The Biggest British Dance Competitions
Posted: Mar 10 2016
After a decline in the 80s and 90s, dance has seen a resurgence in recent years and there are now more people than ever taking part in dance competitions across the UK. You don’t have to be the next Darcy Bussell or a budding Gene Kelly to take part. It’s all about self-expression and having fun, either as an individual, a group or as a couple.
Whatever you standard, or ambition, there are plenty of big dance competitions across the UK where you can easily get involved. And if you don’t have the moves that count, then you can simply go along and watch the spectacular performances on show.
The Great Big Dance Off
Getting kids involved in all aspects of dance, The Great British Dance Off is the only national school competition, catering for all styles of dance and all standards, from beginner to expert. It’s a way of building community, developing new skills and exploring the imagination. Kids go through regional heats to hit the final where competitors go into dance off against each other.
Strictly Come Dancing
No post about dance competitions could omit the daddy of them all, Strictly Come Dancing where various celebrities battle it out to impress a group of very grumpy judges. It is one of the most popular TV shows in the country and raises a lot of money for the Children in Need charity. Past winners have included cricketer Darren Gough and news presenter Natasha Kaplinsky.
The UK Dance Elite Championships
Aimed at all sorts of dance and open to anyone to apply and audition, the UK Dance Elite Championships is there simply to find the most talented dance act in the UK. Online auditions began in March and stretch to the end of June so if you want to get your chance under the glitter ball, you’ve only got a short time to work out your routine and strut your stuff.
Blackpool Dance Festival
Whether you want to take part or just want to watch the brilliant competitors weaving their magic, the 8 day Blackpool Dance Festival is still the world’s oldest and most well-known dance competition. Running since the 1920s it allows entrants from all age groups to compete in the sumptuous ballroom at the Winter Gardens.
The Open World Championships
If you want to see professional ballroom dancers in operation, it’s back to the Winter Gardens in Blackpool for the Open World Championships. Run by the Ballroom Dancers Federation, there’ll be plenty of emotion, passion and dancing excellence on view from the 20th November 2016.
The Big Dance
The Big Dance Weekend takes place on the 2nd and 3rd July and is aimed at getting everyone involved in strutting their funky stuff. It’s not exactly a competition but a nationwide event that makes everyone get up and prove their dancing credentials. It’s run by The Foundation for Community Dance and uses world class performers from across the globe to help energise local communities.
Of course, you won’t have to look too far if you want to get involved in competitive dancing. Most towns have their own groups where you can get involved, develop your dancing skills and join in the fun, no matter what your age.