Why you should get involved
Celebrating community through movement in 2026
On Sunday 8 March 2026, Let’s Dance! returns – a national campaign founded by ISTD Grand Council member Angela Rippon CBE and supported by the Sport and Recreation Alliance, NHS, and Parkinson’s UK. Its mission? To inspire everyone in the UK to embrace dance for health, connection, and joy.
Let’s Dance! invites schools, teachers, and students to join workshops, performances, and creative activities that make dance accessible to everyone, demonstrating its power to unite people of all ages and abilities.
“Dance is the perfect exercise to improve the health and wellbeing of mind and body, regardless of age or physical condition. And a great way to meet new people and beat isolation and loneliness.”
Watch our video featuring ISTD members who took part in 2025 and hear why you should join in 2026!
Watch our short film about Let's Dance!
Angela Rippon dancing at the 2025 press launch for Let's Dance! at the Guildhall in London
Angela Rippon dancing at the 2025 press launch for Let's Dance! at the Guildhall in London
Black in the Ballroom dancers at the Let's Dance! press launch in 2025
Black in the Ballroom dancers at the Let's Dance! press launch in 2025
Want to get involved?
Discover more about Let’s Dance! 2026 on the official Let’s Dance! website.
Want support to make your event a success? The Let’s Dance! website has everything you need to plan and promote your event, including an Event Guide, Media Toolkit, Print & Post Pack, Communication Toolkit, and even MP Letter & Press Templates. These resources are designed to help you host engaging dance events and spread the word effectively. By using these tools, you’ll amplify the campaign’s reach and help introduce more people to the joy of dance. Access these resources and start planning today.
Why take part?
Taking part is an opportunity to introduce new people to the joy of dance and create meaningful connections within the wider community. By collaborating with external organisations and engaging the general public, we all help more people discover dance. This not only strengthens our networks but also supports the ISTD’s charitable purpose: to educate the public in the art of dancing, in all its forms.
We spoke to two ISTD members who took part in 2025 to share their experiences and tips for making the most of this exciting event.
“I’ve seen first-hand how dance transforms confidence, creativity, and wellbeing.”
Laura Dudman
Laura Dudman
“When I first heard about the Let’s Dance Campaign, I knew it was something I wanted to be involved in,” says Laura Dudman, ISTD Regional Representative for the South East, Principal of Caterpillar Dance School and Artistic Director of Essence Dance Company. “I’ve seen first-hand how dance transforms confidence, creativity, and wellbeing. The idea of creating a large-scale event that united schools across Medway felt like a natural and exciting next step.”
“The energy was infectious – students were dancing, laughing, and cheering each other on.”
Yvonne Taylor Hill
Yvonne Taylor Hill
For Yvonne Taylor Hill, ISTD Senior Examiner, Grand Council member and Principal of The Taylor School of Dancing, the appeal was variety: “It was a good opportunity to try out different dance genres, since I invited outside teachers to take the workshops.”
“It was lovely seeing children dancing with their dads, mums, and family – all ages totally integrating and having fun through dance.”
Highlights from 2025
Laura co-organised a festival that brought together 19 local schools for workshops and an evening showcase. “The energy was infectious – students were dancing, laughing, and cheering each other on. The highlight for me was seeing students who had never danced before step into the spotlight with pride and joy.”
Yvonne focused on family participation: “It was lovely seeing children dancing with their dads, mums, and family – all ages totally integrating and having fun through dance.”
“By linking schools, professional artists, and education providers, we created pathways for collaboration and showcased dance as a vehicle for wellbeing.”
Laura Dudman's Lets Dance! event in 2025
Laura Dudman's Lets Dance! event in 2025
Impact on the dance community
Both teachers agree the event strengthened community ties. Laura explains: “By linking schools, professional artists, and education providers, we created pathways for collaboration and showcased dance as a vehicle for wellbeing.” Yvonne adds: “The feedback was very positive, and I’ll be repeating the day in 2026.”
“Start small: Offer free classes or workshops at your school.”
Tips for teachers planning 2026
- Start small: “Offer free classes or workshops at your school,” suggests Laura. “If you want to work with local schools and colleges, community events are a great way to self-promote.”
- Plan ahead: Yvonne advises, “Be organised. Get volunteers for registration and refreshments so you can focus on PR and socialising.”
- Advertise early: “Promote on social media well in advance,” says Yvonne. “Mention the date now – Shirley Ballas is our President and head judge on Strictly, so let’s use that connection!”
- Build partnerships: Laura recommends introducing yourself to your local culture and arts councillor for future support and funding.
“Promote on social media well in advance – Shirley Ballas is our President and head judge on Strictly, so let’s use that connection!”
“Dance does so much for us all – it builds confidence, inspires creativity and friendships and makes us feel good about ourselves.”
Why it’s worth it
Laura sums it up: “Let’s Dance is more than just one day – it’s a movement that brings joy, builds confidence, and unites communities.” Yvonne agrees: “It’s definitely worthwhile and could increase numbers in your classes.”
“Let’s Dance is more than just one day – it’s a movement that brings joy, builds confidence, and unites communities.”
Dancers at Let's Dance! press launch in 2025
Dancers at Let's Dance! press launch in 2025
Ready to join in?
Mark your calendars for 8 March 2026 and start planning now! Whether you host a workshop, a showcase, or a community event, Let’s Dance! is your chance to celebrate the power of dance and make a lasting impact.
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