Normally Easter means one thing and that is the Easter Sequence Festival at Southport. For the last two years however it has meant lockdown but happily this year the Easter festival was reinstated although this time at Scarborough rather than its traditional home. As if to greet our return the weather all weekend was gloriously sunny, although not exactly warm enough for bathing in the sea but that still didn’t deter some brave holiday makers.
At Southport we are used to having a hotel within a short walk from the ballroom but at Scarborough the ballroom is on the shoreline whilst most of the hotels are situated on the cliff above. This entailed a perilous climb several times daily which would have tested the resolve of a mountain goat. Still we didn’t lose anyone on the way which was a bonus and after long periods with little or no dancing, was no doubt a cunning plan to test the fitness of the dancers in readiness for the competitions.
The ballroom itself is situated in a lovely position overlooking the beach and the sea with great views towards the harbour and town. Whilst a little smaller than the Floral Hall it did have a cosy feel without being squashed. There was a good turnout of both competitors and social dancers and the atmosphere was great all weekend. Everyone was just glad to be back and this helped generate a friendly but competitive feeling throughout the festival.
Sadly our team was somewhat depleted with the loss of Carla & Neil and Andy & Dawn who would have been dancing but were struck down by the dreaded virus at the eleventh hour. They were missed of course and it was such a shame they couldn’t make it this time.
We did however have Josh & Grace, Stuart & Andrea and Craig & Emma who were dancing their first Easter Festival as amateurs. Boris and the bears were also out in force of course and excited by the prospect of three days of dancing.
Proceedings began on Friday afternoon with all couples in action. Stuart & Andrea were first to take the plunge and finished second in their event. All couples took part in the mixed open event, with all couples reaching the final. Josh & Grace secured second place closely followed by Craig & Emma and Stuart & Andrea in fourth and fifth respectively. Friday evening gave everyone chance to dance again and in the amateur event Josh & Grace finished second overall once again although they did win the foxtrot. Craig & Emma came fourth in the same event, although receiving some higher placed marks in some dances, and acquitted themselves very well in this tough category. Stuart & Andrea also managed to turn the tables on their main rivals by winning the senior event. So ended Friday and everyone could be pleased with their results and performances.
Saturday brought more action in the ballroom with all couples dancing once again in both the afternoon and evening sessions. Stuart & Andrea had three events and were placed first in two of them and second in the other. Josh & Grace were placed second in the amateur modern sequence event whilst Craig & Emma were fifth. Boris was pleased to have Liam and Alexandra for a sleepover although thought their owners a little neglectful! Happily however they were all reunited the following day.
All too soon we came to the final day of the festival and although it seemed like we had been there for ages in some ways in others it felt like we had only just begun. The day started with the traditional visit from the Easter Bunny (heavily disguised as Louise). Sunday is always a full day with the 8 dance events being a test of fitness as much as technique. All coped admirably however and Stuart & Andrea won their event. Josh & Grace were placed second in their event and Craig & Emma were placed fifth in the same event. Back to the hotel for a quick meal and change and then it was off to the ballroom once more for the final evening of competitions.
Once again Stuart & Andrea secured the top spot albeit with only two competitors left dancing, all the others having had to withdraw due to injuries or illness as the weekend progressed. They were the only couple in their category who competed in all their events, a testament to their dedication and fitness. The same can be said for our other couples who also danced in all their events over the course of the weekend. In the Classical Sequence competition Josh & Grace finished in their, by now familiar, second place but nevertheless this was a great achievement, beating couples who have beaten them on previous occasions and picking up some first place marks from some of the adjudicators along the way. Craig & Emma finished sixth in the same event but this was only their second amateur event and so can be proud of their achievements this weekend.
The final competition is traditionally the Latin sequence event and unfortunately Josh & Grace and Craig & Emma were the only entrants. Nevertheless the atmosphere was electric and both couples put on a great show, full of energy in-spite of three long days of competition, and were a credit to the school. In the end the honours went to Josh & Grace.
So ended a fabulous and friendly weekend leaving everyone drained physically and emotionally, but in a good way. The support from everyone was amazing and we are immensely proud by what you have all achieved and to have you as part of our team.
