DanceDad Guide · 2026/27

10 UK Dance Competitions to Know for 2026/27

From major international qualification routes to established UK championships and youth performance programmes, these are 10 competition names and pathways worth knowing when planning your dancer's or studio's season.

Explore the 2026/27 Competition Planner →

This is a guide rather than a ranking. Dates, entry routes and rules can change, so always confirm current details with the organiser.

Choosing competitions

There isn't one “best” dance competition for every dancer.

The right event depends on your dancer's age, style, experience, goals and whether they are entering independently or through a dance school. Some competitions lead to international finals. Others focus on national titles, regional progression, performance experience or specific styles. Use this guide to understand some of the main names and then follow the organiser links for current entry information.

10 competitions & pathways

UK dance competitions and programmes worth knowing.

1

Dance World Cup

International All-genre Age 4–25

Dance World Cup is an international all-genre competition for children and young adults, with dancers qualifying to represent their country at the World Finals.

  • Best known for: International qualification
  • Styles: Multiple dance genres
  • Entry route: Country qualification
2027: UK teams currently qualify via the official UK qualification process. The 2027 World Finals take place in Lisbon from 29 June–9 July 2027.
View Dance World Cup →
2

Global Dance Open

International UK Qualifiers Multiple Styles

Global Dance Open combines national qualification events with an international finals pathway across classical and performer-focused dance styles.

  • Best known for: International finals pathway
  • Entry types: Solos through group work
  • Qualification: Live country qualifier where available
2027 UK qualifiers: Belfast 16–17 January, Glenrothes 29–31 January and Birmingham 13–17 February.
View Global Dance Open →
3

All England Dance

UK Qualification Pathway Theatre Dance

All England Dance has a long-established competition structure in which dancers progress from affiliated qualifiers to Regional Finals and ultimately the National Final.

  • Best known for: Multi-stage progression
  • Ages: 3–21
  • Pathway: Qualifier → Regional Final → National Final
The latest national cycle culminated with the 2026 National Final in Eastbourne. Check the organiser for the next qualification cycle.
View All England Dance →
4

Miss Dance & Dance Master of Great Britain

Solo National Final IDTA

Miss Dance and Dance Master of Great Britain are established national title competitions associated with the International Dance Teachers' Association.

  • Best known for: National solo titles
  • Organiser: Miss Dance & Dance Master UK Committee
  • Final venue: Winter Gardens, Blackpool
2027 Final: 6 June 2027 at Winter Gardens, Blackpool.
View 2027 Event →
5

Destination Dance

UK Tour Dance Schools Scholarships

Destination Dance is a UK competition aimed at dance schools, with events incorporating competitive performance alongside prizes and scholarship opportunities.

  • Best known for: Touring competition format
  • Audience: Dance schools
  • Opportunities: Trophies, prizes and scholarships
Tour dates and registration details are published by Destination Dance on its official competition site.
View Destination Dance →
6

U.Dance

Youth Dance Regional National Pathway

U.Dance is different from a traditional scored competition. Run by One Dance UK, it provides regional performance platforms and a pathway towards the U.Dance National Festival.

  • Ages: 11–19, or up to 25 for disabled dancers
  • Styles: All dance styles
  • Focus: Youth performance and development
2027: Regional platforms take place from February to April 2027, with applications through regional partners.
View U.Dance →
7

Hip Hop International UK

Hip Hop Crews World Qualification

Hip Hop International offers a specialist competitive route for hip-hop dancers and crews, with UK qualification linked to the international HHI programme.

  • Best suited to: Hip-hop and street crews
  • Format: Crew-based championships
  • Goal: International qualification pathway
HHI UK currently publishes UK qualifier information through its official event site. Check directly for the latest championship dates.
View HHI UK →
8

The Aaron Dwyer Dance Competition

UK & Ireland Regional Heats Grand Finals

The AD Dance Competition runs regional events across the UK and Ireland with a season-long qualification route into its Grand Finals.

  • Best known for: Regional-to-finals pathway
  • Entry levels: Novice and competitive
  • Awards: Multiple performance and title awards
Rather than needing to place in the top three at a regional event, dancers reaching the published qualifying score can be invited to the Grand Finals.
View AD Competition →
9

Energy Events UK

Dance Teams Cheer UK Events

Energy Events runs Allstar cheer and dance competitions around the UK with divisions including Pom, Jazz, Lyrical and Hip Hop.

  • Best suited to: Dance and cheer teams
  • Styles: Pom, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop and more
  • Format: Multiple UK events
2027: Events include Recharged in Newcastle, Force Dance Championships in East Kilbride, Powered Up in Blackpool and Energize Nationals in Glasgow.
View Energy Events →
10

Supreme Dance Competition

UK Tour Dance Schools Multiple Locations

Supreme Dance Competition runs events around the UK with an emphasis on professional organisation, inclusivity and a positive competition experience.

  • Best known for: UK regional events
  • Audience: Dance schools and performers
  • Format: Multiple competition locations
The official Supreme Dance website publishes upcoming competition locations, availability and entry information.
View Supreme Dance →
Planning your full season?

Stop keeping competition research across dozens of tabs.

The UK Dance Competition Planner 2026/27 is designed to organise competition dates, locations, published deadlines, eligibility information and official organiser links into one searchable Google Sheet.

Preorder now for £12 and secure the introductory price. Expected delivery is by 30 November 2026.

UK Dance Competition Planner 2026/27

£12
Preorder price · Planned standard price £19
See the Planner & Preorder →
Before you enter

How to choose the right dance competition.

A well-known competition isn't automatically the right one for every dancer. Start with the experience you actually want.

Match the level

Look at ability divisions, qualification requirements and entry criteria rather than choosing purely by the size or reputation of the event.

Match the style

Check that your dancer's strongest styles and preferred categories are well represented within the event.

Check the pathway

Decide whether you're looking for a one-off performance opportunity, a national title or progression towards international finals.

Read the rules

Age bands, music limits, props, qualification scores and eligibility vary significantly between organisers.

Consider the whole cost

Look beyond entry fees to travel, accommodation, costumes, coaching and spectator tickets when planning the season.

Ask your teacher

For dancers entering through a school, your teacher is usually best placed to judge which competition format supports your dancer's development.

Competition organisers

Think your competition should be on DanceDad?

Send us the competition name, upcoming dates, locations and your official website link for consideration in future updates.

Submit a Competition by Email →

semdigitaluk@gmail.com

Submission does not guarantee inclusion.

This guide is intended to help dancers, parents and teachers discover competition options. Competition dates, qualification routes, age groups, rules, locations and availability can change. Always check the organiser's official website before entering, booking travel or making other arrangements.

Steve Millichamp
Author: Steve Millichamp