In this exciting first video of a three-part series, we sit down with Marcus Hilton MBE, the president of the British DanceSport Association (BDSA). Marcus shares his incredible journey from a reluctant young dancer to becoming a world champion and explains his motivations for establishing the BDSA. He discusses how the BDSA promotes fairness in dance, supports dancers of all levels, and strives to create a pathway from grassroots to elite dancers, making dance accessible for everyone. This video is a great introduction to Marcus and his vision for the future of dance through the BDSA.
Behind the Scenes with Marcus Hilton: The Story of the British DanceSport Association
Welcome to the first video in our new series featuring Marcus Hilton MBE, the president of the British DanceSport Association (BDSA). In this episode, Marcus shares his personal story and gives us insight into why he felt the BDSA was so important for dancers of all levels.
Let’s break down some of the key moments from this fascinating chat.
A Rocky Start to a Legendary Career
Believe it or not, Marcus didn’t always love dance. In fact, he hated it when he first started! In the video, he talks about how his parents took him and his sister to a local dance school when he was just eight years old. As a kid more interested in football and running, Marcus wasn’t too keen on samba lessons—and, like any kid, he didn’t appreciate being laughed at by the other students.
But fast forward a few years, and Marcus found his way back to the dance floor. Encouraged by his parents, he gave it another shot and started working through the medal system. He stuck with it, partnered up, and began competing—and the rest is history! Marcus went on to become a world champion, alongside his wife Karen, in both Latin American and Ballroom dancing. Their partnership took them to the top of the competitive dance world, where they won titles and championships for years.
Why Create the BDSA?
So, with such an amazing career, why did Marcus feel the need to start the British DanceSport Association? As he explains in the video, it came down to fairness and support.
Marcus talks about how he saw gaps in the UK dance community—there wasn’t a governing body dedicated to creating fair opportunities for everyone, from social dancers to top-tier competitors. He wanted to change that. The BDSA was created to promote transparency and provide support to dancers at all stages of their journey. It’s not just about winning trophies—it’s about making sure dancers have a voice and the resources they need, whether they’re six years old or seasoned professionals.
What Does the BDSA Offer?
In the video, Marcus gives us a look at some of the benefits BDSA members can enjoy. These include access to competitions, discounts on dance products (like shoes, makeup, and even accommodation for events), and ongoing support for both dancers and their families.
What’s great about the BDSA is its inclusivity. Whether you’re a social dancer who enjoys the occasional lesson, a parent supporting your child’s dance dreams, or someone aiming for the professional circuit, the BDSA is open to you. And it doesn’t stop there—Marcus highlights that dancers with disabilities are also fully supported, making the BDSA truly accessible to all.
A Focus on Safeguarding and Transparency
One of the key topics Marcus touches on in this first video is the importance of safeguarding. He emphasises how crucial it is to protect dancers—particularly young dancers—and ensure that dance schools and competitions are operating in a fair and safe way. The BDSA offers a safeguarding hotline, legal advice, and even mental health support, so members know they have somewhere to turn if they need help.
Marcus also talks about how the dance world has traditionally been quite informal, with a lot of business done through handshakes. With the BDSA, they’re making sure everything is done to the highest standards, creating a professional and transparent environment for dancers to thrive in.
Who Can Join the BDSA?
It’s simple—anyone! Marcus makes it clear in the video that the BDSA is open to dancers of all levels and backgrounds. Whether you’re just starting out, dancing socially, or competing at an elite level, you’ll find a supportive community within the BDSA. And it’s not just for dancers themselves—parents, guardians, and even people involved in wheelchair dancing are welcome too.
Looking Ahead
This first episode gives us a fantastic introduction to both Marcus Hilton’s personal journey and the vision he has for the British DanceSport Association. From providing access to competitions and resources to supporting dancers’ mental health and wellbeing, the BDSA is all about creating a positive, fair, and inclusive space for the entire dance community.
There’s so much more to come in the next videos, so be sure to check back as we dive deeper into the BDSA’s initiatives and the future of dance in the UK. If you haven’t watched the video yet, make sure you do—it’s a wonderful introduction to Marcus and his inspiring work with the BDSA.
Join the BDSA Today
If you’re passionate about dance, why not become a part of the British DanceSport Association? Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, there’s a place for you. Head over to the BDSA website to learn more about the benefits of membership and how you can get involved in this fantastic community.
Stay tuned for more insights from Marcus Hilton as we continue this exciting video series!
