Discover fresh perspectives on technique, musicality and artistic expression with BDF National Congress 2025, a collection of seven educational lectures featuring experienced Ballroom and Latin dance professionals.
Organised by the Ballroom Dancers’ Federation (BDF), the National Congress took place on 21 November 2025 at The Pavilion, Winter Gardens, Blackpool, during the British National Championships. Established through the initiative of Stephen Hillier MBE, the congress has become a valued tradition for sharing professional dance knowledge with the wider dancing community.
The 2025 programme explores essential aspects of competitive dancing, from direction, swing and posture to creative timing, partner connection and expressive Latin movement. Each presentation offers a different approach to improving technique and performance.
Featured Lectures & Highlights
Alex & Leanne Plant – Don’t Be Afraid
Explore the freedom to dance with confidence and creativity. This presentation examines slow and fast timing, contrasting dynamics and imaginative choreography, encouraging dancers to move beyond the fear of mistakes or judgement while rediscovering enjoyment in performance.
Dale Bennett – Simple Direction
A practical examination of direction, alignment and physical control in Ballroom dancing. The lecture considers the importance of understanding the line of dance, maintaining clear movement intentions and developing reliable technical foundations through structured training.
Anne Gleave – The Art of Partnering
Discover the subtleties of connection, sensitivity and communication between partners. Through explanation and demonstration, Anne Gleave explores how awareness of another dancer’s movement can contribute to a more comfortable, responsive and expressive Ballroom partnership.
Dr Michael & Nika Foskett – Simple Harmonic Motion
An insightful exploration of the natural mechanics behind Ballroom swing. Drawing on the concept of pendulum movement, this presentation examines drive, rise and coordinated body action, demonstrating how an elegant dance image can develop from efficient movement rather than artificial positioning.
Glenn Boyce & Caroly Janes – Making the Ordinary Extraordinary
Learn how fundamental Ballroom technique can become a foundation for exceptional performance. Topics include posture, body mechanics, dance hold, artistic contrast and storytelling, with an emphasis on transforming familiar movements through intention, musical awareness and spontaneity.
Ben Milan-Vega & Morgan Hemphill – Clarity is Key
A structured approach to improving Latin dance performance through seven essential points: foot timing, direction, action, intention, levels, spotlighting, and feelings and emotions.
Using Cha Cha Cha choreography, the presenters demonstrate how these elements can be developed in practice. Metronome exercises help illustrate the importance of accurate foot timing before introducing additional layers of movement and expression.
Anton Sboev & Patrizia Ranis – The Sensual Art of Partnering in Rumba
Explore the relationship between individual body awareness and expressive Latin partnering. Beginning with body preparation and weight control, this presentation develops ideas of connection, communication and shared movement.
The lecture highlights how two dancers can create a unified performance while preserving their individual expression and musical interpretation.
Why Watch BDF National Congress 2025?
The BDF National Congress 2025 offers a valuable combination of technical understanding, practical training ideas and artistic inspiration.
Its seven lectures approach Ballroom and Latin dancing from complementary perspectives, helping dancers explore not only how movements are performed, but also how they can become more musical, expressive and connected.
Ideal for competitive dancers, dance teachers and dedicated enthusiasts, this collection provides useful material for refining technique, developing performance quality and bringing greater purpose to everyday practice.
Programme / Course Contents
- Alex & Leanne Plant – Don’t Be Afraid
- Dale Bennett – Simple Direction
- Anne Gleave – The Art of Partnering
- Dr Michael & Nika Foskett – Simple Harmonic Motion
- Glenn Boyce & Caroly Janes – Making the Ordinary Extraordinary
- Ben Milan-Vega & Morgan Hemphill – Clarity is Key
- Anton Sboev & Patrizia Ranis – The Sensual Art of Partnering in Rumba
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