BBC Radio 1 Dance
The 1 For...
BBC Radio 1 Dance is a UK national digital radio station from the BBC, dedicated to dance music, electronic favourites, DJ mixes and club culture. Available online through BBC Sounds and on DAB+ in the UK, the station brings together current dance tracks, classic anthems, specialist shows and mixes from some of the best-known names in electronic music.
About BBC Radio 1 Dance
Local time:
BBC Radio 1 Dance is a spin-off station from BBC Radio 1, created for listeners who enjoy dance music, electronic sounds, club anthems and DJ-led programming. The station first launched in 2020 as a BBC Sounds stream and has since grown into a fuller service, offering a wider range of dedicated programming for fans of house, techno, drum and bass, electronic pop and festival-focused sets.
The station is part of the wider BBC Radio portfolio and works closely with the Radio 1 brand. Its output combines continuous music, curated playlist hours, presenter-led specialist programmes and some of the best-known dance shows associated with Radio 1. That gives BBC Radio 1 Dance a strong connection to the UK’s mainstream dance audience while still giving space to underground sounds, new artists and guest DJs.
BBC Radio 1 Dance is especially well known for broadcasting major dance brands and shows linked to the Radio 1 family, including Radio 1’s Dance Party, Future Dance, Dance Anthems, Essential Mix and The Residency on Radio 1 Dance. The station also helps showcase emerging artists, major live events, special mixes and club culture across the UK and beyond.
For listeners, BBC Radio 1 Dance offers a strong mix of accessibility and specialist depth. It can appeal to people who want today’s biggest dance records, fans of iconic Radio 1 dance shows, and listeners who enjoy discovering fresh DJs, remixes, underground sounds and classic electronic moments in one place.
Notable shows & presenters are:
- Arielle Free: presents Radio 1 Dance Morning, bringing upbeat dance music and energy to weekend mornings.
- Connor Coates: hosts the Radio 1 Dance playlist, featuring current dance tracks, new releases and station favourites.
- Danny Howard: presents Radio 1’s Dance Party and is one of the key names associated with BBC Radio 1 Dance’s specialist dance output.
- Sarah Story: hosts Future Dance, spotlighting new dance music, rising talent and fresh club-focused sounds.
- Pete Tong: fronts legendary Radio 1 dance programming including Essential Mix and dance history / specialist content linked to the station.
- Charlie Hedges: presents Dance Anthems, playing big dance tracks, well-known anthems and listener-friendly weekend favourites.
- Jaguar: presents BBC Introducing on Radio 1 Dance, championing new and emerging dance artists.
- Charlie Tee: is associated with the station’s drum & bass programming, adding specialist coverage of D&B and heavier electronic sounds.
More radio stations on BBC Sounds, from the BBC
Contact Information
Official website:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live/bbc_radio_one_dance
BBC Radio 1 website:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1
General contact / main switchboard:
BBC Broadcasting House: +44 20 8743 8000
Postal address:
BBC Radio 1 / BBC Radio 1 Dance
BBC Broadcasting House
Portland Place
London
W1A 1AA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcr1dance/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/R1DanceMusic/
X / Twitter: https://x.com/BBCR1_Dance
BBC Radio 1 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcradio1/
BBC Radio 1 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcradio1/
BBC Radio 1 Dance FAQ
What is BBC Radio 1 Dance?
BBC Radio 1 Dance is a UK digital radio station from the BBC dedicated to dance music, electronic tracks, DJ mixes, club anthems and specialist programming connected to the wider Radio 1 brand.
How can I listen to BBC Radio 1 Dance?
You can listen to BBC Radio 1 Dance online through BBC Sounds, and the station is also available on DAB+ in the UK. Many listeners also access it through connected devices and compatible radio platforms that carry BBC digital stations.
What kind of music does BBC Radio 1 Dance play?
BBC Radio 1 Dance plays a mix of current dance music, electronic favourites, classic club anthems, DJ sets, specialist mixes and genres including house, techno, drum and bass and other electronic styles.
Is BBC Radio 1 Dance the same as BBC Radio 1?
BBC Radio 1 Dance is a sister station to BBC Radio 1 rather than the same service. While it is closely linked to Radio 1 and shares some well-known dance brands and presenters, BBC Radio 1 Dance is focused specifically on dance and electronic music.
Who are the presenters on BBC Radio 1 Dance?
Public-facing shows and presenters associated with BBC Radio 1 Dance include Arielle Free, Connor Coates, Danny Howard, Sarah Story, Pete Tong, Charlie Hedges, Jaguar and Charlie Tee, alongside guest DJs and specialist residents.
Does BBC Radio 1 Dance play Essential Mix?
Yes. BBC Radio 1 Dance is closely associated with flagship Radio 1 dance programming including Essential Mix, making it a strong destination for listeners who enjoy long-form DJ mixes and specialist electronic sets.
Is BBC Radio 1 Dance available across the UK?
Yes. BBC Radio 1 Dance is available nationally online through BBC Sounds, and it is also carried on DAB+ in the UK, helping more listeners access the station beyond streaming alone.
Why is BBC Radio 1 Dance popular with dance music fans?
BBC Radio 1 Dance brings together mainstream appeal and specialist credibility. It offers big current dance tracks, classic anthems, respected presenters, guest mixes, new talent and a strong link to Radio 1’s long-running place in UK dance culture.
Does BBC Radio 1 Dance feature new and emerging artists?
Yes. Alongside established names and big anthems, BBC Radio 1 Dance also supports newer artists, fresh releases and developing talent through playlist choices, specialist shows and BBC Introducing-related programming.
Can I listen to BBC Radio 1 Dance live online?
Yes. BBC Radio 1 Dance can be listened to live online through BBC Sounds, making it easy to stream the station on desktop, mobile and other supported devices.