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Champions of Dance

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A few weeks ago we walked amongst the brightest stars, future champions and technical experts of the dance world at the Blackpool Dance Festival, an annual event that has been held in the Empress Ballroom at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens since 1920. Taking part in this prestigious competition is a huge accolade for Latin American and Ballroom dancers, who travel from all over the world to compete and its popularity is also a testimony to Blackpool’s importance and influence in the world of dance.

For those who follow Ballroom dancing, the names Arūnas Bižokas & Katusha Demidova will be instantly recognisable. Undefeated champions for a decade, it is particularly poignant that they chose to announce their retirement from competitive dance at this year’s Blackpool Dance Festival which was their first British competition in 1994.

In their words;

Looking back, we find it so interesting and serendipitous, that the first competition in Britain for both of us, was Blackpool Dance Festival in 1994. Needless to say, it was a step in a very long and successful journey, which brings us to this point tonight.

When we started dancing together 12 years ago, we never thought that something so magical was even possible. We are very humbled and blessed to have achieved so much success, doing what we truly love.

Our dance journey would not have been possible without the help of so many wonderful people, who guided us along the way. Words cannot express how much we appreciate it, and how grateful we are.

We feel that the time has come to end our journey on the competitive dance floor, and put our energy into the next stage of our careers. We are looking forward to this new and exciting chapter of our lives.

The Blackpool Museum Project is creating Britain’s first museum on fun and entertainment and one of its core collections and permanent galleries will feature social and Ballroom dancing – a first in any UK museum. We aim to showcase the amazing talent and incredible outfits worn by dancers and champions in Blackpool. To record the momentous impact that Arūnas and Katusha have made within the dance world, we are thrilled to announce that we have acquired the outfit that Arūnas wore when he waltzed to victory in the 2018 final and his final team match and retirement dance in 2019. These items which include Arūnas’ tailsuit and shoes will join the dress from his partner Katusha Demidova that we acquired after last year’s festival, so that they can both be displayed in the Museum to tell their inspirational story and champion Blackpool’s incredible influence in the world of dance.

Speaking to the Museum, Arūnas told us how pleased they are to be involved in the project; “it is so exciting and wonderful that Blackpool Museum Project is creating Britain’s first museum on fun and entertainment and that it’s going to feature Ballroom dancing among other exhibitions. We are very honored that museum added our outfits to the collection. We look forward to visiting the museum when it opens!”

Photographs kindly supplied by Dancefile.eu – Dance Events photography. Photographer: Stas Novikov

Celebrating the end of an era

Celebrating the end of an era

The post Champions of Dance appeared first on Blackpool Museum Project.


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