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.
Please complete the contact form below for more information.
Tuesday 19th January 2027 - Sunday 24th January 2027
Bournemouth becomes the centre of the international dance world from 19–24 January 2027, as the prestigious United Kingdom Open Dance Festival returns to the Bournemouth International Centre.
Widely regarded as one of the most important events in competitive Ballroom and Latin dancing, the festival attracts professional champions, amateur competitors and rising stars from around the world, all hoping to impress the judges and claim major championship titles.
Across six days, the BIC's Windsor Hall and Solent Hall are transformed into impressive competition arenas, bringing together elegance, athleticism and exceptional technical skill.
From the flowing movement of Ballroom dancing to the passion and energy of Latin performances, audiences can expect an exciting programme showcasing some of the world's finest dancers.
The festival features a mixture of daytime qualifying rounds, semi-finals and glamorous evening finals, giving visitors opportunities to experience different stages of the competition.
Whether you're a dedicated dance enthusiast, an aspiring competitor or simply looking for something different to enjoy in Bournemouth, the UK Open offers a spectacular live experience in one of the South Coast's best-known entertainment venues.
The festival begins on Tuesday with the UK Rising Stars competitions, giving talented amateur and professional dancers the opportunity to compete for recognition on the international stage.
Qualifying rounds take place during the morning and afternoon, with competitors progressing through the stages before the evening finals.
Audiences can enjoy performances across both Ballroom and Latin disciplines, watching emerging talent demonstrate the skills, precision and artistry required at the highest levels of competitive dance.
The evening finals feature live music from The Cre8tive Orchestra, creating an exciting atmosphere as the first championship titles of the festival are decided.
Wednesday brings two of the festival's major championship events, with the Amateur Latin and Professional Ballroom competitions taking centre stage.
During the day, qualifying rounds take place in Windsor Hall, while Solent Hall hosts additional Rising Stars competitions for amateur and professional dancers.
The evening session begins at 7:30pm, with the quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals of the main championships.
Twelve couples progress to the semi-finals, before the field is narrowed to six finalists competing for the championship titles.
Each finalist is traditionally introduced individually to the dance floor, creating a memorable atmosphere before the final performances.
The Cre8tive Orchestra provides live musical accompaniment, adding to the excitement of the evening.
Thursday features another major evening of championship dancing, with the Amateur Ballroom and Professional Latin competitions.
The daytime programme includes qualifying rounds in Windsor Hall, alongside additional Rising Stars events in Solent Hall.
From 7:30pm, audiences can watch the evening's championship rounds as competitors progress through the quarter-finals and semi-finals.
The six finalists in each championship are introduced individually before performing for the judges and audience.
With live music from The Cre8tive Orchestra, the evening promises a combination of elegant Ballroom dancing and energetic Latin performances.
Friday introduces a wider selection of competition categories, with dancers of different ages and experience levels taking part across the venue.
Ballroom, Latin, Smooth and Rhythm competitions are scheduled throughout the day, offering visitors opportunities to enjoy a variety of dance styles.
The programme takes place across Windsor Hall and Solent Hall, with live music from the Len Phillips Swing Orchestra accompanying many of the semi-finals and finals in Windsor Hall.
One of Friday's special highlights is The UK Showcase, held in Solent Hall after the competitive events have finished.
The showcase features four championship dancers or finalists performing three individual showcases each, celebrating the artistry and creativity of Ballroom and Latin dance.
Admission to the showcase is included for Friday ticket holders, providing an additional opportunity to enjoy outstanding performances.
Saturday brings another packed programme of competitive dancing, with events taking place across Windsor Hall and Solent Hall.
The schedule includes Ballroom, Latin, Smooth and Rhythm categories, giving audiences the chance to enjoy a wide range of styles and performances.
Competitions are organised throughout the day, with dancers progressing through qualifying rounds towards the later stages.
The Len Phillips Swing Orchestra accompanies many of the Windsor Hall semi-finals and finals, adding the distinctive sound of live big-band music to the competition atmosphere.
The UK Open Dance Festival concludes on Sunday 24 January, bringing six days of international competition to a close.
