"Strictly Come Dancing" is back for its 15th season on BBC One, and the hit show's impact on the dance world remains just as prevalent as ever.

Following last week's launch episode, fans of the British celebrity dance competition are once again buzzing in anticipation of the new season's first live show next weekend, when contestants will hit the dance floor to debut their routines.

Strictly first spun onto our TV screens in 2004, resulting in a record-high interest of dance. Prior to the show, the benefits and effects of ballroom and Latin dance were not a well-known fact and were far removed from mainstream consumers. However, Strictly quickly changed all that.



While most other dance TV shows at the time drew in hundreds of thousands of viewers, when Strictly hit the floor, the rating figures poured in and added up to an average viewership of around 10.5 million per episode.

It should come as no surprise that Strictly caused a transformation in the dance industry. Previously in the UK, dancesport had been a hard sell to children and, to an extent, adults, but teachers and studios began to report a surge in attendance as the show's popularity soared.

Pupils were not only keen on learning traditional ballroom and Latin dance, but they also imparted some knowledge simply from their interest in the TV show.

Britain's curiosity for dance has undeniably remained high since the debut of "Strictly Come Dancing," and people of all ages are still flocking to dance studios across the UK as this year's competition kicks off Sept. 23 on BBC One.

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