How you could be a part of the next viral dance craze for 2021: Get Dancing for a very special dance project with Dancing on Ice Dan Whiston and Blackpool dance school House of Wingz

With 2020 the year we all got dancing behind closed doors, Blackpool star and choreographer Dan Whiston is on a mission to make Blackpool the heart of the next hottest UK dance craze.

The Dancing on Ice three times champion and creative director has joined forces with Showtown, LeftCoast and House of Wingz, for dance project and competition 'Get Dancing' inviting Brits and the rest of the world to come together digitally and create something special to rival Blackpool's dance craze of 1937 'The Blackpool Walk'

Open to anyone who likes to move, those behind the inspired project are looking for ambitious and innovative choreography to create a new dance of the year and even the decade.

And Dan says they are hoping people enjoy encapsulating the vibrancy, joy and creativity of Blackpool’s long dance legacy within their best moves.

Winners of the competition will see their talents seamlessly choreographed into a new dance by Blackpool’s finest dance company: House of Wingz, before being made available for the nation to pick up in February 2021.

Dan, who launched the competition from the 'mecca' of dance, Blackpool's Empress Ballroom which turns 125-years-old next year, said: “As a proud local, I’ve always been amazed by the sheer amount of showbiz talent launched in Blackpool.

"Blackpool has such an incredible dance background and growing up here meant that performing is in my blood.

"I can’t wait to get involved with Get Dancing as it’s really a chance to show the world why Blackpool is a town to write home about.

This last year has been tough, and dancing really is one of the best ways to keep fit and healthy while having a laugh. Let’s face it, we could all do with a bit of fun right now. Get Dancing everyone.”

For decades the resort has been hailed world wide as the home of dance, hosting some of the biggest international dance festivals.

In 1938, Lawrence Wright, renowned composer and music publisher created ‘The Blackpool Walk’ music with a novelty dance similar to the ‘Lambeth Walk’ which became extremely popular both in Blackpool’s ballrooms and all over the UK.

The dance craze rivalled its modern equivalents from ‘the Floss’and ‘the Harlem Shuffle’ to Tik Tok favourites ‘the Renegade’.

Collaborating alongside Dan, the team at the entertainments museum Showtown and community group LeftCoast will be arts organisation and dance theatre company House of Wingz, recognised for their skills inhip hop culture.

They are supported by London-based dance extraordinaire Manuela Benini, and Blackpool based designer Nick Steel, who will create the digital imagery for a live performance of the new dance.

Showtown’s learning and engagement manager, Kerry Vasiliou added: “Dancing is the perfect way to let go, keep fit and release those happy hormones as well as bringing people together and we can’t wait to see what the people of Blackpool come up with. It’s time for Blackpool to go viral and do what it does best! When the going gets tough – we come back dancing!”

Dan will join the team from House of Wingz in launching the final dance for the world to learn in February 2021.

Anyone can get involved, regardless of dancing experience – you just need to submit your favourite dance move online at www.getdancing.uk, via Tik Tok @houseofwingz or you can call our Get Dancing hotline on 01253 532989.