At Learn To Dance, dancing has never been about collecting trophies or comparing yourself with anyone else. It is about learning, improving, meeting people and enjoying your time on the dance floor.
For students who would like an additional goal however, we are now offering an optional pathway into NATD examinations and friendly inter-school Ballroom and Latin American competitions.
You might decide to work towards an examination, compete individually with a teacher or suitable partner, form a partnership with another student, or simply come along to support Team Learn To Dance.
There is no pressure to compete and no expectation that every student should want to. It is simply another opportunity available to those who feel it might add something enjoyable to their dancing.
Inspired by Blackpool
Our decision to develop this new pathway followed a particularly successful visit to the 2026 NATD Medallist of the Year Grand Finals in Blackpool.
Learn To Dance students Matthew and Ellie won both the Bronze Couples 22–34 Tango and Bronze Couples 22–34 Jive.
They also represented the studio in their individual events. Ellie reached the semi-finals of both the Foxtrot and Paso Doble, while Matthew finished third in the Foxtrot and fourth in the Paso Doble.
We were incredibly proud of their results, but equally proud of the way they approached the experience: supporting one another, enjoying their dancing and representing Learn To Dance so positively.
The weekend showed us that many more of our students could enjoy—and perform extremely well in—this type of friendly, structured competition.
What are NATD medallist competitions?
The National Association of Teachers of Dancing, or NATD, organises qualifying competitions around the country for students who take dance examinations.
Successful competitors may qualify for the annual Medallist of the Year Grand Finals, held in the Empress Ballroom at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.
These are student competitions rather than professional championships. Events are divided by factors including:
- age;
- examination grade;
- Ballroom or Latin American;
- Leader or Follower; and
- individual or couples entry.
Previous adult qualifying programmes have included age groups from 16–21 through to 75 and over, with events at a range of examination grades.
This means competition dancing is not reserved for young dancers or those with many years of experience.
Individual or “Solo” events
In an Individual or Solo event, the student dances with a partner, normally one of their teachers or another suitable dancer.
Only the student wearing the competition number is adjudicated. The partner is there to lead or follow, present the student well and help them produce their best possible performance.
Under the current NATD rules, the supporting partner may be either an amateur or professional dancer and must dance within the syllabus appropriate to the student’s grade.
This can be a good option when you would like to compete but do not have a regular student partner.
Couples events
Couples competitions are for two students dancing together and being adjudicated as a partnership.
You might already have a partner in mind, such as your spouse, regular dance partner or another Learn To Dance student. Alternatively, we may be able to suggest a suitable partnership where two students have similar goals, availability and experience.
Current NATD rules require both members of an adult couple to hold appropriate current medals. The couple competes at the grade of the higher-graded partner and, for adult events, within the age group of the younger partner.
Depending on the programme, competitions may include both mixed-gender and same-gender couples events.
Expressing an interest does not guarantee that a suitable partnership will be available, but we will always discuss the possibilities honestly before anyone commits.
Dance examinations
Learn To Dance has offered NATD Ballroom and Latin American examinations for almost 20 years, with students currently working from Bronze through to Premier Award.
An appropriate current examination is normally required for students entering the NATD Medallist of the Year pathway. The precise requirement depends on the student’s grade, age group, role and whether they wish to enter Ballroom, Latin American or both.
We will check each student’s examination history and explain what is required before any competition entry is made.
How the Learn To Dance competition pathway works
1. Register your interest
Complete the form at the bottom of this page and tell us whether you are interested in examinations, Individual/Solo events, Couples events or simply attending as a spectator.
This is only an expression of interest and does not commit you to anything.
2. Have an informal conversation
Antony or Emma will discuss your goals, current dancing, previous examination experience and the amount of time you would realistically like to commit.
We will tell you honestly whether we feel a particular event would be appropriate for you.
3. Check your eligibility
We will check your age group, grade, Leader or Follower role, examination history and the current competition rules.
Where an examination is needed, we will explain what is involved and when it could be taken.
4. Agree a preparation plan
Your preparation might include:
- your usual group classes;
- private lessons;
- practice sessions;
- examination preparation;
- mock competition rounds; and
- additional work with your competition partner.
The amount of preparation will vary considerably between students. Any recommended lessons, practices and associated costs will be discussed before you make a commitment.
5. Attend a qualifying competition
For most students, the first competition will be an area qualifier rather than Blackpool.
This provides an opportunity to experience the format, dance in front of adjudicators and represent Learn To Dance alongside other members of the studio.
6. Decide what comes next
Some students may qualify for the Grand Finals in Blackpool. Others may decide that taking an examination or attending their first qualifier was the achievement they wanted.
Qualification does not oblige you to continue, and there is no expectation that competition dancing must become your main focus.
A supportive approach to competition
Learn To Dance is not becoming a high-pressure competition school.
We will continue to place just as much value on the student attending their first class, enjoying a social dance, completing a course or finally mastering a step they have found difficult.
For those who choose to compete, our priorities will be:
- appropriate and achievable goals;
- thorough preparation;
- honest advice;
- a supportive team atmosphere;
- respectful behaviour towards other schools and competitors; and
- enjoying the experience regardless of the result.
Competition results are never guaranteed. Reaching a final, qualifying for Blackpool or winning a trophy can be wonderful, but improvement, confidence and performing to the best of your ability matter just as much.
Could competition dancing be right for me?
You do not need to consider yourself one of the studio’s “best dancers” before asking.
Competition might appeal to you if you:
- enjoy having a specific goal to work towards;
- would like more focused feedback on your dancing;
- want to improve your presentation and technique;
- enjoy performing;
- would like to experience dancing outside the studio;
- already have a student partner and would like a shared challenge; or
- simply want to try something different.
Reliability, attitude and willingness to prepare can be just as important as current ability.
Registering your interest allows us to have a conversation and help you decide whether it is something you would genuinely enjoy.
Can I come along without competing?
Absolutely.
Students, friends and family are welcome to attend qualifying competitions as spectators and support those representing Learn To Dance.
Watching an event can also be an excellent way to understand how the competitions work before deciding whether you might like to take part in the future.
When we know which events our students will be attending, we will share spectator information, timings, ticket details and travel arrangements.
Current opportunities
We are currently gathering interest from adult Learn To Dance students who may wish to:
- take an NATD Ballroom or Latin American examination;
- enter an Individual/Solo competition;
- compete as part of a student couple;
- attend a qualifying competition as a spectator; or
- work towards a future Medallist of the Year Grand Final.
Competition programmes, examination windows, eligibility rules and entry deadlines can change each season. Confirmed information will be provided directly to interested students before any commitment is required.
Interested in taking part?
Complete the form below to tell us what interests you.
This is not a confirmed competition or examination entry. Antony and Emma will review your information and contact you to discuss the most appropriate options.
We cannot promise that every student will be able to enter every event. Examination eligibility, preparation time, student partnerships and teacher availability all need to be considered.
However, we would love to discover how many members of Team Learn To Dance might be ready for their next dancing challenge.