Global stage for Blackpool Dance Festival

Lockdown has prevented competitors from around the world stepping out on the famous Winter Gardens Empress Ballroom floor – but instead they are using the internet to showcase their skills.

Dancers from 28 countries are competing online using Zoom in front of judges who are also spread out across the globe.

Meanwhile the festival is being broadcast on a subscription TV channel to give fans chance to view the competitions.

Michael Williams, managing director of the council-owned Winter Gardens, said it was decided to move online after the Covid 19 pandemic caused the cancellation of this year’s festival in its usual form.

He said: “We are connecting the world through dance. It’s a virtual ballroom and it’s reminding people that Blackpool is still number one in the world for dancing.”

Participants, who are competing from countries including China, America, Australia and Iceland, can dance from a venue of their choice whether it be their own home or garden, or a dance studio.

Performances are relayed online using video app Zoom and then streamed around the world online with broadcast partners DSi TV.

Technology has also been harnessed to connect perfomers live to the adjudicators as they mark each dance.

Mr Williams added: “We have worked with a Blackpool based software company to develop the project and have competitors registered from 28 countries with more expected to enter now that we are up and running

“The concept for our Blackpool online festival is after months of lockdown to re-energise people’s interest and passion in dancing, give dancers the opportunity to dance and encourage dancers to return to lessons and studios.”