United Dance - Profile

Towards the end of 1993 the rave scene began to split into two different categories. No longer could you hear one style of 'hardcore' being pumped out at the latest events, and it slowly began to segregate and change forming a new wave on the music scene. These two genres were to be known as happy hardcore or 4 beat. A bouncy bass beat sound, usually with a piano accompaniment between 165 and 180 beats per minute. The other being jungle and drum n bass.

This became a mix of breaks and beats, with a hip hop and reggae influence. Some of the bigger organisations like Energy, Cryptonite and Eclipse saw this change as a new direction and felt that their events did not represent this evolving scene. It was to become a landmark change that would either make or break the rave culture. DJ's began to introduce a new sound into their sets and gradually settled on either of the two styles. Only a few blended the two together in their play lists at raves.

Soon a few different organisations started to appear, trying to better their rivals and take the scene to a new level. East Anglia was one of the hardest hit, with a lot of original events finishing. With the closure of Eclipse in Cambridge and Pulse at the Kings Lynn stadium, the local rave scene was in need of a boost. Although their were still some excellent parties being staged, particularly in Cambridge, with the ever popular Temptation all nighter, regularly held at the Kelsey Kerridge Sports Centre. This was a well organised event that quickly gained a good reputation, selling out in advance every time.

During this period Chris Brown (aka Eruption) was putting together a production known as United Dance. This was to be a well organised venture with only the finest state of the art attractions. Chris was keen on staging United Dance at the Arts and Leisure Centre, Lytton Way in Stevenage. A massive sports complex boasting two large halls that would accommodate over 3000 party goers. There was also a big outside compound that gave the United Dance crew ideas for extra entertainment such as a video lounge inside a gigantic marquee, as well as a variety of side shows ranging from bouncy castles, gyroscopes, face painting, merchandise stalls and hot and cold refreshments there to enhance your enjoyment. It also had an ample car park that could hold the travelling massive!!

Chris' only problem would be the local council as usual. Past events at Stevenage did not have a good track record. Things got well out of hand, due to a lot of bad organisation from previous promoters. Licence's were barred from other organisations and the situation did not look good. Never the less Chris had set his plans for the Arts centre and in due course applied for an entertainments licence. After a lot of hard work and persuading, the Stevenage council relented, and granted a licence for a one off event at the leisure centre. United Dance was born.

The main condition of this one off event was that it was to be in conjunction with an approved organisation, that had a good track record. Chris got together with Temptation who by now were well established in the Cambridge area. Temptation had agreed to combine with United Dance, and on Friday 25th March 1994, the first event was held. No expense was spared as both promoters joined forces to provide the ultimate spectacular extravaganza, insisting on the loudest quality sound system.

As well as the best mind blowing visuals and lights, and state of the art lasers. They also made sure that the best jocks were spinning on the night, to complete the package. The event was a success and everything went well. Good reports from all sides, the Police, the council and the leisure centre management, and not one complaint from the public. A further licence was issued and three more all nighters followed with United Dance and Temptation growing in stature. Each party seemed to better the previous one in some way making every event special and that little bit different from the last one.

With everything going so well, for the fifth show on Friday 2nd December, United Dance decided to part company with Temptation, and link up with Impact Records headed by DJ Seduction. They were well known on the dance scene and produced some outstanding releases from the best hardcore DJ's. They also had some new tracks being exclusively prepared for this event, to be heard for the first time. This was the party that decided whether United Dance would die, or become one of the top three organisations in the country. A lot of hard work had gone into the planning for this one and the production proved that. A wicked themed stage show was installed with jugglers and clowns, along side 80k of JBL surround sound. Massive interactive video screens, inflatables, a magnificent 20 watt 3D laser system, dance platforms, plus an advanced hi-tech lighting show made this a night few will forget.

A small crowd started to queue at 4.30pm, 4 hours before the doors were due to open. This proved how far United Dance had come in nine months, as well as the buzz to go out raving was still as strong as it was 6 years before. At 8 o'clock - half an hour before the floodgates opened, the queue stretched again around the corner of the building and all the way up the road, near enough to the car park, although the security did manage to get everybody in very quickly. As the night went on, the place filled up with thousands of happy ravers, but unfortunately many people were turned away without tickets. Some were offering three to four times the amount than that on the ticket. It takes years to gain this sought of reputation. But United Dance had done it with only a few events under their belt.

As the parties continued, United Dance carried on going from strength to strength, always setting high standards and offering true value for money. Then for their event on Friday 16th June 1995, they had reached the next level. In conjunction with Impact Records they had compiled an album that was to be released, and available at all major record stores. This really established United Dance, who have gone on to produce many more records since.

For the next three to four years United Dance continued to rock the Stevenage Arts centre making them one of the best recognised outfits on the scene. Then in April 1999, they felt it was time to move on, and set up a new home at Canvas (formally Bagleys), Kings Cross in London. With their unrivalled experience here they offered punters a wide range of musical tastes from drum n bass, hardcore, old skool, house and garage, etc. With the scene constantly on the move, they wanted to keep at the fore front and maintain their good reputation as one of the best. Here they have continued to run trouble and attitude free events, bringing their unique good vibe atmosphere that has been the secret of their success for all these years.

D in Norwich.

United Dance Events:

United Dance / Temptation (25 Mar 94)
Temptation / United Dance (20 May 94)
United Dance / Temptation (12th August 94)
United Dance (19 Apr 96)