Curators are diligently working to “unlock the secrets” held within an extensive archive that chronicles over a century of ballroom dancing in the renowned Lancashire seaside town of Blackpool. The Blackpool Dance Festival, inaugurated in 1920, is preparing for its centenary celebration, poised to welcome professional dancers from across the globe to the iconic Empress Ballroom.
Tom Carter, the heritage officer at Blackpool’s Showtown Museum, granted a rare preview of some of the historical items under his stewardship. He described the experience of engaging with these artifacts as “both exhilarating and terrifying.”
Carter highlighted a particular favorite: a program from the 1961 Opera House summer show, which featured major stars. “In that specific year,” he noted, “the ballroom champions performed alongside icons like Shirley Bassey and Cliff Richard. It’s a truly remarkable program.”
The extensive archives, comprising photographs, newspaper clippings, and programs dating back to the festival’s inception in 1920, came into the possession of Blackpool Council when they acquired the Winter Gardens and Blackpool Tower in 2010.
Natalie Hayes, the festival organizer, expressed her admiration for the archive, calling it “truly special” and admitting her surprise at the existence of some of the artifacts.
Among the treasures is an early trophy awarded for “Best Sequence Dance,” recognizing novel or innovative dance routines. Carter elaborated on one such sequence, “the crush trot,” designed for crowded dance floors, explaining its focus on creating effective steps within limited space.
Hayes noted that this centenary year has seen a surge in enthusiasm, with entries nearly doubling from the previous year. “We have over 9,000 entries,” she stated, “which means hundreds of hours of dancing spread across the 13 days.”
Hayes emphasized the unique significance of hosting such a prestigious international event in Blackpool. “For a relatively small seaside resort to host such a global event, which essentially takes over the town for two weeks, is incredibly exciting,” she remarked.
Reflecting on the archive, Tom Carter observed the evolution of certain aspects while noting the enduring nature of others. He shared an anecdote about an 1876 newspaper article complaining about roller skaters on the promenade, remarking, “Ah! Nothing has changed!”
Business Style Takeaway: The enduring appeal of the Blackpool Dance Festival highlights how cultural heritage, even in niche forms like ballroom dancing, can create significant economic and social impact. Brands and businesses can draw inspiration from how established traditions foster community and attract global attention, offering valuable lessons in cultural marketing and legacy building.
Details can be found on the website : www.bbc.com