Carl Alan Awards

The Carl Alan Awards are an annual awards event held in the United Kingdom and honouring people who have made a significant contribution to the dance industry, such as teachers, performers and choreographers. They have been dubbed "the Oscars of the dance world" and are presented at the annual dinner of the International Dance Teachers Association. The awards were first introduced in 1953 and are named after Carl Heimann and Alan Fairley, the joint Chairmen of the former Mecca Entertainment Company, which once owned the most extensive network of dance halls and entertainment venues in Britain. Each year, all recognised dance associations and societies in the UK are invited to make nominations in each category. A delegate from each organisation then joins a selection committee who shortlist the final nominees and the winner of each category is then decided by a ballot. Whilst the awards are hosted by the IDTA, the organisation remains independent in the selection process.

Awards are presented for achievement in the following three dance disciplines:

  • Freestyle dance, (including Street dance)
  • Theatre Dance, (including Ballet, Tap and Jazz)
  • Ballroom, Latin & Sequence dance

Five awards are given in each dance discipline:

  • Performer's Award
  • Teacher's Award
  • Competitive Coach/Choreography Award
  • Outstanding Services to Dance Award
  • Lifetime Achievement Award

Notable winners

  • Darren Bennett, professional dancer and former British Professional Champion in Latin American dance. Is a professional dancer for the BBC1 series, Strictly Come Dancing
  • Roy Castle, was a dancer and entertainer, most noted as the host of the television show Record Breakers. Became the world's fastest tap dancer in 1973
  • Matthew Cutler, professional dancer and former World Amateur Champion in Latin American dance. Is a professional dancer for the BBC1 series, Strictly Come Dancing
  • Nicole Cutler, professional dancer and former World Amateur Champion in Latin American dance. Is a professional dancer for the BBC1 series, Strictly Come Dancing
  • Rosemarie Ford, television presenter and actress, Bruce Forsyth's co-host for The Generation Game and cast member of the 1998 film adaptation of the MusicAL Cats
  • Bruce Forsyth, Dancer, entertainer and BAFTA award winning television personality. Currently presenter of the BBC1 series, Strictly Come Dancing
  • Len Goodman, former ballroom dance champion, now a dance teacher and competition judge. Most noted as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing With The Stars
  • Paul Harris, choreographer, dance teacher and movemement director. Chorographed wand fighting sequences for the film Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
  • Karen HILTON, professional dancer, teacher and competition judge. Nine times winner of the World Professional Ballroom Championship
  • Marcus Hilton, professional dancer, teacher and competition judge. Nine times winner of the World Professional Ballroom Championship
  • Lilia Kopylova, professional dancer and former British Professional Champion in Latin American dance. Is a professional dancer for the BBC1 series, Strictly Come Dancing
  • Stephen Mear, theatre choreographer, most noted for his work in the West End and Broadway. Won the 2005 Olivier Award for Best Choreography for the musical Mary Poppins
  • Arlene Phillips, international award winning, theatre, film and television choreographer, most noted as a judge on the BBC1 show Strictly Come Dancing
  • Victor Silvester, was a professional ballroom dancer and teacher, composer and band leader. Also a founder member of the Ballroom committee of the ISTD
  • Wayne Sleep, former Principal with the Royal Ballet, noted choreographer, director and teacher. Contestant on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me out of Here! in 2003