Music, Dancing & Drama in Bournemouth

The United Kingdom Open Dance Festival returns to Bournemouth International Centre, bringing six days of world-class Ballroom and Latin dance competitions to the South Coast. Featuring professional champions, rising stars and talented amateur dancers from around the world, the prestigious event includes daytime qualifying rounds, glamorous evening finals and live orchestral music. Discover the competition programme, ticket options and everything you need to plan your visit.

Are you passionate about the performing arts, music, or dancing? Westbourne, Bournemouth is home to a thriving community of clubs and organizations that cater to every artistic enthusiast, from beginners to seasoned performers. Whether you're looking to join a local theatre troupe, find live music events, or take up dancing lessons, Westbourne's rich cultural scene has something for everyone.

Chicken Soup Choir is a friendly, weekly singing group that offers a chance to hone your singing abilities and make friends at their social events. They rehearse on Tuesday evenings, 7.30pm - 9pm in the upstairs function room at Branksome Conservative Club. There's no audition necessary, plus the first week is free. They also often perform at theatres and festivals.

WABS aims to educate children in the art of dance and give them the opportunity and experience of performing in public. They offer performance workshops and frequently put on shows (including in the past Romeo and Juliet, Don Quixote and West Side Story) at the Pavilion.

Celebrate the beginning of 2027 with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s New Year’s Day Viennese Gala at Lighthouse, Poole. Taking place on Friday 1 January, this uplifting afternoon concert features sweeping Strauss waltzes, lively polkas, orchestral favourites and vocal performances from soprano Claudia Boyle. Expect famous pieces including The Blue Danube, Emperor Waltz and Offenbach’s Can-Can during an elegant musical celebration inspired by Vienna’s traditional New Year concerts.

Dancing Terraces returns to Pavilion Dance South West for summer, bringing free outdoor dance sessions to the Garden Terrace beside Bournemouth’s seafront. Every Friday and Saturday evening in August, visitors can join professional dancers, musicians and DJs for styles ranging from Commercial and African dance to Bollywood, Vintage Jazz, Hip Hop, Ceilidh and Salsa. No booking or previous dance experience is required, making this a relaxed, family-friendly way to enjoy a summer evening in Bournemouth.

Christchurch and Highcliffe Brass Band are a local band that meet every Wednesday evening (7.15pm-9.30pm) to rehearse for performances and concerts. They welcome visitors, as well as new members who would be interested in joining a supportive and enthusiastic group.

Centre Stage School of Dance and Performing Arts is an excellent centre of performance talent that teaches 400 students aged 2- 19. The school has recieved numerous awards for its outstanding quality.

The Westbourne Orchestra is a welcoming society of around 40 keen musicians, amateurs and professionals alike. They perform in around 6 concerts each year, often for charitable causes, and they host national Concerto Competitions for under-21s and adults. Pieces performed range from classical pieces to musical theatre ballads. They rehearse on Friday evenings from 7.30 to 9.30 pm.

Swish of the Curtain Theatre School delivers carefully structured classes, captivating shows and locally tailored opportunities. Through its team of dedicated professionals, they foster a love of performing for children from the ages of 3 and up.

Tango Fandango is a regular improvisational Argentine tango class led by knowledgeable instructors with decades of experience between them. Every Thursday, dancers of all levels can meet to learn and perfect their tango ability, for just £10 per person.

Frogs Drama Bournemouth will be at St Michaels Primary School for their AFTER SCHOOL CLUB drama adventures and fantastic music & acting sessions! Book your FREE TRIAL and come along! Weds and Fridays.