Elevate 2026 — The UK's Annual Dance Teacher Convention

Timetable now available!

Faculty Announced!

Dance teachers at the Elevate annual convention

Friday 7th - Sunday 9th August 2026

Experience. Educate. Enrich.

The UK's Biggest Dance Teacher Convention – Where Passion Meets Progress!

At IDS, we’re thrilled to invite you to our 14th annual Dance Teacher Convention! In 2026 we’re at a brand-new venue — Bird College, Sidcup — with a new format: a dedicated Dance Business Day ‘Spotlight’, followed by two full days of classes.

Over three days you’ll enjoy 30+ hours of CPD-accredited training, an exclusive Costume Sale (from just £5!), the 2027 IDS Fashion Show with cocktails and canapés, an Exhibitor Marketplace, and a complimentary goody bag on arrival.

Previous attendees have joined us from Germany, Canada, Iceland, Norway and The Netherlands. You’ll leave with practical ideas timed perfectly for the new academic year — and if you choose the Ultimate Pass, £150 IDS credit in your pocket.

Experience.

Immerse yourself in dance classes, workshops, and seminars led by world-class faculty—each one specifically designed for dance teachers. Reignite your passion and take time to dance for yourself, or simply sit back and observe. Whatever you choose, you’ll leave with powerful tips and tools to take back to your own school.

Educate.

Set yourself up for the year ahead by learning from top dance industry business minds. Refine your marketing strategies, discover proven methods to boost revenue, enrolments and retention, and walk away with actionable skills you can apply to your business immediately.

Check back for updates

Enrich.

Elevate offers so much more than classes — it’s your opportunity to connect, discover, and indulge. Meet fellow dance teachers, explore the Exhibitor Marketplace featuring leading brands and suppliers, and shop the exclusive Costume Sale with prices from just £5. Round off Saturday evening at the 2027 IDS Fashion Show, with cocktails or mocktails, canapés and live music. Every attendee also receives a complimentary goody bag on arrival. Oh, and did we mention the 15% discount on your entire show order?

Book Now!

We’re committed to offering dance teachers exceptional value for money, with a variety of packages to suit your needs. Whether you’re joining us for just one day or diving into all three action-packed days, you’ll leave feeling energised, inspired, and equipped with fresh skills — not to mention new friendships.

Friday 7th August

The Spotlight Pass

£100

For the ambitious studio owner.

For the ambitious studio owner. Spend a full day with top dance business coaches who will help you grow your school — and leave with a tangible action plan. Includes a healthy breakfast on arrival, access to the Exhibitor Marketplace and the exclusive Costume Sale from just £5.

Saturday 8th - Sunday 9th August

The Movement Pass

£200

For the passionate dance educator.

For the passionate dance educator. Immerse yourself in two full days of inspiring classes across a wide range of genres, led by world-class faculty. Saturday evening includes the 2027 IDS Fashion Show with cocktails, canapés and live music. Plus access to the Exhibitor Marketplace, Costume Sale and a goody bag on arrival.

Friday 7th - Sunday 9th August

The Ultimate Pass

PLUS, receive £150 IDS credit!*

£300

For those who want it all.

For those who want it all. The complete 3-day Elevate experience — the Spotlight Business Day, two full days of classes and the Saturday evening Fashion Show. As a thank you, Ultimate Pass holders also receive £150 IDS credit on their account* plus 15% off their entire show order.

*IDS credit is limited to £150 per school.

2025 Highlights

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Elevate?

Elevate is IDS's annual dance teacher convention - a 3-day event combining professional development, dance classes, business training and exclusive IDS experiences. In 2026 we're hosting the event at Bird College, Sidcup, on the 7th-9th of August - our 14th year running!

Who is Elevate for?

Elevate is designed for dance teachers, studio owners, teaching assistants and dance professionals at every stage of their career - whether you're just starting out or have been teaching for decades. Previous attendees have joined us from the UK, Germany, Canada, Iceland, Norway and The Netherlands.

What's included at Elevate 2026?

All ticket holders receive access to:

- 18+ industry-leading dance and business professionals
- 30+ hours of CPD-accredited classes and workshops, endorsed by the CDMT
- The 2027 IDS Fashion Show featuring the latest collection, with cocktails or mocktails, canapés and live music (Movement & Ultimate Pass holders)
- An exclusive Costume Sale with show and competition costumes from just £5
- An Exhibitor Marketplace featuring leading dance brands and suppliers
- Exclusive event-only discounts and offers
- 15% off your entire show order*
- A complimentary Elevate goody bag on arrival

*15% show order discount applies per school.