The final day's programme continues with Ballroom, Latin, Smooth and Rhythm events, featuring dancers across different age groups and competition categories.
Audiences can enjoy more outstanding performances as competitors take to the floor for the final scheduled events.
With the impressive surroundings of the Bournemouth International Centre and live music accompanying many of the performances, Sunday offers another opportunity to experience the excitement of the UK Open.
The United Kingdom Open Dance Festival is one of Bournemouth's most prestigious annual indoor events, attracting competitors and audiences from across the world.
Highlights for 2027 include:
Six days of international Ballroom and Latin competitions.
Professional, amateur and Rising Stars championship events.
Glamorous evening finals featuring the world's leading dancers.
Live music from The Cre8tive Orchestra.
Performances accompanied by the Len Phillips Swing Orchestra.
Ballroom, Latin, Smooth and Rhythm competition categories.
The UK Showcase on Friday evening.
Competitions taking place across Windsor Hall and Solent Hall.
Opportunities to watch qualifying rounds, semi-finals and championship finals.
An exciting atmosphere for dance enthusiasts and first-time spectators.
One of the festival's biggest attractions is the opportunity to watch some of the finest competitive dancers in the worldperform in Bournemouth.
Ballroom dancing showcases elegance, musicality and precision, with couples performing routines that emphasise flowing movement and technical control.
Latin dancing brings a contrasting atmosphere, combining rhythm, expressive choreography and energetic performances.
Throughout the festival, competitors are judged on their technique, musical interpretation, partnership and overall presentation.
The championship finals are particularly impressive, with leading dancers performing before enthusiastic audiences in the BIC's Windsor Hall.
For spectators, the competition provides a chance to appreciate the dedication and skill involved in reaching the highest levels of international dance.
Live music is an important part of the UK Open experience, adding atmosphere and energy to the competition.
For 2027, the programme features two established orchestras.
The Cre8tive Orchestra provides live music for the Rising Stars finals on Tuesday and the major championship evenings on Wednesday and Thursday.
The orchestra accompanies competitors as they perform their routines, creating an exciting connection between music and dance.
From Friday through Sunday, the Len Phillips Swing Orchestra provides live accompaniment for many of the semi-finals and finals taking place in Windsor Hall.
Known for its traditional dance-band sound, the orchestra helps recreate the glamorous atmosphere associated with international Ballroom competitions.
Together, the live orchestras provide a distinctive musical backdrop that sets the UK Open apart from many other competitive sporting events.
The Bournemouth International Centre is located on Exeter Road, close to Bournemouth town centre, the Lower Gardens and the seafront.
The venue is within walking distance of restaurants, cafés, shops and hotels, making it convenient for visitors attending individual sessions or several days of the festival.
Bournemouth railway station is approximately a 25-30-minute walk from the BIC, with local bus and taxi services also available.
Visitors travelling by car can use the BIC's own multi-storey car park or other public car parks in Bournemouth town centre.
Parking can become busy during major events, so allow extra time before your chosen session.
The Bournemouth International Centre provides accessible facilities, including step-free routes to designated areas and accessible toilets.
Visitors who require accessible seating, assistance or specific arrangements should contact the venue before booking.
If you're interested in watching the major championship finals, Wednesday and Thursday evening sessions are particularly good options.
For those who would prefer to experience several categories and different stages of the competition, all-day tickets provide access to a broader programme.
Friday also offers the opportunity to watch the special UK Showcase, included for Friday ticket holders.
The UK Open Dance Festival 2027 takes place from Tuesday 19 to Sunday 24 January at Bournemouth International Centre.
Tickets are available through the venue's official booking website, with prices starting from £49.50 for selected sessions.
The organisers advise that advertised start times are approximate and may change as the competition schedule is finalised.
A detailed timetable is expected to be available from 8 January 2027.
View the official event programme and book tickets at Bournemouth International Centre
Visit the official UK International Dance website
Spanish
Chinese (simplified)
Dutch
French
German
Italian
Norwegian
Polish
Romanian
Russian
