What Is the Best Dance Competition in the UK for Dance Schools?

Every year, dance schools across the UK ask the same question.

Which dance competition should we enter this season?

With limited rehearsal time, travel costs and dancers putting in real work, choosing the right competition matters.

The best competitions create a journey for dancers to work towards, starting at a national qualifier and building all the way to a major final.

That's Showbiz is a national group dance competition for schools across the UK, with qualifier events held around the country and national finals staged at one of the UK's most iconic theatres.

Here are a few things we believe matter most when choosing a UK dance competition, and how we try to deliver them at That's Showbiz.

Friendly, Welcoming and Open to Everyone

Dance competitions should feel exciting and supportive.

Whether a school is entering their first competition or performs regularly throughout the season, dancers should feel welcome from the moment they arrive.

At That's Showbiz, creating a friendly and positive atmosphere has always been a big part of what we do. Teachers often tell us the environment is one of the main reasons they return year after year.

Our events are open to:

• All dance styles
• All ages
• All experience levels

Every school should feel like they belong on the stage.

Qualifier Events Across the UK

The That's Showbiz season begins with national qualifier events across the UK.

These competitions give dance schools the opportunity to perform, compete and, if successful, qualify for one of our national finals.

Holding qualifiers across the country makes it easier for schools to take part without long travel. Many teachers enjoy building their season around a qualifier before heading to the finals later in the year.

It creates something exciting for dancers to work towards.

15 Years of Experience

That's Showbiz has been running since 2011, giving us over 15 years of experience delivering dance competitions.

During that time we have welcomed thousands of dancers and dance schools from across the UK.

Each season we continue to improve our events by listening to feedback from teachers and dancers. Our goal is always the same: to create competitions that are well organised, fair and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Perform on Theatre Stages

The venue can completely change the experience for dancers.

Our qualifier events take place in professional performance venues, while our National Finals are held at the iconic Blackpool Opera House.

For many dancers, stepping onto a theatre stage like this is a moment they never forget. After months of rehearsals, performing in a real theatre makes the achievement feel even more special.

Fair Competition Levels

Our qualifiers are real competitions where results matter.

However, what makes That's Showbiz different is how we structure the levels. Instead of asking schools to guess which level they belong in, our judges assess every routine and place it into the most appropriate category.

These levels include:

• Shine
• Spotlight
• Elevate
• Prestige

This ensures routines compete against others of a similar standard, creating fair and exciting competition for everyone.

What Makes a Good Dance Competition for Schools?

If you're choosing a dance competition for your school, here are a few things worth considering:

• A well organised timetable
• Clear communication from organisers
• A welcoming atmosphere
• Fair judging and competition levels
• Professional venues and staging

A great competition should feel like more than just a single day. It should be something dancers remember.

Are Dance Competitions Good for Young Dancers?

The right competition can be incredibly positive for young performers.

Dance competitions can help dancers:

• Build confidence on stage
• Work towards goals as a team
• Gain performance experience
• Celebrate achievements together

The key is choosing competitions that balance healthy competition with a supportive environment.

How Do National Dance Competitions Work?

Most national dance competitions follow a similar structure. Schools begin by performing at qualifier events. Successful routines then progress to national finals, where they compete against other routines from across the country.

At That's Showbiz, the journey looks like this:

National Qualifiers → Level Placement → National Finals

It gives dancers a clear goal and something exciting to work towards during the season.

Why So Many Schools Choose That's Showbiz

Schools return because they enjoy the experience.

A welcoming atmosphere. Well organised events. Fair competition. And the chance to perform on fantastic stages.

That's what we've been building for the past 15 years, and we're proud to keep growing the competition each season.

Interested in entering your school into a national dance competition in the UK?

Download the That's Showbiz Information Pack or contact our team for more details about upcoming qualifiers. You can also get in touch via email or WhatsApp if you have any questions about entering your dancers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best dance competition in the UK?

Many dance schools look for competitions that offer fair judging, professional venues and a welcoming atmosphere. That's Showbiz is one of the UK's national group dance competitions with qualifiers across the country and finals at the Blackpool Opera House.

How do dance competitions work for schools?

Most competitions begin with qualifier events where routines are judged. Successful routines progress to national finals where they compete against other schools.

Can beginner dance schools enter competitions?

Yes. Many competitions, including That's Showbiz, welcome dancers of all experience levels and offer categories that allow beginner and developing schools to take part.