What are the ticket options?

There are three passes available:

- The Spotlight Pass (Friday 7th August) £100: A dedicated Dance Business Day with top industry coaches. Healthy breakfast included.
- The Movement Pass (Saturday 8th - Sunday 9th August) £200: Two full days of dance classes across a wide range of genres,
plus the Saturday evening Fashion Show with cocktails, canapés and live music.
- The Ultimate Pass (Friday 7th - Sunday 9th August) £300: The full 3-day experience. Includes everything above, plus £150 IDS credit to spend on your account* and 15% off your show order.

*IDS credit is limited to £150 per school and must be redeemed within 1 month.

Does attendance count toward CPD hours?

Yes. Elevate offers 30+ hours of CPD-accredited training, fully endorsed by the CDMT. Every class you attend counts toward your CPD record.

Do I need to book classes in advance?

No. Simply book your Elevate ticket and choose which classes you'd like to attend on the day. You can do as much or as little as you like - it's your Elevate experience.

What level are the classes?

All classes are inclusive and suitable for a range of abilities. Whether you want to fully participate or simply observe and take inspiration, you can tailor the sessions to suit you.

What should I bring?

We recommend comfortable clothing and suitable footwear for classes, plus a water bottle. You'll also receive an Elevate goody bag on arrival containing a notebook, pen and other goodies to enjoy throughout the event.

Is the evening Fashion Show included in my ticket?

Yes - the Saturday evening Fashion Show is included for all Elevate ticket holders at no extra cost. It features the 2027 IDS collection, with a cocktail or mocktail of your choice, canapés and live music.

Is there a dress code for the evening?

No. Wear whatever makes you feel your best, whether that's dressed up or casual, the choice is entirely yours.

Can I transfer my ticket to someone else?

Yes. Tickets can be transferred to another attendee. Please contact us before the event with the updated details

Will there be an IDS sale?

Yes - there will be an exclusive Costume Sale with show and competition costumes from just £5, alongside event-only offers and discounts across the IDS range.

Will there be other brands at the event?

Yes - The Exhibitor Marketplace features a range of leading dance brands and suppliers - a great opportunity to discover new products and speak directly with the people behind them.

Is food available at Elevate?

Yes - A bespoke catering company will be on site with lunch options available to purchase throughout the event. You're also welcome to bring your own food. A healthy breakfast is included for Spotlight Pass (Friday) attendees.

Where is Elevate 2026 held?

Elevate 2026 takes place at Bird College, Sidcup, Kent (DA14 6LT)

How do I get to Bird College?

By train: Sidcup is well connected by rail, with regular services from Charing Cross, Waterloo East and London Bridge. The journey from Central London takes approximately 30 minutes, and Bird College is within walking distance of Sidcup Station.

- By car: Exit the M25 at Junction 3 and follow the A20 into Sidcup. On-site parking is available for Elevate attendees.

- By bus: Sidcup is served by a comprehensive local bus network with connections across South East London and Kent.

- By air: London Gatwick Airport is approximately 32 miles away, with rail connections into London and onward to Sidcup.

Is parking available?

Yes - free on-site parking is available for Elevate attendees at Bird College.

Can I stay in London and travel in?

Absolutely. Sidcup is only around 30 minutes by train from Central London, making it very easy to stay in the city and travel in each day. This also gives you access to a much wider range of accommodation at all price points.

Where can I stay near the venue?

There are several options close to Bird College, including the Premier Inn London Sidcup and Travelodge London Sidcup, as well as local guest houses and serviced apartments in Sidcup and the surrounding area. Alternatively, staying in Central London and commuting in by train is a popular choice - the journey is approximately 30 minutes.

Is the venue accessible?

Yes - Elevate aims to be accessible for all attendees. If you have specific requirements, please contact us before the event so we can ensure everything is in place for you.

I have a question not answered here, who do I contact?

Please get in touch with our team at [email protected] and we'll be happy to help. (Update this email address to the correct one before publishing.)

Testimonials

"Such a wonderfully varied and educational experience where I get to move, learn, meet other dance teachers and business owners and talk and connect and leave truly inspired and knowledgeable among experts with room and space to grow and breathe! Cannot recommend it enough. "

Sarah Pullin

"I love coming to dance in a supportive environment, it inspires me for the year ahead and reconnects me to the thing I love the most."

Stephanie Mills

"I love coming to Elevate to take home tips I can use in my teaching, but also dancing for me – something I don’t often do!"

Alice White

Many thanks to our sponsors