The Bullen School of Dance
Was established by John Bullen (David's Grandfather) in 1896 in Liverpool, by the Everton Football Club, and is now probably the oldest Dance School in the world.

John & Gerald Bullen moved the School to Southport in 1936, taking over a large detached house with a Dance Studio in Lyndhurst Road, Birkdale. That is where Gerald met Betty who attended the dance classes as a pupil and, after a very short time, they got married.

Gerald & Betty were quite content with running daily dance classes to cater for Old Time and Ballroom and quite frequently hiring the Studio out for special occasions.

David became more interested in helping at the School as far back as 1954 – mainly putting the music on for all the various dances at the Studio.

David's main achievements are being presented with the Carl Alan Award for Services to Dance in 1982 and becoming President of the Allied Dancing Association in 1985/1987 and again in 1991/1993.

David also started Social Formation Teams and won the British Title for 7 years. He was also the first to introduce Social Dance Competitions and he was the first person to win all 3 sections in an Inventive Dance Competition which was at the IDTA Congress in Blackpool.

In 1952 Gerald & Betty presented their first annual Old Time & Sequence Ball at the Floral Hall, Southport with over 600 attending. Music was usually provided by the Tommy Nightingale Band.

Many other Schools also presented their Balls at the Floral Hall. Sadly, there is only The Bullen School of Dance still operating and, up to 2019, the Annual Sequence Gala was always held at the Floral Hall.

Due to Covid, there was a gap of 2 years in 2020/2021 and, because of the closure of the Floral Hall, David started the Annual Gala once again in 2022 at the Marine Hall in Fleetwood and, in 2023, at the Norbreck Castle Hotel when everyone enjoyed the excellent afternoon tea.

In 2024 it will be The Bullen School of Dance 70th Platinum Jubilee Gala, which will be a very special 2 day event at the recently refurbished Norbreck Castle Hotel, Blackpool, on Saturday 11 May and Sunday 12th May, 2024 which will also incorporate David's Birthday Extravaganza. The 2024 May Weekend promises to be an event to remember!

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