Welcome to the world of tanning, rhinestones, and high heels- even for the men. Welcome to “behind the scenes” ruthless political maneuvering where the judges are the true deciders of every dancer’s fate. This beautifully gilded ballroom is where every audience member can momentarily feel like an Emperor of Rome and give either a thumbs up or a thumbs down to the competitors below. Even if you are just a mere spectator, you are in some form a judge, helping shape the dancers’ destiny and most assuredly everyone who attends this celebrated and distinguished annual event has an opinion.

Welcome to the Empress Gardens, in Blackpool, England, home of the most prestigious ballroom competition on earth. Welcome to the gladiator pit of ballroom dancing.

The setting is Blackpool the Wimbledon of Dance. Blackpool is to ballroom dancers what Wimbledon is to tennis. You can even win world championships, but until you have conquered Blackpool you have not fully made your mark on dance history.

The stakes are deliriously high, On this renowned dance floor lays the sacrificial altar which devours, decides, and determines the future of every ballroom dancer’s dream. To the winner goes fame, riches, travel, and lifelong status. For everyone else, there is only hope for next year.