Since 1920, the Blackpool Dance Festival has been held every year at the Winter Gardens, except during wartime. It’s one of the oldest dance festivals in the world. What started off focusing on ballroom dancing with styles like the waltz, tango, and foxtrot, eventually grew to include Latin dances like the cha-cha, samba, rumba, paso doble, and jive. What began as mainly a British event has now turned into a major international competition, drawing dancers from all over the world. Often called the ‘Wimbledon of Ballroom Dancing,’ winning at Blackpool is seen as the highest achievement in the dance world. Known for its high standards in judging and organization, the judges are usually former champions and highly respected figures in the dance community. The festival features both amateur and professional categories, allowing dancers at different stages in their careers to compete. Competitions are held across various age groups, from juveniles to seniors, and include formation teams where groups of dancers perform choreographed routines.
The Blackpool Dance Festival has become a major gathering for the global dance community, offering workshops, lectures, and social events alongside the competitions. It gets a lot of media coverage, helping to popularize ballroom dancing around the world. Many legendary dancers have made their mark at Blackpool, with their victories remembered as historic milestones in the dance world. The festival has often been a showcase for new trends and innovations in ballroom dancing, influencing dance styles and techniques globally. With its long history and esteemed reputation, the Blackpool Dance Festival remains a celebrated event in the dance calendar, drawing thousands of participants and spectators each year.
