A BBC show that gives views a behind-the-scenes look at Blackpool Dance Festival will air tonight (August 29).
Blackpool’s Dance Fever, produced by former Strictly Come Dancing champ Stacey Dooley, is the behind-the-scenes story of Latin and ballroom dancing in Blackpool and also a front-row seat to see how Strictly stars are born.
Once a year, the best ballroom and Latin dancers from across the globe quickstep their way to Britain’s very own Blackpool, to take part in the most prestigious competition - the British Open Championships at the Blackpool Dance Festival.
For nearly 100 years it has been one of Britain’s best kept secrets but this time the BBC has been invited to join in.
Along the way we meet some of the Latin dancers preparing for this year’s Blackpool, like south Londoners Oskar Odiakosa and Lauren Claydon.
An accountant and estate agent by day, at night they transform into sizzling samba dancers.
Speaking about the show, Lauren said: “We were so excited when we were first approached by the World Dance Council to take part in the show.
“Initially we wondered how it would be possible to condense the entire process into one show.
“ However, any opportunity to shine a light on the dance world is an honour, particularly given that we are a mixed heritage couple, which you don’t often see.”
Oskar said Blackpool is an iconic town for dancers and says this competition is important to the community.
He said: “If you think of every other sporting event, football has it’s World Cup, tennis has Wimbledon.
“It's dancing’s most iconic competition because it has that legacy, and it doesn't matter if you're a dance competitor, dance enthusiast, or you’ve just watched Strictly, when you mention Blackpool, everyone knows immediately what you're talking about.
“It's so associated with ballroom dancing, and I think because of the history of the competition, everyone wants to win that competition, and to be there taking part.”
Rebecca and Lloyd from Wales are competing against Tal and Ilana from New Jersey - all desperate to be finalists in the Amateur Latin competition. And South African Darren and his Ukranian girlfriend Marina want a top place in the Professional Latin event - the crème de la crème.
Dancers from more than 60 countries have come to the seaside town, bringing passion and glamour, tears, triumphs and tribulations. Not to mention gallons of fake tan and hair spray.
The show follow them and their dreams to Blackpool, to see exactly what it takes to become the very best. Once these guys swing their hips, nothing is going to stand in their way, not even stiletto-stabbed ankles or double hip surgery.
Blackpool’s ballroom and Latin heritage is a Great British success story. The iconic ballrooms at the Winter Gardens and the Tower have inspired dancers for more than a century.
Just as Blackpool’s has worldwide renown when it comes to dancing, so do British coaches, who work behind the scenes to prepare dancers for Blackpool.
We meet 16-times world champion Donnie Burns, from Scotland, known as the King of Latin. Dancers from around the world flock to his LA home for lessons.
Fellow Brit, Richard Porter, teaches in Florida and even coached Strictly Stars like James Jordan, Neil Jones and Katya and Amy Dowden.
Blackpool’s Dance Fever is an insightful and thrilling glimpse into an iconic and little-known world.
Blackpool Dance Fever airs Monday August 29 at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
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