The topsy turvy year of ISTD qualifying continues, instead of Castleford in February, yesterday we had Doncaster in June. This was the second qualifying opportunity of the year and more dancers were looking to secure their spots for Blackpool in November.
We only had one juvenile dancer today and that was Olivia Hoskin. She performed the Waltz and Cha Cha Cha coming 1st and 2nd respectively out of six and eight competitors. A good start therefore to the day.
Again, we only had one junior dancer and this was Brooke. She achieved a 1st in her Waltz and Rumba (not an easy dance) and a 2nd place in her sequence.
It was then time for the adults and they started the day with their three dance sequence events. Today there were wins for Craig, Paul, Allison and Dennis. Special mention should go to Charlotte, Dawn and Lisa who secured their Blackpool places. Also to Kathryn who tackled the three dance event for the first time and finally to Peter & Carol who partnered each other for the first time in this event. Well done to you all.
Onto the ballroom individual events. Today there were wins for Lisa, Peter, Craig, Chris, Hazel, Allison, Paul, Andrew and Sue. Then in the Latin individuals there were wins for Irina, Peter, Craig, Chris, Hazel, Allison, Karen, Andrew and Dennis.
In the couples events, Peter & Carol won both their Tango and Cha Cha Cha. Whilst the impromptu partnership of Craig & Grace won their Quickstep and Samba with Charlotte & Emily following a close second. Finally Paul & Karen secured a win in their Quickstep and Samba. Special mention should go to Hazel and Kathryn who had their first couples outing together dancing the Samba in preparation for Blackpool.
Today was a new venue for us and whilst it had the benefit of being reasonably local it did pose the challenge of a small dance floor. Everyone coped exceedingly well with this challenge and I was amazed how well everyone fitted their routines around the floor especially those who had to tackle the ballroom Foxtrot and Arcadia Foxtrot.
Thanks as always goes to those who partnered, Ruth, Grace, Craig and Emily. You are all crucial to the overall success of the team and extra thanks to Ruth for managing the clipboard and keeping us all on track.
A few couples are out next weekend at the sequence weekend at Burton on Trent then the next big event for many dancers is the NATD Medallist of the Year, in two weeks time, at the Empress Ballroom in Blackpool. Many extra lessons have been had and with new dresses, shoes & sparkly jewellery purchased the excitement is steadily building.