I tried on a £4k Michael Chen ballgown at Blackpool Dance Festival’s shopping village

Chinese dress designer, Michael Chen, has a stunning display of dance costumes for sale inside the Winter Gardens, where his collection has grown bigger and more dazzling each year. The outfits are all made to measure and designed to accentuate the dancer’s movement - perfect for the world's most prestigious dance festival as it celebrates 100 years.

Lucie, 43, recently reached the finals of Dance Floor Heroes, a charity Strictly Come Dancing-style dance competition in aid of Tias Crown - and will go on to compete again in Dance Floor Heroes All Stars in November 2026. It was Lucie's first experience of learning Latin dance, and she had the opportunity to watch some of the Professional Latin heats during the first week of Blackpool Dance Festival - in the same room where she danced last month - which she said was inspiring and 'incredible to watch'.

"There are so many stunning outfits, I love all the feathers and sparkles but I never thought I'd have the confidence to do this. I was nervous trying on a £4,000 dress but it was a wonderful experience. I can't wait to find out what my 'All Stars' dance will be, and to start all over again."

Lucie added: "I’m so excited to be taking part in Dance Floor Heroes All Stars - where past finalists return to the dance floor to compete for the ultimate title of “best of the best” and win a very special trophy! I’ll be raising money for Tia’s Crown, a wonderful charity that is incredibly close to my heart, and I hope to make a real difference while having as much fun as possible along the way."

Support Lucie's fundraiser here.