A Brief History

In 1902 at Finnigan's Dance Studio in Manchester, a group of 21 Dance Masters formed the United Kingdom Alliance of Professional Teachers of Dancing and Kindred Arts.

In those early days it covered Dance, Opera & Sword Fencing. They each paid an entry fee of half a guinea (52½p). They organised the very first Conference in Seven Sisters Road, Holloway, London in 1903 where they elected Mr A. Rowe of London as their President. The first overseas member joined in 1905 from the USA and the first Australian joined in 1908. the Alliance was open only to full time teachers, and was the only Society to retain this until the 1950's. It has continued uninterrupted through two world wars.

In 1949 the U.K.A. President called a meeting to discuss Highland competition rules. As a direct result of this the S.O.B.H.D. was born in 1950. Steady profession continued throughout the 50's, 60's, 70's & 80's when every style of dance was embraced. Medal tests are the stronghold of the Alliance, right from their introduction in the 1930's.