Blackpool 75th Sequence Festival Results

Blackpool Sequence Dance Festival Marks 75th Anniversary

The Blackpool Sequence Dance Festival celebrated a remarkable milestone this year, marking its 75th Anniversary with a truly spectacular showcase of Classical, Modern, and Latin Sequence dancing. Held in the iconic Empress Ballroom at the Winter Gardens, the event once again reaffirmed the resort’s reputation as the spiritual home of dance in the UK.

The Original Sequence Dance Competition, held on Monday, 20th October, featured three sequence sections — Classical, Modern, and Latin — with the winner of each section receiving the coveted Grand Challenge Trophy and a cash prize. Both competitors and spectators praised the event for its outstanding standard of dancing and the unmistakable Blackpool Dance Festival atmosphere, making this diamond jubilee year one to remember.

The Classical Sequence competition showcased an incredible 16 entries and an impressive range of rhythms, including the Two Step, Tango, Swing, Waltz, Gavotte and Saunter. It was particularly pleasing to see several foot-position dances featured in the competition, each displaying creative and original interpretations of traditional figures. The winners of the Classical Sequence section, Eugene Barber and Lorraine Heron, impressed the judges with their elegant presentation of the Saunter Chanel.

In the Modern Sequence competition, Luke and Julie Shepherd impressed both judges and spectators with their performance of the New Wedding Waltz, securing a well-deserved victory. Their routine was danced to the track — Anne Murray’s ‘Could I Have This Dance’ — which perfectly complemented their routine and reflected the thought and care that had gone into its choreography. The event featured a strong field of 15 dances, showcasing the full range of ballroom rhythms —including the rarely featured Viennese Waltz and highlighting the remarkable standard of talent across the competition.

The Latin Sequence competition attracted an impressive 15 entries, with all rhythms represented. Marking the first samba winner of the dance calendar year, Duncan and Hannah Trever emerged as worthy winners with their Samba Sancerre. The routine showcased traditional standard choreography and will make it an appealing choice for many dancers and teachers.

To watch the other competitions held during the Festival, visit the official Blackpool Festival YouTube channel using the links below and skip ahead to the dance competition segments within the recordings.

Saturday Live Stream

Sunday Live Stream

Monday Evening Live Stream

Congratulations to all the competitors who took part in the Blackpool Sequence Dance Festival Original Dance Competition. Your talent and hard work were clearly evident on the dance floor, and the support you’ve shown for the inventive events throughout this year has been outstanding.

Thank you for your continued commitment to sequence dancing and for helping to keep this wonderful tradition alive and thriving.

Competitors taking part included, David Howker & Deborah Catlow, Duncan & Hannah Trever, Liam Pywell & Charlotte Carruthers, Paul & Caroline Dellar, John & Ann Rainey, Eugene Barber & Lorraine Heron, Ruth Brown partnered by Charlotte Skinner, Youlie Mouzafiarova partnered by David Pullinger, Lissia Giles partnered by Kaylee Giles, Stephen & Jane Coughlan, Luke & Julie Shepherd, David Bullen routine danced by Fabio & Amy D’Angelo, Michael Hodgson & Deborah Jones, Carol O’Brien partnered by Sharon Kane, Kerri Morse partnered by Susan Simms, Freya Smith partnered by Zoe Patterson.