Blackpool Capital of Dance

Blackpool is the UK’s Capital of Dance and every year throughout July, you can enjoy dance performances, workshops and parties! With over 180 dance related events throughout July, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a dance fan taking your first steps, or a trained professional!

It’s the world’s first, month-long, fringe festival dedicated to dance, movement and physical theatre. Enjoy live shows, street performances, workshops and social dance, from ballroom elegance to contemporary groove!

Capital of Dance

Following a successful pilot event last year, Capital of Dance returns as an annual fixture in Blackpool’s event calendar from the 1st-31st July. The festival was borne out of Blackpool’s unrivalled heritage in dance dating back to the late 1890’s. Then, hundreds of people travelled to the resort to dance on the pier. From the early 1900’s onwards, ‘dance trains’ brought thousands of people to Blackpool.

They tripped the light fantastic in the resorts two spectacular dance spaces: the Empress Ballroom and the Tower Ballroom. Both venues continue to welcome dozens of national and international dance competitions throughout the year. For every Strictly professional dancer, ‘getting to Blackpool’ still remains the annual aspiration.

Whether you prefer to participate or watch, dance enthusiasts, professionals and wannabes can enjoy this celebration of all dance genres.

Blackpool’s dance heritage dates back to the late 1800’s. With two of the most spectacular dance venues in the world, The Empress and The Tower Ballroom, the world’s longest running ice dance show at Pleasure Beach Arena, and over 60 dance related events and competitions throughout the year. Nowhere else can stake its claim as the nation’s dance capital.

Highlights of the Capital of Dance Festival

Dance Marathon Week (5-11th July) provides the opportunity from 12 noon daily to dance where the sky meets the sea, outdoors in the sunshine with the backdrop of the world-famous Blackpool Tower. Take a look at all the events here

🔥 Salsa Tropical Dance Company – Tuesday 8 July, 1pm & 3pm
In partnership with British DanceSport Association, join Maria & Tsvetan for vibrant salsa workshops and demos.

🌍 One World Orchestra UK – Wednesday 9 July, 2pm
A powerful musical journey blending global rhythms – from salsa to Zimbabwean harmonies – in an interactive live workshop.

🌊 Out of the Deep Blue – Thursday 10 July, 1pm & 3pm
From Autin Dance Theatre, Eko the Sea Giant meets young Violet in a stunning, family-friendly tale of empathy and imagination.

🪩 And for the big finish… on Friday 11 July, 2pm – Help us break the unofficial world record for the Largest Disco Dance, led by the King of Disco, Lionel Vinyl! We’ll be attempting to break the Largest Disco Dance world record and everyone is welcome to the Comedy Carpet at 2pm, where Lionel Vinyl will host the greatest disco party ever!

There will be live shows, Strictly workshops with Flavia Cacace, street dance battles and a Salsa party! There’ll also be silent discos on the promenade daily throughout that week.

More about Blackpool Capital of Dance

Capital of Dance was created by Martin and Marina Blore, Lytham based festival and theatre show producers. They’ve set up the Blackpool Dance Board Community Interest Company to promote the resort as the UK’s go to place for all things relating to dance or physical theatre.