What is That's Showbiz?

That's Showbiz is a national group dance competition in the UK, run by Dance Design Events. Schools take part in Main Season qualifiers and Blackpool Finals, one-day TSB Experience events, and That's Showbiz International trips abroad.

Who can enter a That's Showbiz competition?

Dance schools and studios enter groups of dancers through the Showbiz Portal. Age sections run from 7 & under through to 18 & over, plus Adult and Mixed sections, and schools are seeded into the Spotlight, Elevate or Prestige competition levels.

Where are the That's Showbiz finals held?

That's Showbiz finals are held at Blackpool, with qualifiers taking place at venues across the UK.

Why do dance schools choose That's Showbiz?

Dance schools choose That's Showbiz for its professional adjudication panel, well-organised qualifiers and Blackpool Finals, and 15 years of running group dance competitions across the UK. Schools compete in four genres across three levels, from Spotlight for developing schools to Prestige for experienced schools.

How are That's Showbiz qualifiers judged?

Every qualifier is scored by professional adjudicators with backgrounds in West End theatre, television, ballet and commercial dance. Judges mark each routine across choreography, technique and performance, giving schools expert feedback at one of the UK's best-run dance competitions.

Can beginner dance schools enter?

Yes. The Spotlight level is for developing schools and is designed as a welcoming first step onto the competition stage, alongside the Elevate and Prestige levels for more experienced schools.

Which dance styles can schools enter?

That's Showbiz groups compete across four genres: Classic (ballet, lyrical, contemporary and national), Modern (jazz, tap, musical theatre, song & dance), Hip (street, hip hop, commercial) and Open (acro, Latin, cheer & pom and multi-genre routines).

Is Madrid 2027 still going ahead?

No — registration for Madrid 2027 has closed and places are no longer available for that trip. That's Showbiz International returns to Parque Warner Madrid in 2028, and interest registration for 2028 is open.

How do I register interest for Madrid 2028?

Register your interest through the That's Showbiz International page at https://thatsshowbiz.co.uk/International. Dates, packages and booking steps for Madrid 2028 are emailed to that interest list first.

Where does That's Showbiz International take place?

That's Showbiz International takes place at Parque Warner Madrid in Spain, inside the park's Teatro Chino theatre. Packages include park access across the event days.

When was That's Showbiz founded?

That's Showbiz was founded in 2011 and is run by Dance Design Events.

Our Story: 15 Years of That's Showbiz Dance Competition

That's Showbiz began in 2011 with a simple idea: give dance school groups a competition that feels like a real show.

Where It Started

Founded by Jenni Owens and run by Dance Design Events, That's Showbiz was built around groups. Every routine performs on a fully produced stage, and every school is treated as a partner.

Growing Year by Year

Over 15 years, That's Showbiz has grown into the UK's national group dance competition, with qualifiers across the country and National Finals at Blackpool Opera House.

Still a Family Business

We're still a family business at heart. Many of the schools we work with have been with us for years, and we're proud to welcome new ones every season.

What's Next

Our story keeps going, from new qualifiers and The Experience to our international events.

More about us

That's Showbiz is the UK's national group dance competition, run by Dance Design Events and working directly with dance schools and studios across the country.

15 Years of That's Showbiz: Our Story

Where It Started

Growing Year by Year

Still a Family Business

What's Next

Frequently Asked Questions

When was That's Showbiz founded?

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Why Dance School Principals Choose That's Showbiz