Join us for the London Ballroom Skating Gala, our flagship annual event celebrating the elegance, artistry and joy of ballroom skating.

Held in the beautiful Stanley Arts Centre, Norwood, this exclusive evening combines stunning theatre lighting, exceptional music and a welcoming atmosphere to create one of the UK's most unique skating experiences.

Whether you're an experienced ballroom skater, new to partner skating, or simply looking for a memorable evening out, everyone is welcome.

Saturday 12 September
5:30pm – 10:30pm
Stanley Arts Centre, 12 South Norwood Hill, London, SE25 6AB
(five minute walk from Norwood Junction station, which has fast services to London Bridge, East & West Croydon, and direct trains to Victoria)

Begin the evening with a complimentary glass of Prosecco or a non-alcoholic welcome drink, served in an exclusive London Ballroom Skating Champagne Flute for you to take home.

Dress to impress and enjoy an unforgettable evening of skating, music and connection in the elegant surroundings of this historic theatre.

We're delighted to welcome Leo White from St. Louis, USA, one of the pioneers of modern elegant ballroom skating.

Share the floor with one of the world's most respected ballroom skaters and be inspired by his passion for this unique style of skating.

The evening also features a Ballroom Skating Competition, entrance is free with your Gala ticket.

Simply choose the competition option when booking. Open to all capable skaters, it's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate ballroom skating in a friendly and supportive atmosphere.

As part of our Ballroom Skating Gala, we're inviting skaters to take to the floor for a friendly competition celebrating the elegance, flow and artistry of ballroom skating.

This is not a formal championship—it's an opportunity to showcase your style, enjoy the atmosphere of the Gala, and celebrate the unique tradition of ballroom skating alongside fellow skaters. Winners will receive a small prize, but above all, this competition is about sharing the dance.

Who Can Enter?

• Must be 18+

• Competition entry is free to Gala ticket holders.

• Competitors must enter as a pair.

• Contestants must be on skates throughout the performance.

Competition Format

Each pair will perform for approximately 3 minutes.

To recreate the social atmosphere of traditional ballroom skating, three pairs will skate on the floor at the same time. This means competitors will need to demonstrate floor awareness and share the space with other couples.

As multiple pairs will be skating together, competitors cannot perform to an individual song. However, each pair may submit up to two song suggestions, which will be considered when creating the event playlist. Link to playlist will be shared after sign up.

Judging Criteria

The competition will be judged by Leo White and Nikki & Andrew. Judges will be looking for three key elements:

Foundation Moves
The foundation of ballroom skating is the U-Formation—the flowing pattern that allows partners to transition smoothly from left to right while navigating the floor together. The U-Formation provides the structure of the dance, demonstrating control, partnership and synchronisation.

Flow
Judges will be looking for effortless movement, smooth edge work and seamless transitions. Strong ballroom skating isn't about speed—it's about maintaining rhythm, control and harmony throughout the performance.

Creativity
Outside the U-Formation, skaters have the freedom to express their own style and personality. Creative sections should complement the music before returning naturally into the structured flow of the U-Formation.

A Celebration of Ballroom Skating

This competition is designed to celebrate the traditions of ballroom skating while encouraging creativity and enjoyment. Whether you're entering to challenge yourselves, showcase your partnership, or simply be part of a memorable evening, we look forward to seeing you on the floor.

The judges' decision is final.

Deadline for entry is Friday 4th September 2026.

Whether you're planning a romantic evening with your partner, a special night out with friends, or attending on your own, the London Ballroom Skating Gala offers something for everyone.

Bringing together skaters of all generations and abilities, it's an evening to connect, celebrate and create lasting memories on and off the skating floor.

We look forward to welcoming you to London's most elegant ballroom skating event.

Roller skating is a physical activity that carries inherent risks, including (but not limited to) slips, falls, collisions with other skaters, barriers or other objects, and injuries which may occur even where reasonable care is taken. By purchasing a ticket, attending or participating in this event, you acknowledge and accept these inherent risks.

All skating and participation in the event is undertaken at your own risk. You are responsible for ensuring that you are physically fit and capable of taking part and that your skates and any equipment you use are safe, properly maintained and suitable for indoor roller skating.

You agree to skate responsibly, exercise due care for your own safety and that of others, and comply at all times with the instructions of London Ballroom Skating, Stanley Arts staff, stewards and event officials. London Ballroom Skating reserves the right to refuse admission to, or remove from, the event without refund any person whose behaviour is unsafe, disruptive, aggressive, intoxicated, or otherwise presents a risk to themselves, other attendees or the venue.

This is a strictly adults-only (18+) event. Anyone under the age of 18 will not be admitted.

No alcohol or outside food or drink may be brought into the event. Any person found bringing or consuming alcohol or unauthorised food or drink may be refused entry or removed from the event without refund.

Attendees are responsible for their own personal belongings. London Ballroom Skating accepts no responsibility for the loss, theft or damage of personal property unless caused by our negligence.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, London Ballroom Skating shall not be liable for any loss, damage, injury, cost or expense arising from attendance at or participation in the event where such loss arises from:

• the ordinary and inherent risks of roller skating;

• the acts or omissions of the participant;

• the acts or omissions of other participants or third parties; or

• a failure by the participant to follow event rules or reasonable instructions.

Assumption of Skill: By entering the skating area, you confirm that you possess sufficient roller skating ability to skate safely in a shared public session. London Ballroom Skating does not provide supervision or instruction, and attendees are responsible for deciding whether their skating ability is suitable for participation.