MOVE IT, the world’s biggest dance event returns for its 20th anniversary event which kicks off on 7th March at London’s Excel Centre. Since 2005 MOVE IT has been celebrating the dance and performing arts industry, as well as providing a launchpad for those starting their careers and a weekend of exciting events and more for attendees. From spectators and hobbyists to students, graduates, teachers, professionals or families looking for a fun day out, there’s a mix of performances, classes, talks, auditions, competitions, exhibits and more. The headliners of this year’s event include Britain’s Got Talent winners Diversity, Six The Musical’s Thao Nguyen and Birmingham Royal Ballet Principal Dancer Tzu-Chao Chou with special guest Strictly Come Dancing finalist and West End star Layton Williams.
Tia Hassan and Kate Scanlan, Co-Creative Directors of MOVE IT, share some of their favourite dance memories and hopes for the future of MOVE IT ahead of their 20th Anniversary next weekend.
Tell us about your first dance memories
Tia: My Dad taking me to listen to Jazz at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch on a Sunday, he would smoke cigarettes I would be dancing in front of the Jazz band (Age 3).
Kate: My mum and dad said I would always go wild to Irish music before I could walk. My earliest memories are probably doing ballet and watching the backing dancers on top of the pops! I always loved dance and moving but I was very shy as a child.
What made you want to work in the Dance industry?
Tia: I loved how movement and dancing made me feel, both taking part and watching the artform. It can provide such personal joy and also collective joy when experienced en masse. It makes you feel good and can also tell such great stories. What an incredible artform to be able to do so much. I wanted everyone to experience that feeling no matter their background or where they came from. I wanted to work in dance and the arts to inspire, entertain and provide spectacle.
Kate: I think I ended up in dance because I really didn’t know what else to do. I had terrible career advice – which was if you can’t make it as a dancer be a teacher …! My family were nervous about me training and doing a degree in dance – how could you make a career out of it. Dance has always been my outlet and a space for my creativity and out of the box ideas. I’ve always been inspired by what I see around me, and dance has been my form of connection and communication. I couldn’t have life without dance, its made me the person I am today and given me the freedom, and ultimately confidence, to accept, trust and love who I am. I was very nervous about what a career could look like because I only knew about being a dancer or choreographer and whilst I did both those things I wasn’t sure it was where I fitted. Through many years of trying a lot of different roles in the industry I found my passion, which was creative producing and breathing life into my creative ideas, or the ideas of others. I have always followed my heart and the things that made me happy in dance which is how I found my niche but I do think it’s confusing as a young person to unpick where they might fit in the sector. It’s huge, and also small but we still really only talk about performing or choreography when there are so many other roles – and new roles that haven’t even been imagined yet for the future to come.
MOVE IT is the biggest dance event in the world, how have you evolved the event over the years for it to get to this point?
We’re very proud that MOVE IT has become a real staple in the dance calendar where dancers, teachers, industry professionals, and fans come together to experience the best in dance. It’s a hub for discovering new choreography, fresh talent, and industry innovations. The event has grown into a major annual moment in the dance calendar.
The impact MOVE IT has today is the result of two decades of passion and dedication from countless people. Every year, we work tirelessly to create opportunities that range from talent development to employment prospects. More recently, we have expanded our focus to advocate for creative education and the sustainability of dance careers.
We continually evolve, listening to the dance community and adapting to its needs. For instance, our Showcase Theatre allows exhibiting colleges to highlight their musical theatre programs, and our Roller Rink gives an opportunity to skate at the show but this year we have our first professional collaboration and the Roller Rink is in partnership with Starlight Express, reflecting the growing popularity of roller dance.
In 2022, we launched the Creative Advisory Board (CAB), a group of 10 influential dance creatives who provide ongoing insight into how we can further improve MOVE IT. Thanks to CAB’s recommendations, we’ve implemented changes that enhance the experience for our audiences, such as creating clearer navigation routes, improving accessibility for neurodivergent attendees, and revitalizing teacher contributions. Our commitment to evolving alongside the dance community remains unwavering.
Kate, how did you and Tia become involved in MOVE IT?
Both of us attended the very first MOVE IT in 2005, and even then, we saw its potential to grow into something truly extraordinary. Now, as we celebrate the 20th edition, it also marks the ninth show that Tia and I have directed as Creative Directors.
At the time, I was working as a producer at Breakin’ Convention and brought Flawless to represent the festival at MOVE IT’s debut, while Tia introduced Northern Ballet Theatre and their touring production of Dracula. MOVE IT was designed to be a dedicated platform where professional dance companies, performers, and industry brands could showcase their work, services, and products. What made it stand out from the start was its diverse audience—ranging from UK and international promoters to dance superfans, newcomers, and professionals. It became a dynamic hub for networking, idea exchange, and collaboration, and that same energy continues to make MOVE IT unique today.
What are some of the most memorable moments from MOVE IT over the years?
Kate: One unforgettable moment was in 2017 when my 69-year-old mother performed on the Main Stage as part of Rambert’s elder company, Mercury Movers. That was truly special. Another standout memory was our comeback show in 2022 post-pandemic—the energy in the crowd was overwhelming. It felt like a triumph after such a difficult time.
Tia: I have so many ‘I heart MOVE IT’ moments—from watching incredible freestylers express themselves to witnessing jaw-dropping choreography on the Main Stage. The energy in the room, the spontaneous connections, and the celebration of dance in all its forms make every year magical.
What are your thoughts on the current state of the dance industry?
The UK dance industry faces both challenges and opportunities. While the sector continues to showcase incredible talent, one major concern is the reduction of creative education in schools. Cuts to arts funding have limited students’ access to dance and other creative subjects, narrowing the pool of future talent.
Additionally, funding for higher education in the arts remains scarce, leaving many aspiring dancers and choreographers unable to pursue their studies. Once in the industry, independent artists struggle to find financial backing to create original works, resulting in a system with limited resources so very few can thrive.
Despite these hurdles, studying dance and creative subjects provides invaluable skills such as creative problem-solving, hard work ethic, and confidence—qualities that are transferable to many other industries. These skills equip students for success beyond the stage, in a wide range of career paths.
In this challenging landscape, there is an opportunity to rethink how we approach education, funding, and artistic creation. By embracing innovation and collaboration, we can ensure that every aspiring dancer and artist has the opportunity to thrive. It’s time for greater investment in the creative sector, ensuring a sustainable and inclusive future for the UK dance industry.
Looking ahead, where do you see MOVE IT in the next 20 years?
The future holds endless possibilities and we’re currently looking at more collaborations, increased accessibility, and a stronger global presence.
We’re particularly excited about expanding our digital reach. This year, we’re launching a new YouTube series and recording our first live podcast at the event. These initiatives will ensure that MOVE IT’s impact extends beyond the three-day event.
We’re also committed to making MOVE IT more accessible to young dancers, which is why we introduced the MOVE IT bursary. Our goal is to continue breaking barriers, opening doors, and growing alongside the dance community.
Here’s to the next 20 years!