It was a grey and wet morning which greeted us as we set forth to the last qualifier before Grand Finals at Blackpool in October and therefore the last chance for some to qualify in all their events. Our spirits were not dampened however and we had almost a full turnout of competitors and bears for the occasion. David even came along on his Birthday to see his grand-daughter, Grace S, who still needed to qualify in her Latin event which, happily she did. Also completing their qualifications today were Iris and Karen C so a huge well done to you all.
As always their were many highlights but to report a few:
Luke finishing 2nd in both his Ballroom and Latin events competing in the Under 8 years category and wowing the crowd with his Samba in the 3 dance event.
Leila taking 1st place in both her ballroom and Latin events, finishing 4th in the Sequence and winning both Ballroom and Latin couples events with Jack.
Karen H and Allison both completing a hat trick of wins in their Ballroom, Latin and Sequence events.
Grace P winning both her Ballroom and Latin events and also winning both Ballroom and Latin couples events with Olivia who also made both her Ballroom and Latin Finals.
Molly making the final of the Sequence event as well as her Ballroom and Latin Finals.
Leila, Miriam and Grace S all making their Latin final with Grace S also making her Ballroom Final.
Craig winning his ballroom event, making the finals of his Latin and also the couples Ballroom and Latin events with Lydia who also made the final of her Ballroom and Latin events.
Chris, Serena, Neil and Dawn all winning both their Ballroom and Latin events as well as making their Sequence finals.
Josh and Sarah D winning their Ballroom couples event.
Christine and Carla both winning their Ballroom events and making the final of their Sequence events with Carla also making the final of her Latin event. Christine did not compete in the Latin section
Paul, Hazel, Sue, Dennis, Geraldine, Iris, and Karen C all made finals too so great day was had all round and the encouragement from our band of supporters was fantastic as usual.
We must also record a huge thank you to our partners on the day namely Luke and Liam who come along especially for this sole purpose. Thanks also to Josh for his contribution and to Karen H for resuming her partnering together with the added responsibilities of looking after Olivia.
For some the excitement of the day was just all too much!
Boris Bear sends his congratulations to everyone and says it has been a privilege seeing all your performances over the last few months, a view echoed by all his co-mascots. He now heads off on his own Summer break to Bearmuda and is looking forward to a bit of R and R before the hard work begins in earnest in September. He hopes you have a pleasant holiday season and looks forward to seeing everyone again in Blackpool if not before.