Held at London’s ExCeL, the 2026 edition of MOVE IT on March 20-22 once again proved why it remains one of the world’s most influential dance conventions. Welcoming over 30,000 dancers in record-breaking numbers yet again, the event buzzed with energy across three unforgettable days. From the moment attendees stepped inside, the atmosphere was electric, fuelled by passion, talent, and a shared love of dance.
A major highlight this year was international headliner Brian Friedman, whose presence drew huge crowds. His sessions delivered both inspiration and practical industry insight, reinforcing MOVE IT’s role as a launchpad for aspiring performers. He was joined by an outstanding lineup of headliners, including Clara Bajado, The Ferdinand Sisters, Christie Lee Manning, and Harry & Lewis, all of whom brought their own unique artistry and expertise to the event.
Equally exciting were special guests Abby Lee Miller and Gianna Martello, both widely recognised for their appearances on the hit TV show Dance Moms. Fellow special guests Hannah Lowther and Cacherel Mercer joined them, adding further star power and industry insight.
The main stage was alive all weekend with world-class performances by talented students, showcasing an exceptional standard of training and artistry. Meanwhile, at the entrance to the expo, the Supreme Dance Discovery Stage featured an impressive 80 group performances from Supreme Dance competitors, setting the tone for the incredible talent on display throughout the event.
A particularly meaningful moment came with the presentation of the inaugural “Icon Award” to Dame Arlene Phillips DBE, recognising her outstanding contribution to dance and theatre. The tribute served as a powerful reminder of the artistry and dedication that continue to shape the industry, and marked a special milestone for MOVE IT in celebrating its legends.
New for 2026, the Move It Championships powered by DanceOne introduced an exciting new competitive dimension. Community groups and pre-vocational schools took to the main stage after hours in a high-energy battle to be crowned “Move It Champs”, bringing an electrifying close to each day and showcasing the depth of emerging talent across the dance community.
Dance Informa is proud to be the media partner for Move It and thoroughly enjoyed interacting with dancers all weekend long in the bustling expo area. A standout attraction at the Dance Informa stand was a dance arcade game, which drew enthusiastic crowds and eager lineups of dancers and dance mums all weekend long.
The expo itself was a true dancer’s paradise. From dancewear and fashion to training resources, colleges and study programmes, health professionals, accessories, and food vendors, there was something for everyone. Adjacent to the expo, the ever-popular AcroPad space was alive with activity. Dancers tumbled, participated in acrobatics classes, and took advantage of “AcroSurgeries” – one-on-one private sessions with expert instructors to refine their tricks.
At the heart of the expo, the Freestyle Stage brought unmatched energy all weekend long. Hosted by Mogu Mogu on Friday and Saturday, creative freestyle challenges drew lively crowds and encouraged dancers to showcase their individuality in a fun, supportive environment. On Sunday, the stage reached new heights as it hosted Red Bull Dance Your Style, delivering an electrifying finale packed with talent and crowd engagement.
Adding to the fun was the return of the crowd-favourite roller rink, complete with a dazzling disco ball, offering dancers a chance to let loose, socialise, and enjoy a different kind of movement experience away from the studio setting.
Career opportunities were also front and centre, with high-profile auditions from Disney Live Entertainment and Royal Caribbean International. These auditions provided dancers with a direct pathway into professional performance careers.
Overall, MOVE IT 2026 delivered an inspiring and high-energy blend of education, performance, and connection. With record-breaking attendance, world-class talent, exciting new initiatives, and vibrant experiences across every corner of the venue, it continues to set the benchmark for global dance events, leaving attendees energised, inspired, and already counting down to next year. Save the date for MOVE IT 2027, March 19-21.
By Deborah Searle of Dance Informa.
