THE BIC was a sea of sequins and sparkle as it hosted the UK Dance Championships.

Taking place over three days from January 15 to 17, the 2019 event welcomes both professional dancers and rising stars and has been hosted annually at the BIC since 1984, organised by Dance News Ltd.

Competitors from all over the world descended on the town to compete in the Professional Ballroom; Amateur Ballroom; Professional Latin and Amateur Latin contests..

Broadway star Victoria Regan, the global ambassador for event sponsor and dance brand Arthur Murray International Inc, which has 272 studios globally, was guest of honour at the championships.

She said: "The UK Ballroom & Latin Dance Championships is one of the most prestigious dance events in the world and Arthur Murray has been a major sponsor of the event for over a decade and is proud to be supporting such a high level, well attended competition.

"All the world famous dancers are here. At one time the competition was dominated by British dancers, however dancers from as far away as China and the Philippines are now competing. which demonstrates the passion for dance globally and impacts on the ferocity of this competition. The standard amongst both amateurs and professionals is truly outstanding."

Victoria, who travels extensively training couples and judging Dancesport competitions worldwide, secured the US Latin Championship at 23 and won the Canadian Ballroom and Latin Dance Champion five times; the North American 10 Dance Championship and was a British Latin finalist.