THE EVENT
An Evening of
Celebration & Glamour
After 15 years of producing That's Showbiz, Dance Design Events created a special night to honour the people who make UK dance extraordinary. This is an evening of pure glamour, recognition, and celebration — where the dance industry comes together to recognise talent, dedication, and inspiration.
DATE
28 November 2026
VENUE
Aintree Racecourse
DRESS CODE
Black Tie
THE CATEGORIES
Award Categories
Dance School of the Year
Recognising outstanding excellence across performance, teaching, and community impact.
Small Dance School of the Year
Celebrating exceptional achievement from smaller, emerging dance schools.
Rising Dance School
Honouring a school demonstrating rapid growth and exceptional progress.
Choreographer of the Year
Recognising innovative and outstanding group choreography.
Rising Choreographer
Celebrating emerging talent in choreography and creative direction.
Inspirational Teacher Award
Honouring an educator who has made an exceptional impact on their students.
Additional & Special Recognition Awards
Additional awards presented at the discretion of our judging panel.
NOMINATIONS
How to be Nominated
01
Nominations Open
Public nominations open in February 2027 via ShowbizAwards.co.uk. Anyone in the UK dance community may submit a nomination.
02
Panel Review
Our judging panel reviews all submissions and creates a shortlist of nominees across each category.
03
Finalists Announced
Finalists are announced publicly. Schools and individuals are notified directly.
04
The Gala Night
Winners are revealed at the black-tie gala. All finalists are invited to attend the celebration.
ELIGIBILITY
Open to all UK-based dance schools, teachers, choreographers, and community organisations. Nominees must be active within the UK dance industry.
TIMELINE
Key Dates
2026 GALA NIGHT
November 2026
Aintree Racecourse — tickets on sale now for finalists
NOMINATIONS OPEN
February 2027
Public nominations open at ShowbizAwards.co.uk
FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
Summer 2027
Shortlisted nominees notified and announced publicly
2027 GALA NIGHT
Autumn 2027
Date and venue to be confirmed