BDSA Team GB and NI Shine at the ECDS European Championships: Celebrating Our Rising Dance Stars

Have you ever wondered what it takes to represent your country on the European dance stage?

For the talented young dancers of the British DanceSport Association (BDSA) Team GB and NI, that question became a reality at the recent ECDS European Championships in Burgas, Bulgaria. And the answer? Skill, dedication, countless hours of training, and the kind of team spirit that makes the dance community so special.

Whether you teach competitive dancers yourself or simply love celebrating the achievements of young talent in our industry, this weekend’s results are worth shouting about.

What Are the ECDS European Championships?

The European Confederation of Dance Sports (ECDS) European Championships bring together the finest young dancers from across the continent to compete in Ballroom and Latin categories. It is one of the most prestigious events on the competitive dance calendar, offering dancers the chance to test themselves against international competition and showcase the quality of training they receive at home.

For UK dance teachers, events like this highlight the incredible potential within our dance schools and the pathways available for students who want to take their dancing to the highest level.

Meet the BDSA Team GB and NI

This year’s squad featured an impressive mix of couples and solo competitors, each bringing their own strengths to the floor:

Felix Nash and Elvira Maciejewska (Juvenile couple)

Erick Florin-Craia and Chloe Winters (Junior couple)

Erin Gathercole (Junior 2 and Youth 1 Solo competitor)

Supporting the team throughout the event was Team Captain Peter Nash, while Maxwell Harrison attended as the official GB and NI adjudicator, flying the flag for British standards in judging.

Competition Highlights

Felix Nash and Elvira Maciejewska

This young Juvenile couple delivered performances that belied their age, showing remarkable confidence and technical ability on the European stage.

Their results:

• 2nd place in the Under 10s Latin at the ECDS European Championships
• Finalists in the Juvenile Latin five dance at the ECDS European Championships

For such a young partnership, reaching a European final and securing a silver medal is an outstanding achievement that speaks volumes about their training and potential.

Erin Gathercole

Erin had what can only be described as an exceptional weekend, demonstrating impressive versatility across both Latin and Ballroom solo categories.

Her results:

• 1st place (x3) in the One Dance Solo Cup
• 1st place in the Youth Solo Latin
• 7th place in the Youth 1 Solo Latin at the ECDS European Championships
• 6th place in the Youth 2 Solo Ballroom at the ECDS European Championships

Her personality, performance quality and musicality shone through in every event. Three gold medals and two top-ten European finishes represent a truly remarkable weekend of competition.

Erick Florin-Craia and Chloe Winters

Representing the Junior category, Erick and Chloe competed with professionalism and growing confidence, securing results that place them firmly among Europe’s rising stars.

Their results:

• 2nd place in the Junior Ballroom at the ECDS European Championships
• 3rd place in the Junior Ten Dance at the ECDS European Championships
• 4th place in the Junior Latin at the ECDS European Championships

Three medals at a European Championship is a phenomenal achievement. This partnership continues to develop and these results demonstrate they are competing at the very highest level.

Why This Matters for Dance Teachers

You might be wondering why we are sharing competitive dance news on Teach.Dance. The answer is simple: the BDSA is one of our valued partners, and their work matters to the wider dance teaching community.

Here is why these achievements should inspire all of us:

It showcases what is possible. When your students see young dancers achieving at European level, it opens their eyes to the pathways available in competitive dance. These results did not happen by accident. They are the product of dedicated teaching, structured training programmes, and the kind of supportive dance community that the BDSA helps to foster.

It raises the profile of dance education. Every medal won on the European stage is a reminder of the quality of dance teaching happening in studios across the UK. These young dancers are ambassadors for our industry.

It highlights the importance of organisations like the BDSA. The British DanceSport Association works to support competitive dancers, provide pathways to international competition, and maintain standards across the DanceSport community. For teachers interested in competitive dance, understanding what the BDSA offers can open doors for your students.

The Reality Behind the Results

It is worth acknowledging that international competitions are not always glamorous. This particular event experienced some organisational challenges, with both days running late and competitors spending excessive amounts of time in the venue.

Yet despite these difficulties, the atmosphere from the team and their families remained positive throughout. The weekend was filled with pride, hard work and genuine team spirit. The moments of encouragement, preparation and celebration between competitive rounds are often what dancers remember most fondly about these experiences.

This resilience is something we can all relate to as dance educators. Things do not always go to plan, but it is how we respond that defines us.

How Can You Get Involved with Competitive Dance?

If reading about these achievements has sparked your interest in competitive dance pathways for your students, here are some starting points:

Learn about the BDSA. The British DanceSport Association offers membership, competitions, and pathways for dancers interested in Ballroom and Latin at all levels. Understanding their structure can help you guide students who show competitive potential.

Connect with competitive teachers. Many teachers specialise in preparing students for competition. Building relationships within this community can provide mentorship opportunities and insights into what competitive training involves.

Start conversations with your students. You might be surprised how many of your dancers dream of competing. Opening up discussions about competitive pathways could be the encouragement they need.

Congratulations to Team GB and NI

To every dancer, instructor and supporter involved in this weekend’s success: congratulations. The BDSA Team GB and NI have once again represented the nation with excellence and ambition.

Felix, Elvira, Erin, Erick, Chloe, and everyone who supported them behind the scenes should be incredibly proud. These results are a testament to the quality of dance education and training happening across the UK.

We look forward to following their continued success and celebrating more achievements from the British competitive dance community.

Ready to connect with the dance teaching community? At Teach.Dance, we are building a supportive space for dance educators across the UK. Whether you teach competitive dancers, recreational students, or anything in between, our platform helps you manage your teaching and connect with other professionals.

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