Month: March 2020

We had hardly returned from our break than the team were once again in action. It was the ISTD Sequence Qualifier and Inventive Dance Competition. This is an event which is nice and local for us and although the turnout is often small it does offer a good opportunity for those not already qualified to qualify. In addition it also gives those who have qualified the chance to have some valuable match practice which cannot be gained other than on the competition floor.

With recent events we were expecting a poor turnout, especially with the age profile of many of the regular attendees. We were pleasantly surprised therefore that there was in the end a good audience who don’t normally get to see the medallist competitors in action anywhere else and are very appreciative of seeing some good dancing.

We had a good turnout from the team today and all those who needed to obtained those valuable qualifying slots. Today’s winners were Chloe, Ellie, Isobel, Grace P, Charlotte B, Serena, Andrew and Debbie. Well done to everyone and a big thank you to all who supported the event in these troubled times.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

As always we need to thank all our partners, Luke, Liam, Ruth, Grace, Emily and Craig and also Jean and Julie for their assistance during the day. We can’t do it without you.

We were also introduced to the new poster girl (and boy) of the ISTD, Grace and Josh. Next stop Vogue perhaps!

With things as they are it may be some time before we get the chance to go out again but we will keep you informed as we receive information ourselves.

In the meantime it is our intention to remain open, in some form, for the time being and we will communicate our intentions separately as soon as we have more information and the situation is a little clearer.

We were up with the larks and this was the start of the Dancesteps event on the first of March. 

Excited voices and dancing feet, the sound of music with a hip-notic beat.

Pinning numbers, brushing shoes, every dancer hoping to win or improve.  

Louise on the stage, running the event, with calm and expert confidence.

Andrew and Julie sit by her side, doing their part with Louise as a guide.

Preparing to partner were Robert and Ruth, Liam and Luke, making up part of a bigger dance troupe.

Bags of energy was required for this endeavour but I have no doubt it provided them with just as much pleasure.

The little ones first, Oh what a joy! They show such promise those little girls and boys.

Then you could have knocked me down with a feather when Crayg and Robert danced beautifully together.

The sequence section is my favourite thing (along with the make-up, the hair, and the bling!)

Some new partnerships here which were totally inspired and a place in the final we all desired.

Then when we came to the Latin events my breath was taken away by the shining performances of the Paso Doble.

The support of the school is second to none and I personally feel cannot be outdone.

When we dance on the floor those shouts and those cheers are wonderful music to our ears.

Last but not least I must mention Boris. With his little bearfriends (not bare friends), they presided all day and stayed right till the end when it was all packed away.

Whilst writing this gives me time to reflect, I also hope there is a clue or two you might get.

I am proud to be part of the Duesbury Aldred Dance Family and I think this poem may reveal something about me. Now I am wondering if anyone out there knows who I might be.

ANON.

It was twelve years ago when we ran our first Dancesteps competition and yesterday marked the 10th anniversary of the first “Individuals Competition”, traditionally held in March. I wonder how many of you were at those early events, certainly there were a few of you.

This is certainly the one which always goes in Boris’s diary first as he not only gets to meet all his chums, some of whom don’t get to come out every time, he also gets to sit on the stage and gets a good view of everyone’s progress.

We couldn’t have asked for a much better turnout from the school and there were some first timers with us today who will hopefully want to repeat the experience. They all did extremely well so congratulations to: Peter, Scarlett, Irina, Lydia and Leanne. Furthermore Scarlett went on to win two of her events whilst Leanne reached her ballroom final. Evie was dancing at this event for the first time, although she had done one competition previously and must have been delighted to have won two of her events.

• 

• 

• 

• 

There were many personal bests achieved today; for some it was getting a recall, going a round further than previously or making a final and for others it was just about making it round the floor without a trauma. No doubt our “Mystery Blogger” will share some of their personal recollections from the day so watch this space.

• 

• 

• 

• 

The role of honour is lengthy but alongside Scarlett and Evie there were wins today for: Kaitlyn, Tabatha, Chloe, Grace S, Olivia, Chris, Peter, Craig, Paul, Carla, Grace P, Karen, Ashton, Paige and Serena and many of those won two or more of their events. In the couples events there were wins for: Paige & Grace S, Josh & Grace P, Paul & Karen and Chloe & Tabatha and again some of these were multiple winners. Finally the all important adult and child events were won by Craig & Chloe and Josh & Paige.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

A huge thank you is owed to all our helpers that make the day possible. Jean and Maria on the door, Andrew on the music, Julie for scrutineering, Joan for collecting the judges tickets and our raffle ticket sellers without compare, Rob and Debbie. All the teachers; Luke, Ruth and Liam for their unstinting and selfless support. Those who are now growing into their roles as partners alongside competing themselves, giving others the opportunity to share in the experience: Grace P, Josh, Craig, Emily, Karly, Karen, Paul, Olivia, Serena and Jack. It was a fantastic team effort.

Don’t forget to look out for the report from our Mystery Blogger!