More than 700 young dancers shine at Dancing Schools UK Grand Final
The Royal & Derngate Theatre in Northampton was transformed into a spectacular celebration of dance, confidence and community as 50 primary school dance teams took part in the Dancing Schools UK 2026 Grand Final.
Organised by Step by Step Dance & Arts Foundation and Dancing Schools UK, the event brought together hundreds of children, teachers, parents and supporters for an unforgettable day showcasing the incredible talent found within local primary schools.
More than just a competition, the Grand Final celebrated courage, friendship, teamwork and personal achievement, with every child leaving the stage feeling proud of what they had accomplished.
A special highlight of the day was the appearance of Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden, whose warmth, encouragement and inspiring feedback created memories that the young dancers will treasure for years to come.
Founder Andrzej Mialkowski said:
“Watching children grow in confidence through dance is why Dancing Schools UK exists. Every smile, every performance and every standing ovation reminds us that dance has the power to change lives. We are incredibly proud of every child, every teacher and every school that took part.”
One of the unique features of the programme is that the Step by Step Dance & Arts Foundation provides FREE dance lessons to schools, ensuring every child has the opportunity to dance regardless of their background or circumstances.
Every finalist received a medal and certificate in recognition of their hard work, while the top three schools in each age category were presented with the prestigious Glitter Ball Trophy.
Year 1 & 2 Finalists (14 Teams)
Brixworth Primary School – Sparkle & Shine Team
Whitefriars Primary School – Team 1
Holmwood School & Nursery
Malcolm Arnold Preparatory School
Whitehouse Primary School
Monksmoor Park CE Primary School
Woodland View Primary School
Glory Farm Primary School
Hackleton Primary School
Brixworth Primary School – Razzle & Dazzle Team
Whitefriars Primary School – Team 2
Olney Infant Academy
Kings Meadow Primary School
C.C.S.
Results
1st Whitehouse Primary School
2nd Malcolm Arnold Preparatory School
3rd Kings Meadow Primary School
Year 3 & 4 Finalists (18 Teams)
Whitehouse Primary School – Year 3 Team
Glory Farm Primary School
St Mary’s & St Giles Primary School
C.C.S. – Team Blossom
Weedon Bec Primary School
Lavendon Primary School
Southwold Primary & Nursery
Brixworth Primary School – Sparkle & Shine Team
C.C.S. – Team Allium
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School
Walgrave Primary School
Hackleton Primary School
Gagle Brook Primary School
Kings Meadow Primary School
Chesterton Primary School
Whitehouse Primary School – Year 4 Team
Moulton Primary School
Brixworth Primary School – Razzle & Dazzle Team
Results
1st Kings Meadow Primary School
2nd C.C.S. – Team Allium
3rd Hackleton Primary School
Year 5 & 6 Finalists (18 Teams)
Chesterton Primary School
C.C.S. – Team Cosmos
Brooklands Farm Primary School
Rickley Park Primary School
Kings Meadow Primary School – Team A
Hackleton Primary School – Blue Team
Whitehouse Primary School
Glory Farm Primary School – Team 1
C.C.S. – Team Daffodil
Southwold Primary & Nursery
Gagle Brook Primary School
Hackleton Primary School
Kings Meadow Primary School – Team B
C.C.S. – Team Blossom
Glory Farm Primary School – Team 2
C.C.S. – Team Allium
Walgrave Primary School
Kings Meadow Primary School – Team C
Results
1st C.C.S. – Team Allium
2nd Whitehouse Primary School
3rd Hackleton Primary School – Blue Team
The organisers expressed their sincere thanks to every school, headteacher, teacher, teaching assistant, parent, grandparent, volunteer, sponsor, judge, compère, DJ and the outstanding team at the Royal & Derngate Theatre for making the event such a tremendous success.
With another inspiring year complete, registration is now officially open for the 2026/27 Dancing Schools UK season.
Schools taking part receive:
FREE dance lessons
Professional coaching
Incredible performance opportunities
Glitter Ball Trophies
A programme that builds confidence, teamwork and lifelong memories
Schools interested in joining one of the UK’s fastest-growing primary school dance programmes are encouraged to register early by emailing:
As Dancing Schools UK continues to grow nationwide, its mission remains the same: to inspire children, build confidence and change lives through the power of dance—one step at a time.