In this chat, Jess sits down with Peter Nash, the Director of Sports and Development at the British DanceSport Association (BDSA), to talk about the upcoming three-day dance festival in Guernsey. The event promises to be a fantastic occasion for ballroom and Latin dance fans, with a variety of competitions and activities for dancers of all abilities. There will be something for everyone, including solo performances, teacher-student and Pro-Am categories, as well as wheelchair dance events like solo and combi (where one partner is in a wheelchair). There’s even a same-sex dance category, making the event truly inclusive.
Peter explains how the festival has a new grading system that separates beginner and advanced dancers to keep things fair, along with a special “first-timers” category aimed at those new to competitions. The festival will take place at Ferguson Hall, which features a historic sprung dance floor. It’s a leisure centre with additional amenities, such as a swimming pool, making it a great spot for the event. The weekend will kick off with a Friday night welcome party featuring some special cabaret performances.
Peter also shares that, for every child taking part, a parent or guardian can come along for free, and BDSA members can get a discounted weekend pass. The festival isn’t just about competing—it’s about celebrating dance, building friendships, and enjoying the atmosphere. Peter hopes it will bring back fond memories for those who attended similar events in the past, where the focus was as much on fun and socialising as it was on dancing.
Looking ahead, Peter talks about the BDSA’s plans to expand, potentially making the Guernsey festival an annual event, and holding similar events in other locations. He invites dance teachers and schools to get in touch with ideas or interest in bringing events to their areas, reflecting the BDSA’s commitment to supporting dance at all levels and ensuring everyone feels welcome.
For more information on the event, please click here
