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British Dance Council
The British Dance Council was formed in 1929 as the Official Board of Ballroom Dancing (OBBD). The name was subsequently changed in 1985 to the British Council of Ballroom Dancing and, again in 1996, the name was changed to British Dance Council.
The British Dance Council extends its warmest wishes to the organisers and everyone taking part in this year’s British Sequence Championships As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of sequence dancing in the Empress Ballroom.
This year the BDC will be continuing to sponsor the Juvenile 3 Dance Competition at the Blackpool Sequence Festival as part of the ‘Investing in the Future Scheme’
Good Luck 🍀
#britishdancecouncil #bdc #sequencedance #dance #blackpoolsequencefestival #investinginthefuture #goodluck #guidingbritishdancingtogreatness #unity4britishdancing
ADFP Promoters and Chairpersons meetings – Tuesday 14th October 2025
Dear Freestyle Members
Due to unforeseen circumstances, it is with regret that ADFP have postponed today’s meetings.
We will be in touch in the near future with alternative dates,
Kind regards
The British Dance Council
BLACK HISTORY MONTH - October 2025
Black heritage has had a profound influence on ballroom and Latin dance, shaping their rhythms, movements, and cultural significance. In ballroom, African American dancers helped popularize styles like the Lindy Hop and Jitterbug in the early 20th century, bringing energetic footwork and improvisation that influenced swing and competitive ballroom styles. In Latin dance, Afro-Caribbean traditions—rooted in African rhythms, percussion, and body movements—played a foundational role in dances like Salsa, Rumba and Cha Cha, all of which trace back to the African diaspora in the Caribbean. This rich heritage infused the dances with soulful expression, syncopated rhythms, and vibrant storytelling.
SAMBA
Black heritage has been central to the development of Samba, both culturally and artistically. Samba originated in Afro-Brazilian communities, particularly among descendants of enslaved Africans in Bahia, and later evolved in Rio de Janeiro. It blends African rhythms, drumming, and dance traditions with Portuguese and Indigenous influences.
RUMBA
Rumba originated in Afro-Cuban communities in the 19th century, particularly among descendants of displaced African communities. It evolved from African dance traditions mixed with Spanish colonial influences.
The polyrhythmic drumming central to rumba comes directly from West African music, especially the traditions of the Yoruba and Congo peoples.
Rumba features grounded, fluid movements, body isolations, and expressive hips—all characteristics of African dance aesthetics.Traditional rumba often tells stories or acts out flirtation, tension, and passion—reflecting African dance as a form of social and emotional expressions
CHA CHA
Developed in Cuba in the 1950s, Cha-Cha evolved from Danzón and Mambo, both of which were also heavily influenced by African rhythms. The distinctive "cha-cha-cha" rhythm is a syncopated pattern rooted in Afro-Cuban percussion—especially the use of clave rhythms that underpin much of Latin music.
While more structured in ballroom form, Cha-Cha still incorporates hip action and isolated footwork—elements derived from African dance.
The African legacy of rhythmic innovation and improvisation heavily shaped the musical styles that inspired the dance.
Black History Month - October 2025
Black heritage has had a profound influence on ballroom and Latin dance, shaping their rhythms, movements, and cultural significance. In ballroom, African American dancers helped popularize styles like the Lindy Hop and Jitterbug in the early 20th century, bringing energetic footwork and improvisation that influenced swing and competitive ballroom styles. In Latin dance, Afro-Caribbean traditions—rooted in African rhythms, percussion, and body movements—played a foundational role in dances like Samba, Rumba and Cha Cha, all of which trace back to the African diaspora in the Caribbean. This rich heritage infused the dances with soulful expression, syncopated rhythms, and vibrant storytelling.
Ross Mitchell has performed for over 40 years as the hugely popular band leader of the Ross Mitchell Band and Singers at the International and United Kingdom Dance Festivals. Last night, he took his final curtain call at the magnificent Royal Albert Hall during the illustrious International Championships.
It was a spectacular and memorable night, as the whole audience took to their feet to applaud a true legend for his service and dedication to his music and the dancing community. It was a fitting moment of respect and appreciation from the dance world, showing the impact that Ross has had on dancers over generations.
The British Dance Council wish to thank Ross for his years of service and the imprint he has left on the history of dancing.
