High Peak's En Pointe Dancers Shine at Blackpool Tower Ballroom Youth Event
When En Pointe School of Dancing, a High Peak‑based studio that trains kids from five to sixteen, stepped onto the historic floor of the Blackpool Tower Ballroom on Thursday, February 1, 2024, the room seemed to hold its breath.
Their mission was simple: compete in the Youth Events category of The Open Worlds Ballroom Dance Event. The stakes were high, the audience ranged from £30‑ticket families to £150‑ticket patrons, and the schedule ran from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm each day. For a troupe of beginners, dancing side‑by‑side with seasoned international talent was a milestone worth a headline.
Why Blackpool Tower Ballroom Matters
The venue, perched on the Ground Floor of the Blackpool Tower in Lancashire, England, has hosted world‑class ballroom contests since the 1930s. Its mirrored walls and sprung floor are practically a rite of passage for anyone serious about Latin or Standard styles. When King Charles III's coronation team match was added to the 2024 programme, the ballroom’s profile surged even higher.
Historically, the Open Worlds series rotates between a handful of iconic halls, but Blackpool earned a second consecutive year in 2024 after a record‑breaking 2023 edition that drew competitors from over 30 countries.
Inside the Two‑Day Youth Competition
Thursday and Friday were earmarked for Equality and Youth Events. En Pointe entered three age brackets – 5‑7, 8‑12 and 13‑16 – each performing a short Standard routine followed by a Latin combo. Judges scored on technique, musicality and partnership, using the same 100‑point scale as the professional heats.
- Age range of participants: 5 to 16 years.
- Ticket prices: £30 (general admission) to £150 (premium balcony).
- Number of nations in the coronation match: 10.
While the official result sheet hasn’t been released, the school’s director, Emma Cartwright, told the Buxton Advertiser that the youngsters “held their own against seasoned peers and earned several commendations for floorcraft.”
Voices from the Floor
“It’s a privilege to see these kids in a venue that’s practically a legend in the dance world,” said James Asher, a former British Ballroom champion who served as an adjudicator. “The technical precision they displayed at such a young age is encouraging for the future of British dance.”
Parents in the audience echoed the sentiment. One mother, Lucy Bradley, noted, “My twelve‑year‑old came home buzzing. She says the ballroom’s ceiling feels like it’s cheering her on.”
What This Means for High Peak and UK Dance
High Peak, a district better known for its scenic dales than its dance studios, gains national exposure each time its students take the stage at a world‑class event. Local councilor Mark Spencer highlighted the achievement during a council meeting, remarking that “supporting arts education here can ripple out to tourism, community health and beyond.”
From a broader perspective, the Open Worlds’ emphasis on youth categories aligns with the UK Dance Sport Federation’s strategic plan to double junior participation by 2028. The federation’s recent report cites events like Blackpool as catalysts for geographic diversification of talent.
Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
The Open Worlds organization has already announced that the 2025 edition will return to Blackpool, featuring a new Professional Latin showdown. Names like Nino Langella and Andra Vaidilaite are slated to compete, bringing scores that topped 85 points in the previous year.
For En Pointe, the experience is already shaping the next season’s curriculum. Cartwright confirmed plans to introduce advanced Latin combos and a mentorship program linking youth dancers with senior competitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does participation in The Open Worlds benefit young dancers?
Competing on a world‑stage exposes students to higher performance standards, encourages cross‑cultural exchange, and often leads to scholarships or further coaching opportunities. In En Pointe’s case, several participants reported increased confidence and faster skill progression after the event.
What age groups are allowed in the Youth Events?
The Open Worlds Youth category accepts dancers from five up to sixteen years old, divided into three brackets: 5‑7, 8‑12 and 13‑16. Each bracket competes separately for technical and artistic awards.
Where can spectators buy tickets for future Open Worlds events?
Tickets are sold through the official Open Worlds website (theopenworlds.dance) and at the Blackpool Tower box office. Prices typically range from £30 for standard seating to £150 for premium balcony views, with discounts for students and groups.
Will the Blackpool Tower Ballroom host other major dance competitions?
Yes. Besides the Open Worlds series, the venue regularly hosts the British National Championships, the World Dance Council’s annual gala, and various regional showcases, making it a hub for both amateur and professional ballroom dance.
How can a dance school apply to compete at the Open Worlds?
Schools must register through the Open Worlds portal by the early‑fall deadline, submit video auditions for each age bracket, and pay an entry fee that varies by category. Acceptance is based on technical proficiency and adherence to the event’s safeguarding policies.
