Over 90 years after its original inception the world renowned Blackpool Dance Festival has launched its first overseas event in partnership with International Special Attractions (ISA).

The event's global expansion is part of an on-going relationship with International Special Attractions (ISA) who were the creators and investors behind Illuminasia which opened in April at the Winter Gardens and has attracted over 100,000 visitors since opening and recently announced a 3 year extension in resort. Based in Shanghai, ISA will work with the team in Blackpool on the organisation, branding and management of the prestigious dance event which will be promoted under the name Blackpool Dance Festival (China).

The 2nd China Blackpool Dance Festival will take place in Shanghai, China in August 2016, with the May festival taking place as usual at The Winter Gardens Blackpool.

The Blackpool Dance Festival held each year has become one of the world’s most prestigious dance tournaments attracting in excess of 20,000 competitors & spectators from 60+ countries over the 9 day festival. Since the first event held in 1920 the Festival has become an essential event in Blackpool’s annual tourism calendar.

Michael Williams, Managing Director of Winter Gardens Blackpool comments: “This is a great opportunity for Ballroom Dancing and will further enhance Blackpool’s positon as the number one Festival in the world. Over the past few years we have seen an influx of Chinese Dancers competing in Blackpool and for us to take elements of our Festival to China can only increase the number of dancers that will want to come and experience the magic of dancing in the magnificent Empress Ballroom. This is an historic occasion to take such a prestigious event to China which will further strengthen the Blackpool Dance Festival as the world’s most prestigious and foremost dance event". Michael Continues "The expansion into China with ISA will allow more people from across the Globe to compete in the world renowned event but will also raise the profile of our own Festival held each May providing an invaluable opportunity to introduce Blackpool across East Asia."

Over the past 20 years Ballroom dancing has been a fast growing business in China and formed part of the governments drive for citizens to lead a heathier lifestyle, with over 50 million people now registered as ballroom dancers with official Chinese bodies. The rise in popularity has also seen an increase in participants at the Blackpool Festival who now regularly visiting from the Asia Pacific region to compete each year.

The Blackpool International Dance Festival (China) will initially take place over 3-5 days with plans to grow the event each year, competitors will be able to compete in a full range of Latin and Ballroom dancing disciplines.

Gary Fjelstad, ISA’s Vice President/General Manager said, "ISA is very proud to have to the opportunity of working with Blackpool to introduce the Blackpool Dance Festival to China. With our deep understanding and working relationship with people and patterns in China we are confident that this adventure will bring fruitful results to all parties involved .ISA is excited and looking forward to working with all our friends in the dance world in China.”