From Strangers to Champions: Kelly & Michael Take the London Ballroom Crown

Sometimes you take to the floor just to enjoy a skate flow… and sometimes you come away with a trophy.

Saturday evening saw the inaugural Elegance Ballroom Skating Gala, hosted by London Ballroom Skating — Nikki and Andrew — alongside the founder of Ballroom Skating, Leo “One Wheel” White.

And what a weekend it was.

On the run-up to this prestigious event — the first of its kind in both London and the USA — Leo brought Ballroom Skating, STL style, to London.

As the founder of Ballroom Skating in St Louis, having the opportunity for UK skaters to learn directly from Leo was a complete privilege. We weren't just watching videos or trying to work things out for ourselves — we had the man who helped create and develop the style right here in London, teaching it first-hand.

We also got to spend time with Leo away from the rink, as Nikki and Andrew took him on a daily tour of some of London's most prominent skating communities.

It was truly an honour.

The Elegance Gala

And then came the finale weekend: the first-ever Elegance Ballroom Gala, featuring a friendly ballroom skating competition and a very special demonstration from three of our favourite ballroom icons.

The evening began with guests being welcomed with a glass of prosecco — or a non-alcoholic alternative — as they arrived.

Skaters from all disciplines turned up in high spirits, dressed to impress.

Some embraced traditional elegance, while others got creative, bringing their own interpretations of the theme — from 1930s-inspired looks to completely unique creations.

It was a joyful sight.

As DJ Neeks got busy with some musical wizardry, skaters began filling the floor and enjoying the soulful sounds.

Yes, the skating style was predominantly ballroom and partner skating, but it didn't take long before the middle of the skating space was taken over by jammers and solo flow skaters doing their thing.

It was a vibe.

The Competition Begins

After plenty of socialising, dancing and partying, the competition finally got underway.

The competitors were called to the floor:

》 Alan & Cece
》 Lee & Mich
》 Patrick & Janna
》 Ken & Julianna
》 Michael & Kelly
》 Taylor & Sharon

It was immediately clear that the recent courses run by London Ballroom Skating were already bearing fruit.

The seeds had been planted for a new generation of passionate ballroom skaters — and the improvement was there for everyone in the room to see.

As each pair took to the floor to showcase their ballroom skills, the surrounding audience of fellow skaters cheered them on and encouraged them every step of the way.

The atmosphere was incredible.

The pairs were judged across three areas:

》 Ballroom Foundations
》 Floor Coverage
》 Creativity

And each pair brought something different.

Some displayed a more traditional ballroom style, with smooth flows, controlled movement and crisp footwork. Others brought a freshness and creativity to their routines, incorporating inventive manoeuvres while maintaining solid ballroom foundations.

The range and diversity of styles were beautiful to watch.

A Riveting Performance

As the evening continued, we were treated to a beautifully creative performance from Nikki, Andrew and Leo.

It began with Nikki and Andrew showcasing a beautifully smooth sequence.

Then, seemingly out of nowhere, Leo swooped in and stole Nikki away from Andrew in one clean motion — before continuing the ballroom sequence with her in true STL style.

Nikki was then seamlessly handed back to Andrew, and the pair continued with more clean flows, a beautifully executed illusion spin, and finally…

…the dramatic finale.

Andrew surprised everyone by dropping Nikki onto her heel behind him, leaving her suspended close to the floor in an outstretched position as the whole room erupted.

I'm going to call that one the “Trap Door” move!

It was one of those moments where everyone collectively went:

“WHOA!”

What a performance.

It was creative, dramatic, beautifully executed and completely unforgettable.

And the Winners Are…

And so, the moment arrived.

The winners of the first London Ballroom Skating Competition 2026 were about to be announced.

Everybody slowed their roll and gathered closer to the stage.

Leo delivered a wonderful speech, reflecting on his incredible journey as a ballroom skater and expressing his pride at seeing this gala come to fruition in London.

Nikki and Andrew then took to the microphone to express their gratitude to Leo for accepting their invitation to London from the USA, as well as their pride in the growth of our budding ballroom skating community.

And then came the announcement…

The winners were Kelly and Michael.

➡️ Watch Video: Winners of the First Ever Ballroom Skating Competition 2026

Yep.

That means me and Michael!

I have to admit, I was pretty shocked.

But alongside the surprise was a huge sense of pride in what Michael and I had put together, how we had executed it — and, most importantly, how much we'd enjoyed ourselves.

As I looked across at Michael, he looked like he was absolutely brimming with joyful pride.

From Strangers to joint Winners

Here's the thing…

Just over a year ago, we didn't even know each other.

We came together to learn ballroom skating for the very first Notting Hill Carnival skating event in August 2025.

One year later, we're standing on a London skating floor as the first winners of the London Ballroom Skating Competition.

That's quite a journey.

And perhaps that's one of the things I love most about skating.

You can meet someone, share a passion, learn something new together — and before you know it, you're creating memories that you never could have imagined.

This was one of those moments.

A moment that Michael and I will probably cherish for many years to come.

What an incredible journey.

And what an incredible night.

Long lmay ballroom skating continue to flourish in London.