That's Showbiz · United Kingdom
About the Awards
Awards Ceremony · 28th November 2026 · Liverpool
About the Awards
Celebrating 15 Years of Dance Design Events
After 15 years of producing That's Showbiz, one of the UK's most beloved national group dance competitions, Dance Design Events wanted to mark this milestone in a way that felt truly worthy of the industry they love. The That's Showbiz National Industry Awards are the result: a celebration not just of one organisation, but of every teacher, school, choreographer, and individual who has helped make the UK dance world what it is today.
Why These Awards Exist
For the People Who Make This Industry
The dance and performing arts industry is full of extraordinary people doing extraordinary things, often without the recognition they deserve. Behind every competition result, every show, every student who finds their confidence on stage, there are teachers, coaches, and schools quietly shaping lives. These awards exist to shine a light on them. To say: we see you, we appreciate you, and what you do matters.
15 Years of That's Showbiz
A Competition Born from Passion
That's Showbiz has been running for 15 years, and has grew into one of the most respected national dance events in the UK. Throughout that time, Dance Design Events has worked alongside thousands of schools, teachers, and performers. These awards are a love letter to that community. A way of saying thank you, and of making sure the people who dedicate their lives to this industry are celebrated in a way they truly deserve.
How Finalists Are Selected
Two Routes to the Finals
Finalists are determined through two routes. The first is public nomination, where we open nominations across a range of categories and the top percentage of nominees in each category are confirmed as finalists. The second route is direct selection by our independent panel, who may recognise individuals who stood out beyond what the public vote captured.
The Judging Period
September 2025 – August 2026
Our primary judging period covers September 2025 to August 2026, and this window applies directly to the 'of the Year' awards such as Dance School of the Year and Choreographer of the Year. For other awards, such as recognition and special awards, the panel may take into account your broader story and achievements from before September 2025 when considering your overall contribution to the industry.
Supporting Evidence
Tell Us Your Story
Once confirmed as a finalist, you will be invited to submit supporting evidence for your nomination. This is your opportunity to tell us, in your own words, about your work, your achievements, and why you deserve to win. You can submit as soon as you receive your nomination and you are not locked in. You can return and update your submission with new achievements all the way up until August 2026. All submissions are reviewed confidentially by our independent panel from September 2026 onwards.
The Independent Panel
Chosen Fairly & Thoroughly
Winners are decided by an independent panel, not by public vote. The panel will review all finalist submissions and nominations before making their decisions. This ensures every winner is chosen fairly, thoroughly, and with genuine consideration of the evidence presented. Our panel members will be announced in due course. Watch this space.
The Awards Night
Liverpool · November 2026
Winners will be announced at our celebration night in Liverpool, November 2026. This is an evening dedicated entirely to the people who make the UK dance industry exceptional. A night of recognition, celebration, and memories. Tickets are exclusively available to finalists and are not on general sale. Confirmed finalists receive a private ticket link directly from our team, capped at 4 per finalist nomination.
Award Categories
The Categories
All awards are judged on work and achievements within the full judging period (September 2025 – August 2026).
Rising Dance School
Recognising emerging dance schools showing exceptional growth and potential.
Small Dance School of the Year
Celebrating excellence in dance schools with 100 students or fewer.
Dance School of the Year
Honouring the best dance school in the UK for outstanding achievement.
Inspirational Teacher Award
For teachers who inspire, nurture, and transform their students.
Rising Choreographer
Recognising emerging choreographic talent in the UK dance scene.
Choreographer of the Year
Celebrating exceptional creativity and innovation in choreography.
Special Honour
Additional & Special Recognition
Additional Recognition Award
Special honour for outstanding contributions to the dance industry.
Special Recognition Award
Celebrating individuals and organisations with exceptional impact.
Have a question? Reach us at info@dancedesign-events.co.uk or message us on Instagram @thatsshowbizuk