing. Visitors can explore the history of ballroom dancing in Britain, from its origins to its influence on modern dance styles.
The museum has a range of interactive exhibits, including a dance floor where visitors can practice their moves. There are also a range of displays and interactive activities, such as a ‘Dancing Through Time’ exhibition, which takes visitors on a journey through the history of ballroom dancing in Britain.
The museum also hosts a range of events and workshops, such as ballroom dance classes and demonstrations. Visitors can also take part in a range of activities, such as a ‘Step Up to the Plate’ dance challenge or a ‘Dance Around the World’ tour.
Opening Times and Prices
The Black Country Living Museum is open from 10am to 5pm, Monday to Sunday. Admission is £14.50 for adults, £12.50 for seniors and £8.50 for children.
7. The National Museum of Costume, Edinburgh
The National Museum of Costume, Edinburgh
The National Museum of Costume in Edinburgh is a unique and fascinating museum that celebrates the history of ballroom dance in the UK. Located in the heart of the city, the museum houses a collection of over 4,000 costumes, accessories, and textiles from the 18th century to the present day.
The museum offers a variety of exhibitions and displays which explore the history of ballroom dance in the UK, from the earliest days of the Regency period right up to the present day. Visitors can explore the evolution of the dance, from its beginnings in the courtly salons of the 18th century to its emergence as a popular pastime in the 19th century. The museum also features a number of interactive displays which allow visitors to try on a variety of costumes from different eras, as well as videos and audio recordings of dances from the past.
Highlights
The museum’s highlights include its extensive collection of costumes from the Regency period, which feature intricate embroidery and sumptuous fabrics. There are also a number of interactive displays which explore the development of the waltz, the minuet, the polka, and other popular dances of the period.
The museum also features a number of artworks which depict ballroom dances from the past, as well as a selection of photographs and engravings which provide a unique insight into the world of ballroom dancing.
The museum also offers a range of educational activities and workshops for visitors, including classes on the history of ballroom dance, as well as demonstrations of traditional dances. The museum also holds regular events and lectures on the history of ballroom dance in the UK.
8. The National Railway Museum, York
The National Railway Museum, York
The National Railway Museum in York is a must-visit for any enthusiast of ballroom dance history. Founded in 1975, the museum is home to a vast collection of locomotives, carriages, wagons, and other artifacts, as well as a wealth of information about the history of rail travel in Britain.
The museum’s collection includes a number of items related to the history of ballroom dancing in the UK. The museum houses a variety of costumes, photographs, and other memorabilia related to the development of ballroom dance in Britain. In addition, the museum also has a number of interactive displays that allow visitors to learn more about the history of ballroom dancing in Britain.
The museum also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year that celebrate the history of ballroom dance. These include lectures, workshops, and performances, as well as special exhibitions and demonstrations. Visitors can also take part in a range of activities, such as ballroom dance classes and competitions.
Opening Times
The National Railway Museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm, except on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Admission is free.
Location
The National Railway Museum is located at Leeman Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO26 4XJ.
9. The National Portrait Gallery, London
The National Portrait Gallery, London
The National Portrait Gallery in London is one of the most iconic museums in the United Kingdom. Housed in a stunning Victorian building, it houses a collection of portraits and sculptures of some of the most famous and influential people in British history.
The National Portrait Gallery is also home to a number of portraits of notable figures from the world of ballroom dance. These include portraits of the famous dancer and choreographer, Fred Astaire, and the renowned ballroom dance teacher and choreographer, Arthur Murray.
The National Portrait Gallery also has a number of sculptures of ballroom dancers, including a bust of the legendary dancer, Ginger Rogers.
Events and Exhibitions
The National Portrait Gallery regularly hosts a number of events and exhibitions dedicated to ballroom dance. These include lectures, workshops, and demonstrations, as well as exhibitions of artworks and photographs.
The National Portrait Gallery also hosts a number of annual ballroom dance competitions, which are open to the public and feature some of the best dancers in the UK.
Visiting
The National Portrait Gallery is open daily from 10am to 6pm, with late night openings on Thursdays and Fridays until 9pm. Admission is free, although some exhibitions may require a ticket.
10. The Victoria and Albert Museum, London
The Victoria and Albert Museum, London
The Victoria and Albert Museum in London is the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design, housing a permanent collection of over 4.5 million objects. It holds a vast collection of ballroom dance related items, from costumes and accessories to photographs and artworks.
The museum’s collection includes a range of objects from the 18th century onwards, including dance cards, fans, gloves, shoes, and even a dress worn by Queen Victoria. There is also a selection of photographs documenting the history of ballroom dance in Britain, from the Regency period to the present day.
The museum also hosts a variety of events to celebrate ballroom dance, such as exhibitions, lectures, and workshops. It is a great place to learn more about the history and culture of ballroom dancing in the UK.
Highlights
– Collection of ballroom dance related items, from costumes and accessories to photographs and artworks
– Selection of photographs documenting the history of ballroom dancing in Britain, from the Regency period to the present day
– Variety of events to celebrate ballroom dance, such as exhibitions, lectures, and workshops
