The Imperial Hotel, Blackpool, England

The Blackpool Festival

Beginning in 1920 (with 5 years off during the war years), "Blackpool", as it is referred to by DanceSport athletes, is presented annually during the last week of May. It is held at the 100 year old Victorian Empress Ballroom of The Winter Gardens in the seaside resort of Blackpool, England.

To present one's dancing on the massive wood floor to live orchestral musinc, filling every inch of the two balconies and high arched ceiling, in front of 4000+ spectators on an evening is the fulfillment of a dream for most every dance couple from the 30 or more countries that attend each year.

The British Open Championship titles, in various competition categories, are the most sought after and revered in the world of DanceSport. The year 2000 marked the 75th anniversary of this week-long festival. It is not unlike the "Wimbledon" of DanceSport. Although not the World Chammpionships, because of the prestige earned by this long-running event, it is often referred to as "The Championships of the World".