The Big One! Go Gary & Jackie...The British National Championships 2017

Strictly's Blackpool Tower weekend coincides with arguably the biggest competition of the year, The British National Championships 2017. In interviews the Pro's and celebrity's (Ed Balls and Aljaž last year for example) often mention they have popped "next door" to the Winter Gardens to watch THE top current dancers. Well this year we have a vested interest as Gary and Jackie will be competing! We have everything crossed for you!!!

The Festival covers three days and takes place in the beautiful Empress Ballroom at the Winter Gardens. The Juveniles and Juniors dance on the Saturday afternoon and early evening

Every year the Festival attracts more competitors, in 2016 the total number of entries was 511 and 11 Formation Teams, with many more spectators.

The first Blackpool Dance Festival was held during Easter week in 1920 in the magnificent Empress Ballroom in the Winter Gardens. Modern Ballroom (‘English Style’) and Latin American dances had not yet evolved and this Festival was devoted to three competitions to find three new Sequence Dances in three tempos – Waltz, Two Step and Foxtrot.

Possibly the event which has the greatest crowd appeal is the annual Professional Invitation Team Match, which started in 1968 and continues to this day. It started with two teams, Germany and Great Britain, dancing ten dances but for many years there have been four teams invited. Teams from Germany, Japan, Italy, USA, Australia, Russia and Scandinavia have danced in this Team Match. Neutral judges are always invited to adjudicate this event.

Everyone at the Studio wishes team GB and especially Gary and Jackie the best of luck xxxx