top of page

Event Eligibility

​

All registered BDC promoters are eligible for their events to be included in the BDC Championship League free of charge and will be eligible to award BDC Championship League points.

 

Points & Ranking Structure

​

The BDC Championship League operates on a points-based ranking system designed to reward both participation and performance. Each couple's ranking is calculated from the total of their best eight results.

Points are awarded as follows:

 

Standard Competitions / Events

​

Competitors will receive:

  • 10 base points for competing in the event; plus

  • 1 additional point for every couple or solo dancer defeated.

Formula:

Total Points = 10 + (1 × number of competitors beaten)

 

BDC Championship Events

​

Competitors will receive:

  • 20 base points for competing in the event; plus

  • 2 additional points for every couple or solo dancer defeated.

Formula:

Total Points = 20 + (2 × number of competitors beaten)

 

Premier BDC Championship Events

​

Competitors will receive:

  • 30 base points for competing in the event; plus

  • 3 additional points for every couple or solo dancer defeated.

Formula:

Total Points = 30 + (3 × number of competitors beaten)

 

Premier BDC Championship Events are decided by the BDC Directorship and currently include:

  • UK Open Dance Festival incorporating BDC granted Championships

  • Junior Blackpool Dance Festival incorporating BDC granted Championships

  • Open British Dance Festival incorporating BDC granted Championships

  • International Dance Festival incorporating BDC granted Championships

  • Closed British Championships incorporating BDC granted Championships

  • BDC Gala Event incorporating BDC granted Championship

 

Rankings

​

Rankings will be updated throughout the season and published on official BDC platforms.

The BDC Championship League rankings will be used for:

  • Selection to the BDC Team GB National Training Squad

  • Scholarship awards

  • International representation opportunities

  • Annual recognition awards

In the event of a tie in rankings, the BDC reserves the right to apply tie-break criteria as determined by the BDC Directorship.

The BDC Directorship reserves the right to amend these rules and event classifications in the best interests of the Championship League and its competitors.

​

​

BDC CHAMPIONSHIP LEAGUE

 

OFFICIAL SCHOLARSHIP ELIGIBILITY, INTERNATIONAL INVITATIONS & RANKING REGULATIONS - 2026/2027

 

1. PURPOSE OF THE BDC CHAMPIONSHIP LEAGUE

 

The BDC Championship League has been established to recognise and reward the achievements of eligible competitors participating in recognised dance competitions.

 

The League provides an ongoing national ranking system across its designated categories and may be used to determine eligibility for invitations, awards, scholarships and other opportunities offered or supported by the British Dance Council.

 

2. ROLLING RANKINGS

 

2.1. The BDC Championship League operates a rolling ranking system, with ranking positions updated throughout the year as eligible competition results are received and processed.

 

2.2. Rankings are not fixed for a calendar year and may change following the addition of new competition results.

 

2.3. Each competitor’s or couple’s overall ranking is calculated using their best eight eligible competition results within the applicable ranking period.

 

2.4. Where fewer than eight eligible results have been recorded, all available eligible results will count.

 

2.5. Competitors are responsible for monitoring their current ranking positions through the official BDC Championship League website.

 

3. RANKING POINTS

 

3.1. Ranking points are awarded in accordance with the official BDC Championship League Points Formula.​

 

4. INTERNATIONAL INVITATIONS AND REPRESENTATION

 

4.1. The British Dance Council may, at its discretion, offer invitations to competitors or couples to participate in international championships, competitions and other recognised events.

 

4.2. All invitations shall be determined using the official rolling BDC Championship League rankings as they stand on the date the invitation is issued.

 

4.3. A competitor’s ranking position at an earlier date, including the end of a previous calendar year or competition season, does not guarantee an invitation.

 

4.4. Any subsequent changes to ranking positions following the issue of an invitation shall not automatically invalidate that invitation.

 

4.5. Invitations remain subject to the specific eligibility requirements of the relevant event, the applicable BDC regulations and any requirements imposed by the international organiser.

 

4.6. The BDC reserves the right to move to the next eligible ranked competitor or couple where an invitation is declined or the relevant eligibility conditions are not satisfied.

 

5. WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIPS

 

5.1. The British Dance Council may offer a travel scholarship to eligible couples ranked within the top two positions of the relevant BDC Championship League category, to assist with travel expenses associated with participation in a WDC or WDC-AL World Championship.

 

5.2. Such scholarships may be considered for World Championships taking place following the inaugural BDC Dance Festival 2026.

 

5.3. To be eligible for consideration, a couple must satisfy both of the following conditions:

 

A. CHAMPIONSHIP LEAGUE RANKING

 

The couple must be ranked within the top two positions of the relevant BDC Championship League category on the date the scholarship invitation is issued.

 

B. UK CLOSED CHAMPIONSHIP PARTICIPATION

 

The couple must have participated in the relevant BDC-granted UK Closed Championship within the preceding 12 months.

 

Participation in the relevant BDC-granted UK Closed Championship is compulsory for scholarship eligibility.

 

5.4. Scholarships are intended as a contribution towards travel expenses and do not automatically constitute full funding of flights, accommodation or other associated costs.

 

5.5. Scholarships are discretionary and are not guaranteed. Any award shall remain subject to approval by the British Dance Council and the requirements of the relevant international championship.

 

6. COMPETITOR ELIGIBILITY

 

6.1. Competitors must hold the appropriate current BDC registration or licence where required.

 

6.2. Competitors must satisfy the eligibility rules applicable to their ranking category.

 

6.3. Competitors must comply with the relevant BDC rules and regulations, including any applicable requirements relating to age categories, competitive status and registration.

 

7. PARTNERSHIP CHANGES

 

7.1. Couples rankings shall apply to the registered partnership and not automatically to either dancer individually.

 

7.2. A new partnership shall not automatically inherit the ranking points accumulated by a previous partnership.

 

7.3. Eligibility for invitations and scholarships shall be assessed using the current registered partnership and its applicable ranking position.

 

8. ADMINISTRATION AND FINAL DECISIONS

 

8.1. The British Dance Council reserves the right to verify competition results, registration status and competitor eligibility.

 

8.2. The BDC may correct errors in published rankings and points calculations where necessary.

 

8.3. The award of international invitations, scholarships and financial assistance shall remain subject to the relevant BDC approval procedures.

 

8.4. The British Dance Council reserves the right to amend these regulations, subject to the appropriate approval process.

 

8.5. Any matter not expressly covered by these rules shall be referred to the British Dance Council for consideration and determination in accordance with its applicable rules and procedures.

 

⸻

 

BRITISH DANCE COUNCIL

bottom of page