THE Villa Marina will be hosting one of the longest established dance festivals in the British Isles - if not the world - next month.
The Isle of Man Dance Festival takes place on August 14 and 15 with the organisers promising dancing from some of the UK's best known couples.
The festival dates back to 1959 and apart from a brief break in the 1990s has been held every year since.
Organisers Ellis and Frances Killey, from the Killey Academy of Dance, are looking forward to two days of high class competition.
Ellis has run the event for more than 40 years and said this could be the biggest festival since the late 1980s.
He said: "We have increased the marketing this year and I have attended competitions all over the north-west of England – including big events in Liverpool, Manchester and Southport - to promote it.
"I am really pleased with the results and by the time entries close on August 1 I expect to have around 200 visiting dancers lined-up.
"Much of the increased entry has come in the juvenile and junior sections, which is great to see as it augurs well for the future of dancing. All-in packages have been arranged for competitors and spectators which have proved very popular."
The festival covers Ballroom, Latin American and Old Time with classes for all ages, ranging from under six to seniors of 55 plus.
Heats will also take place in connection with ‘Britain’s Best Titles 2010’ and ‘Champions of Tomorrow 2011.’
One of the highlights of the weekend will be a demonstration on the Saturday night by British national professional Latin champions Gregor Rebula from Slovenia and Rachael Heron.
The couple will also hold a Latin Workshop at 1pm on the Sunday.
A Ballroom workshop planned for 5pm on the Saturday features Warren Bullock and Jane Phillips, former British, UK, European and world professional 10 dance finalists and all-England champions.
Also attending the festival will be two other names well-known to dance enthusiasts – Warren and Kristi Boyce, the British national professional champions and regular finalists in the world professional competitions. They will give a Ballroom demonstration on the Sunday night at 9pm.
Compere will be John Francis from Dublin and scrutineer David Lawson from Manchester. An experienced judging panel will officiate, under the chairmanship of Richard Rose from Birmingham.
Music for the various classes will be provided by Denis Gascoigne from Halesowen while British tap dance, ballet and modern dance champion Holly Bills will be entertaining in special cabarets.
The festival is supported by Isle of Man Tourism and the department’s political member, Geoff Corkish MHK, said it was an event which had stood the test of time.
He said: "It has been bringing visitors to the Island for around 50 years and is a spectacular occasion.
"It provides an excellent opportunity for local dancers to test themselves against the very best in the business. Even if you have never set foot on a dance floor you can go along, watch the competitions, and marvel at the expertise being shown – and what better setting could there be than the majestic ballroom of the Villa Marina."
Further details about the Isle of Man Dance Festival can be found at www.isleofmandancefestival2010.com
