On what proved to be one of the warmest day’s of the year so far we set forth to Doncaster for the first ISTD Northern Area qualifier of the year. There were some absences today and some who were yet to dance for real at a qualifier, following the cancellation of Lutterworth in January. It was a good opportunity therefore for some to gain some match practice and test drive this year’s sequence dances.
The junior and juvenile team was a small and select group consisting of Brooke, Olivia and, for the first time at one of these events, Scarlett. Ballroom came first and Scarlett came a respectable second whilst Olivia finished fourth and Brooke was placed first. Both Olivia and Brooke were dancing in a higher grade this year so this was a good result for both of them. Next came the Latin in which Scarlett was placed second in her event, Olivia third in her event and Brooke secured another win. In the Latin couples, Scarlett & Olivia paired up and danced well to finish in a respectable fourth place.
Finally it was the sequence three dance events and Olivia, who was dancing this event for the first time was placed fourth. Having to learn and perform these three tricky dances was no easy task and so she did extremely well. Meanwhile Brooke was placed second, another good result against some very experienced dancers. Next came the adult sequence and Paul and Karen tied for first in their event whilst Andrew and Rosalind both won their respective events.
Adult ballroom was the next section and as is often the case here there were only straight finals but nevertheless there were some good dancers to beat. In the winners enclosure today were: Fearn (on her first time at this event), Lisa, Paige, Craig, Chris, Rosalind, Grace, Serena, Hazel, Josh, Karen and Andrew. Whilst in the couples Paige & Fearn won (in spite of having a little rest part way through!) as did Paul & Karen with Josh & Grace treating us all to a solo demonstration.
Latin followed and in this there were wins once again for: Fearn, Lisa, Craig, Chris, Rosalind, Grace, Serena, Josh, Karen and Andrew. Whilst in the couples Chris & Lisa, Josh & Grace and Paul & Karen won their events
Boris and the team were out in force and enjoyed themselves immensely but thought perhaps they need T- shirts for summer outings as they get a bit hot in their jumpers especially on top of fur. However they realise it’s hotter for the dancers and so don’t like to complain.
Thanks of course as always to our partners: Ruth, Grace, Craig, Josh and Karen for their hard work both today, alongside competing themselves, and in lessons leading up to the event. Also our invaluable supporters, for their vocal support and who always give a good account of themselves.
In two weeks many of us will be heading to Blackpool for the NATD medallist of the year finals followed shortly by our ISTD exam session. No time to relax yet then!