The Angela Rippon Dance Challenge
It’s all about dancing together, enjoying movement, and raising money for charity.
A New National Fundraising Challenge for 2026
The Angela Rippon Dance Challenge is an exciting new initiative launching in 2026, bringing together performance, participation and fundraising to support young dancers across the UK.
Led by Angela Rippon CBE and delivered by All England Dance, the challenge celebrates the lifelong value of dance by promoting wellbeing, connection and opportunity at every stage of adult life.
About the Challenge
The Angela Rippon Dance Challenge is a sponsored dance event open to adult groups aged 18 and over, welcoming all dance styles and levels of experience.
Groups will perform their routine on Sunday 2 August at the AED National Finals 2026 while raising funds to support scholarships, workshops and development opportunities for young dancers.
Like a sponsored walk or charity run, this is a sponsored dance challenge, with fundraising at its heart.
Why Take Part?
- By taking part in the Angela Rippon Dance Challenge, participants help All England Dance provide more scholarships, free workshops and greater access to dance opportunities for young people across the UK.
- Alongside supporting a worthwhile cause, performing on stage offers well-recognised physical, mental and social benefits, while giving groups a shared goal and an enjoyable experience to work towards together.
Who Can Take Part?
- The challenge is open to adult groups aged 18+, from any dance background or style.
- Whether you’re a professional performer, an amateur dancer, returning after many years away, or trying dance for the first time, everyone is welcome.
- There is no minimum or maximum number of performers per group.
Rules & Performance Guidelines
- Maximum performance length: 3 minutes
- Music and themes must be suitable for family audiences.
- Props are permitted (maximum weight 10kg) and must be carried on and off the stage by the performers.
- Groups will have 20 seconds to be ready to begin their performance.
Fundraising & Entry
- All participating groups will join AED’s official JustGiving campaign. Each group is asked to raise a minimum of £200, either collectively or through individual fundraising within the group.
- Every pound raised directly supports All England Dance’s charitable work. Approximately £3,000 provides a year’s support for one young dancer through scholarships, workshops and development opportunities.
Awards
- Every group will receive an award recognising their performance, as determined by a panel of judges.
- The overall winner and runner-up of the Angela Rippon Dance Challenge will be decided by an audience vote.
Introducing and Sponsoring our 2026 Performers
We are thrilled to announce the groups who will be taking part this year.
If you wish to donate to the Angela Rippon Dance Challenge, each group has their own team page on JustGiving, so a donation to any group will appear as part of the overall fundraising total.
If you wish to come and watch the show, this will be taking place on Sunday 2 August (afternoon session) at The Congress Theatre. You can purchase tickets here. Under 18s can enter the auditorium free of charge.
You can read each group’s story below.
Continuity Dance Company
A graduate dance company between the ages of 21-30 who train twice a month alongside balancing careers. They offer space for dancers and likeminded people to come together to continue their passion whilst making friends for life and doing what they love. Taking to the stage is Continuity’s Tier 1 team who were the first group to start their Sussex Branch in January 2025. They have now expanded their Sussex Branch and have two jazz/contemporary teams and a tap team! They would love to find more like minded young people who want to continue their dance training at a high level whilst also having fun and working on their careers.
You can sponsor Continuity Dance Company here.
GPA Dance Dads Department
Genesis Performing Arts are sending their amazing Dance Dads out on stage for the first time to raise money for the Angela Rippon Dance Challenge for All England Dance. They are swapping their seats in the auditorium for the stage to bring the audience a new level of entertainment!
You can sponsor GPA Dance Dads by donating to the All England Dance team fundraiser here.
Midlife Movers
The Midlife Movers are an over 40’s fun disco dance group. Their youngest Mover is 43 and they have several Movers in their 80’s – two of whom are 87!
Dance and all of its benefits are at the heart of what they do but probably more importantly, they have become a community and in some cases a lifeline. They have flashmobbed all over, including performing at Disney, dancing outside The Leaning Tower of Pisa for the crowds and receiving 4 ‘yeses’ on BGT. The list is endless and continues to grow along with everyone’s confidence. They are testament that “you really can dance forever!”
You can sponsor Midlife Movers here.
North Star OGs
The North Star OGs are thrilled to return to the All England Dance National Finals as part of the Angela Rippon Dance Challenge! These amazing young women haven’t shared the stage since 2019, after their final AED appearance as a group was lost to the pandemic in 2021. The NSA Principals are so proud to have built a community where the love of dance lasts well beyond school years, friendships are made for life and alumni return with gratitude, pride, and an unshakable sense of belonging. The NSA OGs step back onto the competition stage, not for trophies, but for charity, nostalgia, and the sheer magic of dancing together, one more time.
You can sponsor North Star OGs here.
Sage Dance Company
Sage Dance Company are a ballet-based and contemporary performing dance company for those aged 55 and over. The company was originally founded by Simon Rice, a former first soloist with the Royal Ballet. They now work with many different choreographers, are all passionate about dance and the benefits as we age.
You can sponsor Sage Dance Company here.
TAPA Tappers
The TAPA Tappers are dusting off their tap shoes ready for this challenge. Telford Academy Of Performing Arts offers a diverse range of classes including Tap Fit, Zumba, Dance Fit, Yoga, Musical Theatre, Show Dancercise, and Show Adult Tap. Their professional instructors are committed to nurturing talent, fostering creativity, and promoting a positive and inclusive environment for all.
You can sponsor TAPA Tappers here.
The Silver Steppers
The Silver Steppers at Sarah Moore Dance has been running for nearly 10 years and the group of ladies ranges in age from 68 to 99! Each year they enter Chichester Festival and Bognor Regis Dance Festival with a comedy musical theatre dance routine. They meet every Wednesday near Chichester for fun, friendship, dancing and cake!
You can sponsor the Silver Steppers here.
How to Take Part in 2027
Entries for 2027 are not yet open and further details are yet to be revealed. If you are interested in taking part in 2027, register using the button below.
If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact Harrison Cohen by emailing
archallenge@all-england-dance.org.uk.
