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Blackpool
Dance Festival
The British Open Championships
May
2008
Blackpool is still regarded by many as the Mecca of dancing,
and being crowned “Blackpool Champion” is one of the highest aspirations of any dancer. In 2008 there were 1863
couples from 68 countries represented. The Empress Orchestra creates an incredible atmosphere and the whole
experience is just uniquely “Blackpool”
The Festival started in 1920, back then with only 3 dances,
Waltz, Two Step and Foxtrot and all couples danced the same routines. Home of the event is the magnificent Empress
Ballroom in the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.
The Modern Ballroom and Latin American hadn’t evolved yet.
There was an increasing interest in Modern Ballroom and gradually the style changed. Interestingly, Viennese Waltz
is still not part of the event.
The Festival evolved into a truly international event in the
1950’s, which saw the beginning of the influx of foreign competitors.
Amateur Latin American style dancing wasn’t introduced into the Festival until 1961 and the Professional category
added in 1962.
There are two invitational events, an Exhibition Competition, and the Professional Teams Match, added in 1968. Both
these events have proven very popular with spectators.
Traditionally, the event is
judged by and all English panel, 2004 being the only year international adjudicators judged.
2005 saw the introduction of new categories, the British Rising Star Amateur Ballroom and Latin
Competition.
Links:
http://www.blackpooldancefestival.com/history.htm
http://dancingpower.blogspot.com/2009/05/blackpool-dance-festival-history-ii.html
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