The idea of the original Blackpool Dance Festival was conjured up by Mr. Harry Wood, the Musical Director of the Winter Gardens and Mr. Nelson Sharples of Messrs Sharples & Son Ltd., the music publishers of Blackpool, where the first Blackpool Dance Festival made an impression in the Winter Gardens in 1920. The festival was specifically devoted to three dance competitions -- Waltz, Two Step and Foxtrot. Dancers would compete in competitions for three days, on the fourth a winner would be chosen and the inventor of the dance would be presented with the Sharples Challenge Shield. 

Almost 100 years later, the second Blackpool Dance Festival has made its way over to Shanghai, China. The festival just ended and was held at the magnificent Baoshan Sports Centre in Shanghai. It ran from the 17th to the 22nd of August and boasted the very best international dance competitors. 


This year the China Blackpool Dance Festival  introduced a junior dancers discipline for the first time. Music was provided by the  impressive Empress Orchestra under the Musical Direction of Mr Ashley Frolick and dancers experienced the magic of dancing to live orchestrated music, a rare luxury not common with todays competitions.

Mr Wang Yichuan, Director of Culture Bureau of Baoshan District, Shanghai, and Ms. Ma and Mr Fang, Vice Director were keen to offer their support, stating they wish to introduce and encourage more cultural events to the region, praising the Festival's inspiring work.

During the last couple of decades, Ballroom dancing has become a popular business and passion in China; the interest has attracted the governments to provide the drive to citizens to lead a healthier lifestyle, and engage in dance. With over 50 million people now registered as ballroom dancers, the increase in Chinese participants at the Blackpool Dance Festival has risen drastically, eager to compete year after year.



Check out the Professional Latin Final at China Blackpool 2016