BDSA News

The British DanceSport Association (BDSA) is very proud to celebrate a meaningful new partnership with the London Youth Games (LYG), built on a shared ambition: to make dance accessible, inclusive, and inspiring for primary school children across London.

Dance is often seen as an art form built on discipline, performance and precision. But behind that, it is also a community, one where young people spend hours training, competing and developing not just as dancers, but as individuals. It is also, by its nature, a judging-intensive environment.

Get ready for one of the most exciting Latin dance events of the year! On Sunday 5 July 2026, dancers from across the UK and beyond will come together at the Waterside Leisure Centre, Canvey Island, Essex for The BDSA Open – English Latin Championships.

The British DanceSport Association is proud to announce the launch of its Youth Advisory Group (BDSAYAG) – a powerful and inspiring step forward in ensuring that young voices are at the very heart of dance sport. We are incredibly proud to welcome Anna Vallelly, Chloe Barlow, Christopher Quigg, Erin Gathercole, Jenny Carney and Rachel Everitt.

This is a subject that can feel both challenging and straightforward for parents; and as an organisation we recognise that. The safety of children, young people, and vulnerable adults is non‑negotiable in every environment. Dance is no exception, and one of the key issues, through our governance, we are committed to addressing is the widespread fear of reporting concerns within our sport.

Flair School of Dance is our featured dance school this month and is a proud member of the British DanceSport Association. With over two decades of inspiring young dancers, Flair has built a reputation for nurturing confidence, technical excellence and a genuine love of dance. We spoke to the founder about the school’s journey, its values and the exciting future ahead. Congratulations, Lucy, on your school being this month's BDSA Dance School Feature! Can you tell us a little

We are proud to announce that the British DanceSport Association (BDSA) has been shortlisted for the Safer Sport Award at the London Sport Awards 2026 ! This prestigious nomination recognises the meaningful impact we are making to improve safeguarding, safety and wellbeing across the extracurricular dance and dance sport sector. Being shortlisted by London Sport is a significant milestone for our organisation and a powerful recognition of the safeguarding reform work we hav

Safeguarding should never be optional. Yet across the UK, thousands of children and vulnerable adults take part in extracurricular activities every day in environments where safeguarding standards can be inconsistent, unclear, or in some cases completely absent.

At the British DanceSport Association (BDSA), we believe the future of dance sport should be shaped by those who live it every day. That belief has led to an exciting and important step forward for our organisation: the launch of the BDSA Youth Advisory Group (BDSAYAG).

A Brilliant Weekend for BDSA Team GB and NI at the European Confederation of Dance Sports (“ECDS”) European Championships - It was an exciting and rewarding weekend for the British DanceSport Association (“BDSA”) Team GB and NI, who travelled to compete at the ECDS European Championships held in Burgas, Bulgaria. The team delivered exceptional performances across every category, and their results reflected the skill, discipline and determination they brought to the floor.

Government Confirms DBS Reform Reflecting NSF Recommendations: The British DanceSport Association (BDSA) welcomes the UK Government’s recent confirmation that new legislation will soon allow self-employed individuals working with children and vulnerable adults to apply directly for enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.

Twenty elite athletes from dance, figure skating, and gymnastics were interviewed to understand their lived experiences of psychological safety and different coaching behaviours. This research addresses a critical gap in sport psychology literature and seeks to inform athletes, coaches, sporting organisations and policy makers on the importance of psychological safety in this unique sporting context.

This members-only area brings together resources, insights, and updates that can’t be accessed anywhere else. From essential guidance and industry documents to helpful tools and member-only updates, the Members Zone is your go-to destination for staying informed and supported.

The BDSA is launching the campaign "Respect the Step: Teaching with Integrity in Dance Sport" this month to foster a safe, respectful, and professional environment for dance teachers, parents, and students, and to provide education and raise awareness of professional practice standards regarding appropriate physical contact.

We are delighted to share the good news that Northumberland County Council has passed a motion in support of the National Safeguarding Framework for Extracurricular Activities. Proposed by Cllr Caroline Ball and seconded by Cllr Dickinson, the motion passed by the councillors; however, two abstained. We’re grateful to councillors across the chamber who chose to put children, young people and vulnerable adults first.

The new school term is here. That means new uniforms, new timetables, and often new clubs and activities too. From dance classes and...

As an organisation dedicated to promoting dance as a tool for personal growth, social cohesion, and community engagement, we are thrilled to see dance and other creative activities recognised as essential components of youth development. The Building Creative Futures package, which includes funding for extracurricular activities such as sport, art, music, and volunteering, aligns perfectly with our mission to make dance sport accessible and impactful for all.

The cross-party motion — proposed by Liberal Democrat Councillor Karen King and seconded by Labour Councillor Ceri Cawley — passed unanimously at the meeting of the Full Council on 31st July 2025. The recording of this public meeting is now available to watch.

Across the UK, thousands of children and vulnerable adults participate in sports, arts, and other extracurricular activities where safeguarding standards are inconsistent, inadequate, or absent entirely. We’re calling for consistent safeguarding standards across all extracurricular activities with the launch of the National Safeguarding Framework For Extracurricular Activities.

I was deeply honoured to represent the British DanceSport Association and the wider dance community at the Armed Forces Day flag-raising ceremony hosted by Kent County Council on Monday, 24 June 2025.