THE BDF STAR BALL 2025

The BDF Starball Ball – presented by the Ballroom Dancers’ Federation Ltd

by Joanna Leunis

A highlight of January. Set within the incredible Epsom Downs Race Course where the heat of each Ballroom and Latin dancer can warm up the atmosphere of the cooler month. Truly an impeccable event with perfect facilities from the parking to the changing rooms for the competitions and judges to the hall itself, giving total freedom to couples to dance their hearts out.

The sound of the beautiful Len Phillips Swing Orchestra makes every beat and rhythm radiate through the movements of each dancer. What is also particularly well thought out about this event, in my opinion, is the timing—just early enough to leave a week before the UK Championship—so couples can dance their hearts out, using all their energy and having enough time to recover before the next event.

In my opinion, one of the most important parts of preparation for a major event such as the UK Championship is organising and planning and making the right decisions on how much is needed. Of course, as a dancer, you want to dance everything, but it sometimes kills the spirit or creates injuries, so recovery time is also very important, I believe.

On this occasion, I found couples were sharp, slick, and ready to compete, yet also had the right balance of fun and excitement while dancing. It particularly attracts me when I see the right balance between quality in form and shapes and enough content. Enough meaning depth and honesty. To be fully prepared yet to be able to let go, have fun, and be present in the moment. To mean business yet keep it light and exciting. We don’t necessarily need to see the veins pop out of someone’s neck.

I love strength and power but within proportion. Be it sharp, be it alert, be it gentle, be it strong, be it heavy, be it free. I believe a great dancer should be able to demonstrate any flavours and shift to any in a second according to the moment, the partner, and the music. I loved it when I saw dancers communicating with their partner in a professional yet fun and exciting way. I noticed this more in the Amateur rounds than the Pro rounds.

The evening rounds started with an exciting Semi Finals with some very exciting and very talented newcomers. The atmosphere was high and every couple gave it their best to the orchestra and under the beautiful and strong voice of Mr Graham Oswick.

The very anticipated Finals were also extremely exciting to watch, and every couple could enjoy enough space to be totally free and in control. I thought both Finals were at the highest level; everyone was committed, focused, and showed beautiful musicality, which was great to watch.

Thank you to the BDF Committee for having me as part of this wonderful event.

Gratefully, Joanna