With the start of the BBC’s new competition, “The Greatest Dancer”, and just weeks after the end of “Strictly”, dance is once again back in the spotlight. The new BBC show gives dancers from all genres, from “from ballet to jazz, street to ballroom, contemporary to disco“ a chance to audition in front of celeb judges and a live audience. If 75% of the audience like the dancer/s, they automatically go through to the next round. So far, it’s been an eclectic mix of styles – and with mixed audience responses.
So, we decided to check out what the most popular dance forms might be in the UK, based on the number of searches made online by people looking for information during 2018. And the top dance form are…
tango – 18.1k searches
OK, this can also be a fizzy drink or a military callsign, but we think most of the searches will be for the dance!
Tango Siempre
A terrific tango quartet featuring music from the 1920s to 50s and some original compositions. Why not book Subitango!, an explosive and sensual dance show with music from Tango Siempre and Argentinian tango dancing by Mina and Geraldo.
ceilidh – 14.8k searches
We are so please that this is in the top three – a true “DIY” dance form that is perfect for almost any party, family gathering or general knees-up. With some truly superb ‘fusion’ ceilidh bands in the UK, you really can choose from traditional or something more contemporary – and still dance your socks off.
Licence To Ceilidh
Our toe-tappingly good Scottish Ceilidh band for hire, their unique mix of traditional tunes with a funky rhythm section gives the excitement of a function band with the inclusiveness of a Scottish ceilidh.
ballet – 14.8k searches
Proof that this most elegant of dance forms is still very popular. The inclusion of prima ballerina Darcy Bussell on “Strictly’ has been a tremendous boost to ballet’s ‘cool’ status!
samba – 12.1k searches
Samba may have its roots in Africa, but it is Brazil that elevated it to the cult dance form seen at the Rio carnival. Ballroom salsa is quite different, but both retain an energy and sense of fun that make salsa so appealing.
London School Of Samba (LSS)
As LSS say, the intoxicating rhythms of samba sound far beyond the streets of Rio and the shores of Bahia, bringing the passion, colour and excitement that make Brazilian carnival so special. Get up and dance or sit back and enjoy an extravaganza of exuberance and colour!
disco – 9.9k searches
Again this could refer to an event (a disco) as well as disco dancing, but that only proves how popular a great disco still can be. A good DJ is essential, but a great DJ is an absolute joy!
Tuxedo Class DJs
These guys pride themselves on being the smartest, most professional discotheques in London, Surrey, Sussex, Kent and the home counties. legendary DJs Kid Jenson, Dr Fox, Pat Sharp, Paul Burnett, Tony Blackburn and David Hamilton have all been guest DJs with Tuxedo Class Discotheque!
Top types of dancers for hire
If you’re looking for elegant or energetic dancing as entertainment for your next event, what types of dancers top the most searched for list?
1 dancers
Tied at the top with 8.1k searches each are
- pole dancers and
- salsa dancers
We think the first group has been boosted by the current trend for learning pole dancing for fitness. The second just proves you can’t keep a good Latin dance form down!
3 dancers
In joint third, with 6.6k searches apiece are:
- Belly dancers
Belly dance takes on a new twist (or should that be shimmy) with Melissa, the creator of the exclusive ‘Belly Dance Hiphop’, Tahitian/Polynesian Belly Dance Fusion, BellyYoga and her own “Belly Dance Fusions”show.
- Irish dancers
Always popular, we’ve several Irish dance troupes here at Matters Musical. Call us with your specific requirements.
- Contemporary dancers
- Street dance groups
- Ballroom dancers
- Lindy hop dancers
If you’re looking for authentic jazz dance, the Sugarfoot Stompers are the biz! They specialise in world-famous popular dances such as the Charleston, Shim Sham, Big Apple, Rock’n’Roll, Madison and, of course, the Lindy Hop.
Not sure which type of dance act will suit your event?
Give us a call! We’re happy to talk through your event in details and provide just the right dance r for your party, wedding, corporate event, product launch or family fun day. 01306 741007