Dance Competitions UK – A Guide for Dance Schools

Every year dance schools across the UK begin planning their competition season.

One of the first questions teachers ask is simple. Which dance competitions should we enter this year?

There are many dance competitions across the UK, all offering slightly different experiences. Some are stand-alone events, while others form part of a national competition season.

Understanding how competitions work can help dance teachers choose the right events for their dancers. This guide explains how dance competitions in the UK work, the different formats available, and how national competitions like That's Showbiz create a season dancers can work towards.

What Are Dance Competitions?

Dance competitions are events where dance schools perform routines in front of professional judges.

Judges assess routines based on several elements including:

• Technique
• Performance
• Choreography
• Musicality
• Overall presentation

At the end of the competition dancers receive awards, placements and recognition for their performances.

For many dancers, competitions provide the opportunity to perform on stage, build confidence and celebrate their achievements with their team.

Different Types of Dance Competitions in the UK

Across the UK there are many different types of dance competitions.

Some competitions focus heavily on solo, duo and trio categories, while others are inspired by American-style events, where judges give live feedback directly after performances.

Other competitions follow a more traditional format, where dancers perform throughout the day and awards are presented at the end, sometimes with written feedback shared privately with schools afterwards.

Each competition format creates a slightly different experience for dancers and teachers.

How That's Showbiz Is Different

That's Showbiz is designed as a national group dance competition system.

Rather than focusing mainly on individual categories, the competition is built around group routines and a structured national season. The journey begins with national qualifier events held across the UK.

At these qualifiers, routines are assessed by the judging panel and placed into the appropriate level of the competition:

• Shine
• Spotlight
• Elevate
• Prestige

This system means routines compete against others of a similar standard, helping create fair and meaningful competition throughout the season.

Successful routines then progress to the That's Showbiz National Finals, performed on the famous Blackpool Opera House stage. Instead of being just a single competition day, it becomes a national dance competition journey that dancers work towards throughout the year.

15 Years of Experience

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

During that time thousands of dancers and dance schools have taken part in the competition. Each season the event continues to evolve while maintaining the things teachers value most:

• Professional organisation
• Fair judging
• A welcoming atmosphere
• High quality venues

For many schools it has become a highlight of their dance calendar.

Performing on Theatre Stages

The venue can make a huge difference to the competition experience.

That's Showbiz qualifiers take place in professional performance venues, while the national finals are held at the iconic Blackpool Opera House.

For many dancers, performing on a professional theatre stage like this becomes a moment they remember for years. After months of rehearsals, stepping onto a major stage makes the experience even more special.

Why Dance Competitions Matter for Dancers

Dance competitions provide valuable performance experience.

They allow dancers to:

• Perform in front of a live audience
• Work towards a shared goal as a team
• Build confidence on stage
• Celebrate their achievements

When competitions are run well they create positive and memorable experiences for dancers and teachers alike.

Choosing the Right Competition for Your School

Every dance school is different.

Some schools look for competitions that are beginner-friendly, while others want a structured national season with finals to work towards. When planning your competition season it can help to consider:

• The experience level of your dancers
• Travel distance to events
• Venue quality
• Competition structure
• Overall atmosphere

Finding the right competition can make the experience far more rewarding for dancers.

Final Thoughts

Dance competitions play an important role in the UK dance community.

They bring dancers together, provide performance opportunities and allow schools to celebrate their work on stage. Whether it's a dancer's first competition or a national final performance, the right event can become a highlight of the season.

If you are looking for a national group dance competition in the UK, you can learn more about That's Showbiz qualifiers and finals by downloading the information pack or contacting the team for more details.

Schools can also get in touch via email or WhatsApp if they have any questions about entering.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are dance competitions in the UK?

Dance competitions are events where dance schools perform routines in front of judges and receive awards based on their performances.

How do dance competition qualifiers work?

Dance schools perform at qualifier events where judges assess routines. Successful routines then progress to national finals later in the season.

Can beginner dance schools enter competitions?

Yes. Many dance competitions welcome schools of different experience levels and provide categories suitable for both developing and experienced dancers.