Month: March 2018

‘Brrr! – it’s cold out there’ – a phrase I heard more than once during the morning.

Okay, the weather was bitterly cold, but all thoughts of snow and ice soon melted away as the dancers began their warm-up routines. Once again, The Duesbury Aldred Dance Centre was pleased to open its doors and welcome those who battled the bleak weather: dancers, judges and supporters all. Nerves were clearly visible at the start – as is usual at these competitions – but after the first steps, the dancers began to relax and looked as if they were enjoying themselves.

As I looked out over the dance floor, I was amazed to see how quickly the younger dancers have grown up – juveniles to juniors, juniors to young adults. The adult dancers don’t seem to look any older of course (including me!) When I think back to the first competition that Robert and Louise ran, I can see how much the Duesbury Aldred dance family has grown. Of the many faces present, some remain the same but now dance in a different category, while others – young and old – are just getting started on the competition circuit.

The individual schools appeared to have mustered considerable support, both from fellow dancers and non-dancers who had simply turned up for the joy of watching a grand day of dancing. Audience participation lifted spirits considerably – enabling dancers to give that bit extra and to ‘Reach for the stars’ – a pleasant escape from their ‘9 to 5’ jobs.

Although not quite ‘Strictly’, the dancers were beautifully dressed and attired – attributes that served to compliment their dancing, which was a joy to watch. There were some impressive solo performances given by Geraldine and Neil (and of course their partners). I think they were very brave to do this and certainly deserved their 1^st place!

I’m sure that the dancers would agree when I say that ‘Partners’ deserve special thanks for their efforts – both before and during the main events. ‘Partnering’ is quite an exhausting job, yet somehow they seem to find the energy to keep going – so, well done to them!

Finally, we have the MEDAL PRESENTATIONS! Beaming faces and big smiles for the cameras – especially as the little ones received their trophies. Doesn’t it just melt your heart!

After all the hard work and preparation, I felt quite exhausted, but I look forward to doing it all over again in June – see you there! :o)

Neither the “Beast from the East” nor “Storm Emma” could stop our intrepid dancers from turning out in force to our Dancesteps competition. We had one dance school who were defeated by the weather, two others who were a little depleted and two of our adjudicators couldn’t make it, although we did find two others to step in at short notice, but in true Blitz spirit we “kept calm and carried on”.

There was a fantastic turnout in the circumstances and even following a number of withdrawals there were still four rounds of some events. Dancers and their supporters had made the effort to travel from as far afield as London, Hull and Newbury to be there, showing true dedication and support not only to dance but also their teachers and dance schools. We appreciate the lengths some people went to, to come, when it would have been easier to have not bothered, especially Luke and Liam who both had long journeys in trying conditions.

We would also like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped on the day or partnered, there were many of you and we all know who you are, days like these cannot happen without people being prepared to step in and lend a hand. We had a number of dancers braving the floor for the first time and they all acquitted themselves well, ably assisted by our more experienced team. To everyone who took part be it as a competitor or spectator you were all great, the atmosphere was tremendous and thank you for helping to make it a fabulous day. Boris remarked that he was quite overwhelmed and it will take him at least a week to recover!

We will have a special report of the day from our “Mystery Blogger”. Who will it be this time?