We walk down the steps of the iconic Empress Ballroom and hear the familiar tunes from the band and we know we’ve been transported into a parallel universe. It cannot fail to inspire any dancer to perform to their best and it’s easy to take these moments for granted.
This is the British Sequence Championships and in action today were Josh & Grace, Stuart & Andrea and Neil & Carla. Everyone was determined to give their best and so they did although we knew there would be work to do if they were going to dislodge the reining champions. Josh & Grace were runners up in both the Amateur Latin and Modern Sequence Championships but on the way turned out some of their best performances. Likewise Stuart & Andrea finished in second place in their Classical Sequence Championship with Neil and Carl delighted to be fourth in the same event. Again both couples danced well. All couples would have the opportunity to dance again on Tuesday and would no doubt come back re-energised for the challenge.
Monday saw Andrew & Dawn and Chris & Lisa take to the floor for the first time. Once again they would need to bring their A game and both couples were determined to dance their best, which they did. The over 35 years Classical Sequence section was one of the busier events of the festival and Chris & Lisa were pleased to be recalled to the final finishing a very respectable seventh. Andrew & Dawn also improved on their performance last year with a well deserved win in the same event. Naturally a small celebration was in order but with another day of competition still to come we needed clear heads in the morning.
All too soon we arrived on the last day of the festival and all couples were in action this evening. We also had the eagerly anticipated Pro-Am event in which Liam & Grace, Luke & Sophie and Julie & Josh were dancing. Chris & Lisa and Andrew & Dawn had the largest entry of the festival in their open Modern Sequence event requiring two recalls to make the final which Andrew & Dawn achieved, finishing a highly respectable fifth. They then repeated their success of the previous evening by winning the over 50 years event
Stuart & Andrea and Neil & Carla also repeated their achievements of Sunday evening by being placed second and fourth respectively in the Senior Modern Sequence event. In the Amateur Classical Sequence Championship Josh & Grace came third being placed second in two of the dances and so being unlucky not to have finished higher.
Finally we reached the Pro-Am event and whilst the crowd reaction had been great all weekend a new level of excitement was reached which I am sure was relished by all the competitors who entertained the audience with an excellent display of Classical Sequence dancing. Liam & Grace took first place with Luke & Sophie runners up and Julie & Josh placed third. A great way to end the festival and well done to everyone who took part.
As always the support from the rest of the team was amazing, the chauffeurs, hair and make-up artists, canteen staff, physios, wardrobe, porters, photographers, finance staff and PAs – otherwise known as family, friends and partners. It is a team effort and everyone contributes. Boris, of course, thoroughly enjoyed himself although he has had some complaints from the other mascotts about mistreatment and Grumpy was even grumpier after his fall. He will be keeping a close eye on things in the future!!
There are always moments of elation and disappointment on such occassions but the memories created stay with us forever. Well done to you all.
