Our dazzling dance halls

Dust off your dancing shoes – it’s time to take a trip down memory lane

- ZOE WEST

Cast your imagination back to a romantic age, when sparks flew during a dreamy waltz while chandeliers twinkled overhead. Georgians, Victorians and Edwardians danced their way through the ballrooms of grand hotels, but it was after World War One that we really fell in love with ballroom and Latin in glamorous venues.

Of course, there's nowhere quite like the iconic Tower Ballroom in Blackpool to bring that dream alive. Opened in 1899, this spectacular space, with its gilded balconies and ornate ceiling, is now the highlight in Strictly Come Dancing's calendar. But Britain has more than one dazzling ballroom. Let's take a twirl round some other heavenly halls.

Rivoli Ballroom 
London

When this gorgeous time capsule came under threat, a public campaign was launched to save it. Rescued by English Heritage and given Grade II listed status, the Rivoli's future was secured: it's now the only intact 1950s ballroom left in the UK. Originally opened in July 1913 as a cinema, it reopened as a ballroom in 1959, and its decadent red velvet furnishings and chandeliers have made it a popular location for films, TV programmes and music videos. Hosting Latin, salsa, disco, Northern soul and jive nights, this gem is a dancer's dream.

* rivoliballroom.com

BATH ASSEMBLY ROOMS 
Bath