Under the Scope

 Back to DanceSport

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.net/

http://dancingpower.blogspot.com/2009/05/blackpool-dance-festival-history-ii.html