Today is the first day of Let’s Dance, a nationwide campaign to inspire everyone in the UK to start dancing.
Dancing has always been my escape, education and entertainment. My parents discovered that playing videotapes of the BBC’s Come Dancing (the classic ballroom dancing contest, televised from 1950 until 1998, that inspired the creation of current flagship show Strictly Come Dancing in 2004) was a guaranteed way to settle me when I was a baby. So, I have loved dancing since before I knew what it was – before I had taken my first steps, let alone stepped into a studio.
A fortunate stroke of serendipity ensured that I was taken to ballet classes as a toddler (my mum had a friend whose daughters attended classes) and that was that. Dancing was happiness, heartfelt hard work, home. Focused freedom that shaped me as a person.
From being mesmerised by the movement, music and colours onscreen as an infant to being invited to must-see performances onstage as a dance writer. From being devoted in classes and performances as a tot, tween and teen to being able to share the magic as a qualified ballet teacher. I can’t imagine my life without dance.
I am grateful to know, and still be able to experience, the indescribable sparkle, energy and contentment that comes from training, trying and taking up space as a dancer. Movement merged with music elicits the most transformative feeling. Consequently, I am supporting the campaign and urging you to find out for yourself how dance can improve your life.
Let’s Dance is spearheaded by broadcaster Angela Rippon CBE, whose voice must have influenced my early language development when I was a baby as she was a presenter on Come Dancing! Her role as Silver Swans ambassador for the Royal Academy of Dance and journey on Strictly Come Dancing in 2023 (as the oldest ever contestant, aged 79) have revealed to her the incredible benefits of participating in dance activities regularly. Now, she is on a mission to get the whole nation dancing.
The campaign aims to:
- raise awareness of the benefits of dance for both physical and mental health
- make it easier than ever for people to find and participate in a suitable dance activity, whatever their age, fitness level or experience
- bring people together to connect through dance.
All the UK’s dance organisations, companies, clubs and studios are joining forces – with the backing of major health charities, medical experts and government departments – to make 2025 the year of dance. Conservatoires and community groups alike are opening their doors and encouraging people who have never taken a dance class before to try one. From ballet to belly dancing, jazz to jive, tap to tango – there will be a style that captures your interest. The key message is: dancing is not just for professionals, it is for everyone.
What are you waiting for? Get dancing! I’ll meet you at the barre later today…
Visit the Let’s Dance website to join the movement and share your dancing adventures by using the hashtag #LetsDance on social media.
Georgina Butler is an editor, a dance writer and a ballet teacher.
