MOVE IT’s Tia Hassan on Celebrating their 20th Anniversary this March

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, Creative Director of MOVE IT, shares some of her favourite memories and hopes for the future of MOVE IT ahead of their 20th Anniversary next weekend.  

What are some of the most memorable moments from MOVE IT over the years?

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.

There’s a big list of names that have appeared at MOVE IT and gone on to big things. Can you share any inspiring success stories from artists or attendees?

MOVE IT has been a springboard for so many incredible talents over the years. Take Dean McCullough, for example—he started hosting on our Showcase Stage nearly 12 years ago and has since become a Radio 1 DJ, appeared on I'm a Celebrity, and remains a dedicated part of our 20th anniversary show. Then there’s Hakeem Onibudo, our original Freestyle Stage Host, who was recently honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the One Dance UK Awards 2025.

Artists like Flawless, who are also celebrating their 20th anniversary, were there at the very first MOVE IT alongside us. Layton Williams, who once attended MOVE IT with just an idea, has since developed Pros From the Shows, an outstanding training program featuring West End stars. IMD Legion, who began by showcasing on the Freestyle Stage, have gone on to win major awards, appear on Britain’s Got Talent and The Greatest Dancer, and even compete at the Hip Hop International Championships. This year, they’ll be closing our show!

Stars from Strictly Come Dancing have consistently made MOVE IT a priority, loving the chance to connect with audiences. Ricky Jinks first performed at MOVE IT with Lukas McFarlane before going on to choreograph for numerous colleges and schools after being booked straight from the event.

One of our most unforgettable moments was in 2023 when Tap Attack broke the Guinness World Record for the largest tap dance class, with 554 dancers learning from Jo and Kai Scanlan—an incredible 25% increase from the previous record!

Beyond performances, our Faces of MOVE IT campaign has put fresh dance talent at the heart of our marketing, giving them well-deserved recognition. And our CAB initiative is actively supporting and empowering dance talent across the industry, helping them create real change.

These are just a few of the many incredible journeys that have started at MOVE IT—it’s amazing to see the impact!

Who would be your dream performer at MOVE IT?

Dream performers?! There are so many too mention - I’ll name a few and hopefully someone will read this and come… Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Usha Jey (Paris), Kings United (India) Lady Gaga, FKA Twigs, Chris Brown (showcasing dancing and singing). Although before we go International we still need to get some of the UK’s amazing talent! We often get asked for the Strictly Stars and the Royal Ballet to come to the show - so lets start there first!  

What are the main challenges in organising an event of this size?

One of the biggest is balance, ensuring that every dance style, established performer, vocational college, and community group is represented. Through meticulous programming and strategic partnerships, we’ve worked to make each edition more diverse and dynamic. Balancing inspiration, education, and entertainment has always been a challenge, but it’s one we fully embrace.

With an event of this scale, scheduling is also incredibly important. With so many performances, workshops, and activities running simultaneously, we have to carefully coordinate every element to avoid clashes and ensure a seamless experience for attendees. Our dedicated teams across operations, technical production, and stage management work tirelessly to make MOVE IT run smoothly, allowing us to continue growing and evolving while maintaining the electric atmosphere that makes the event so special

What do you hope anyone going to MOVE IT will take from it?

For our 20th birthday, MOVE IT is bringing the entire dance community together for three days of pure, unfiltered energy! We want you to experience the incredible diversity of the UK dance scene, from world-renowned artists to the brightest emerging talent. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a passionate fan, this year’s event is your chance to immerse yourself in every aspect of the dance world. From high-energy performances and classes to freestyle battles, roller skating, and even live podcasts, we’re creating a space for all to connect, learn, and be inspired. With competitions, shopping, and thought-provoking debates, there’s literally something for everyone! Our goal is simple: to make you feel the joy, excitement, and power of dance, and leave you totally wowed. Join us for this unforgettable celebration of movement—a new era of dance adventure is about to start here.

MOVE IT opens at London’s Excel Centre from the 7th – 9th March. Ticket available here: https://www.moveitdance.co.uk/