TheDancing Springer
My pawsome Dance Partner
I remember watching the very first dog dancing demo performances by Mary Ray in early 90s on TV and dreaming about trying to do something similar with my own dog. I have always been interested in teaching dogs to do tricks just for fun, but this was the first time that I saw an opportunity to combine tricks with music and turn it into a performance. The idea of dancing with dogs fascinated me for a long time and I always keenly watched Freestyle and Heelwork to music shown at CRUFTS, but life carried me in a different direction - busy years at medical school, then a master degree, work and nightshifts with dog dancing remaining just a dream.
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That is until I’ve got Bonnie! Bonnie is a truly perfect dancing partner - she is smart, enthusiastic, moves beautifully and we understand each other at a glance. We started our early ventures into dog dancing when she was still a puppy, then COVID struck and derailed our competition plans. But we kept working ourselves and via Zoom. Once the restrictions were lifted we got back to dancing in the ring and love every moment of it!
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English Springer Spaniels are not common in dog dancing. It’s not because they can’t do it but often just because their owners are not sure where to start. Hopefully, this article will give a brief overview and some tips to help to get more people with ESS involved in this fun sport!
What does the dog needs to know before you can start dog dancing?
The only things you need is your own willingness to learn and a dog who is engaged and enjoys learning too - the rest is easily taught.
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The skills that are fundamental for dog dancing are:
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- Working off the leash while paying attention to you (all dancing happens off leash)
- Basic obedience commands: sit, down, stand, stay, come
- Your understanding of what really motivates your dog
- Also your dog cannot be aggressive or reactive to compete, but of course you can still dance with your dog in your own secure space if they struggle with other dogs or people being present.
What I love about dancing is that it’s suitable for any dog breed, any dog size and any age (but you can officially complete in Heelwork to music from the age of 12 months and in Freestyle from 18 months). You don’t have to be a dancer to compete, in fact most competitors, even those at a high level, do not have a dancing background. In fact, people and dogs with disabilities or physical limitations are very welcome and can successfully compete.
There are two official categories of dog dancing. They have and equal status and the same class structure.
Heelwork to Music
The main element of Heelwork to Music is dog working in a heelwork position. There are eight accepted heelwork positions in the UK. The dog’s shoulder should be approximately level with and reasonably close to handler’s leg. All other positions are defined as Freestyle. A minimum of 2/3rds of a Heelwork to Music routine should consist of heelwork.
Freestyle
In Freestyle the dog is working off the lead and its movements, tricks and actions can be in any position. You can still use some of the heelwork in the Freestyle dance routine but it can’t be more than a third of your dance.
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When you are starting, it always helps to find an instructor or a group to train with. Having a group also adds fun and a social element to the training but in some parts of the country the instructors are few and so are the groups. Another good way to learn from someone is via Zoom or similar. The beauty of it is that you can work with instructor based anywhere in the world from the comfort of your home, so not having a group or instructor nearby should not be an obstacle.
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Below are some key websites sites for anyone who is interested to find out more:
Paws N Music Association:
Information about rules, training opportunities and upcoming competitions
Heelwork to Music website:
https://www.heelworktomusic.co.uk
Information about clubs and trainers in your area, competitions, tips and suggestions for starting out
Heelwork to Music UK
https://www.heelworktomusicuk.co.uk/
Information about training shows, competitions and workshops to get you started and to progress in Dog Dancing. Also a searching facility to locate a Heelwork to Music trainer near you.
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It is worth mentioning that Bonnie has successfully appeared on Britain's Got Talent and has also featured in a beautiful Christmas advertisement for Penhaligon's perfumers (see below). She is certainly very much more than just a pretty face!
Olga & Bonnie, September 2025