​​Since its inception in 1999, with the blessing of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), the event has grown into one of the most respected celebrations of amateur ballroom dancing. The first Grand Finals were held in the iconic Tower Ballroom, Blackpool, before the event outgrew the venue and, eleven years later, moved to the world-famous Empress Ballroom, where it continues to flourish today.

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At the turn of the millennium, two people shared a vision of creating a truly special dance event in Blackpool.

As members of the ISTD Faculty, Richard Hunt and Nicky Miles presented their idea to the Society. While the ISTD rightly remained focused on its role as an examination board, it gave the project its support and blessing.

That encouragement led to the inaugural Grand Finals, held at the end of November 2000 in the Tower Ballroom.

 

The success of that first event quickly attracted attention. Dance schools across the country recognised the Grand Finals as an opportunity to inspire dancers and encourage ever-higher standards of performance. Combining technical excellence, sporting competition, and the unique atmosphere of Blackpool, the event established a reputation unlike any other - one that could proudly stand alongside similar competitions anywhere in the world.

 

The original vision was not only to create a prestigious championship but also to celebrate and help preserve Blackpool’s rich dance heritage. Through the commitment, passion, and dedication of teachers, organisers, volunteers, adjudicators, competitors, and supporters, the Blackpool Grand Finals has become one of the leading events of its kind, not only in the United Kingdom but also across the international dance community.

For every competitor, the opportunity to dance in the world-famous Empress Ballroom is an unforgettable experience.

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Over the years, many thousands of dancers have graced the Grand Finals floor, with the remarkable milestone of 100,000 competitors being reached in 2024. The event has continued to expand, welcoming an ever-growing number of dance schools and competitors from around the world, including countries as far afield as Barbados and Japan.

 

Our sincere thanks go to everyone who has given their time, enthusiasm, and expertise to make the Blackpool Grand Finals such a lasting success. We are especially grateful to DSI, whose valued support has been with us since the very beginning, and to the many teachers, organisers, adjudicators, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters who have helped shape the event over the past twenty-five years. Although many dance organisations now stage their own successful events, we remain grateful for the part they have played in our shared history and in the continued growth of ballroom dancing.

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Above all, thank you to every competitor, parent, teacher, and supporter. Your passion, commitment, and love of dance have created something truly extraordinary, and you remain at the very heart of the Blackpool Grand Finals.

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Today, the Blackpool Grand Finals continues to set standards that are unique within the dance world.

To mark its 25th anniversary, competitors enjoyed the privilege of being judged by twenty-five distinguished adjudicators each day. Those competing on Adult Finals Day also experienced the exceptional honour of dancing in competition to the world-renowned Empress Orchestra—a distinction that remains unrivalled by any other ballroom dance event of this nature.