Month: March 2024

Thank you all for taking part once again, it was not an easy one this time although some of your guesses were quite close. However one person correctly identified the Mystery Blogger as Brooke. Well done Jean, a prize is on its way to you and thank you Brooke for your excellent report.

Look out for future reports from MB. You never know who it might be next!

Spring is officially here and that can only mean one thing, a return to Kirkby for our Dancesteps competition.  Wow what a day it was!  After another year, we return for another ‘family reunion’ as one may call it.  Starting very early to get ready and a foggy drive we arrive to see our wonderful dance family, who filled over half of the Festival Hall alongside the other dance schools who had travelled to support and compete at this event.  It was lovely to see everyone’s eager faces and positive attitudes, ready to take part in the Dancesteps competition once again.

Commencing firstly with the junior 12-15’s, who showcased a beautiful Waltz and Quickstep, setting the bar for fellow competitors.  Elegant and sparkly dresses took to the floor as the nerve racking opening to the competition commenced.  However, the mood was lightened with the enthusiastic audience who supported throughout the whole day!

Following on from the ballroom section we then continued with the Sequence event, which I personally find the most difficult. It was wonderful to see so many competitors who took to the floor, starting with the juveniles Gainsborough Glide, what a lovely performance!  Continuing onto the juniors, who then danced an elegant but sharp Veleta and Tango Serida (a personal favourite of mine).  Following on into a delightful walks & points from the 6 years and under, so amazingly proud!  Closing the sequence section were the adults, showcasing their Saunter Shiraz and Liberty Two-Step, finishing off with a starter Tango Serida.

Last but not least we had the latin section, full of energy and great music.  

My favourite event of the day had to be the 16-35’s couples jive, keeping in the  tradition of dancing to “Reach For The Stars”, everyone spectating got involved with this song too! A great end to the day.

The day was completed with a friendly barn dance, getting friends, parents and grandparents involved, giving everyone a chance to take part.  Afterwards the trophies and tokens were handed out to those who had won an award.  It has to be said that these events are so special due to the abundance of support and enthusiasm within the dance community.  I would also personally like to say a great thank you on both mine and my fellow dancers behalf, to all who helped partner on the day. I hope to be at a level to be able to return the favour one day. It was a pleasure to dance and perform for everyone there, alongside our “dance family”. I and many others, look forward to next year’s Dancesteps event!

Spring has sprung  and the first Sunday in March always heralds our own competition at the lovely Kirkby Leisure Centre. It is a favourite of Boris and the Bear team as not only do they get special reserved seating but they also get to see everyone, as we have a full school turnout for this event. A report from the Mystery Blogger will follow, who will it be this time? As always people have different goals whether that be getting a recall, making a final, doing better than last time or even just dancing better under the pressure of an event. However in today’s role of honour there were first places for:

In the ballroom events: Rosie, Kaitlyn, Paige, Heather, Carol, Peter, Craig, Neil, Grace P and Alisha Rose. In the Sequence events: Rosie, Olivia, Tabatha, Craig, Karen and Heather. Whilst in the Latin events: Tabatha, Paige, Lisa, Peter, Craig, Paul, Neil, Grace P and Sophie.

In the couples events there were wins for Tabatha & Kaitlyn, Paul & Karen and Craig & Grace and then in the Adult and Child CCC under 12 years section, Paul & Olivia were the only couple from the school to make the final. In the over 12 year section we had a better showing with Emily & Chloe winning and Craig & Megan, Karly & Tabatha and Charlotte & Brooke filling places second, third and fourth in that order.

Of course thank you to all our helpers both the professionals and those who partner as well as competing: Luke, Ruth, Liam, Grace P, Craig, Charlotte, Emily, Stuart, Andrea, Paul, Karen and Grace S. Alongside our support team of Julie for Scrutineering, Andrew for the music, Auntie Joan for ticket collecting, Jean & Beverley for door duty and Rob & Debbie on the raffle. Finally for those who come along to support your contribution is amazing and valued by the competitors. It’s a real team effort and one which we can all be proud to share in.