A Brief History

In 1902 at Finnigan's Dance Studio in Manchester, a group of 21 Dance Masters formed the United Kingdom Alliance of Professional Teachers of Dancing and Kindred Arts.

In those early days it covered Dance, Opera & Sword Fencing and everyone paid an entry fee of half a guinea (52½p).

They organised the very first Conference in Seven Sisters Road, Holloway, London in 1903 where they elected Mr A. Rowe of London as their President. The first overseas member joined in 1905 from the USA and the first Australian joined in 1908. the Alliance was open only to full time teachers, and was the only Society to retain this until the 1950's. It has continued uninterrupted through two world wars.

In 1949 the U.K.A. President called a meeting to discuss Highland competition rules. As a direct result of this the S.O.B.H.D. was born in 1950. Steady profession continued throughout the 50's, 60's, 70's & 80's when every style of dance was embraced. Medal tests are the stronghold of the Alliance, right from their introduction in the 1930's.

The 90's have been the true era for the U.K.A. with phenomenal growth and development. During this decade there was a complete revolution with the appointment of an entirely new Head Office staff, the purchase of premises (in fact the purchase of three sets of premises which are still owned by the Alliance).

Centenary House is a prestigious building of more than 12,000 square feet and contains a Ballroom and four studios, as well as a full floor for the awards section and a floor of
offices.

The Alliance has always been an innovator, and is still recognised for that quality today. It conducted the first scrutineering exams, the first to introduce Scottish Country Freestyle, Rock 'n' Roll, Western Line Dance, Le Roc & Salsa exams. The first of the established dance bodies to become a National Centre for awarding NVQ qualifications. We also staged the first ever British Salsa Championships, organising 50 heats throughout the U.K., and sending two couples to represent the U.K. at the World Championships in Miami.

The U.K.A. is now a truly International Organisation and a major player in the Worldwide Family of Dance. We forge ahead into the new Millennium fully equipped for all developments and we look forward to every new challenge.