It was early Saturday morning when we set off from our hotel to the world famous Tower Ballroom, Blackpool for the start of the NATD Medallist of the Year event. This was the first time we had supported this event and so were uncertain what to expect. We also had a number of competitors who had not done anything like this before and were experiencing the thrill and trepidation of dancing at Blackpool for the first time in a national competition. There were also a number who were dancing as part of Team Duesbury Aldred for the first time at such an event. Well done to those first timers for not only surviving the experience but also dancing very well.
There were dancers form all over the country as well as a group from Malta and it was apparent from the start that it was not going to be easy. Not only were there around 1,000 competitors overall but some events, especially for the juveniles, had over 50 entrants. It was also apparent that there were also a good many experienced competitors across all ages and grades and the overall standard was going to be high.
Nevertheless all of our juveniles received at least one recall with most having two or more. Olivia Rose had two recalls with her waltz and Phoebe had four recalls with her Samba but missed out on the semi final. Tabatha, Connie and Sophie (all first timers) had a number of recalls and April and Ellie made a semi final. Lewie, Kaitlyn and Brooke all made the semi finals of both their ballroom and Latin events but Chloe was our first finalist in her ballroom event finishing fifth a feat she repeated the following day in her Latin event being placed fourth.
The juniors then took up the gauntlet and whilst we only had four in action we were not lacking in experience. Isobel and Paige both made the final of their ballroom event, Isobel being placed fifth and Paige having the distinction of being our first winner of the weekend in the same event. Paige also backed this up with a fifth place the following day in the Latin. Jack came second in his ballroom and third in his Latin event. Unfortunately Fearn did not get any recalls but it was her first experience of this type of event. She danced well and only recently moving to this age group was dancing with many older and more experienced competitors. In the junior couples events, Jack finished third in the Tango dancing with Paige and then on the Sunday was placed fifth in the Rumba dancing with Isobel.
The baton then passed to our adult competitors who had a hard act to follow. They had their Latin events on the Saturday evening and once again they delivered some excellent performances and results especially those who were first timers. Into the finals this evening were Charlotte B, Craig, Sian, John, Chris, Neil, Karen, Xingye, Carol, Peter, Serena, Carla, Allison, Andy and Rosalind with Paul becoming our second winner of the day.
The couples events followed and there were a number of new partnerships formed who did exceptionally well considering the short time they had had to practise. Into at least one, and in many cases, both of their finals were Chris & Serena, Paul & Karen, Neil & Carla, Alison & Kathryn, Andy & Dawn, Rosalind & Allison, Hazel & Debbie and Dennis & Sue. Wins were recorded by Craig & Charlotte B and Peter & Carol.
Kristina Rihanoff aka Allison!
It had been a long day, having spend over 17 hours in the ballroom and we still had another day to go! The adults were in action once again on the Sunday evening with their ballroom events this time and managed to surpass the performances of the previous day. All of our Latin finalists once again reached their ballroom finals with the addition of Dawn who also made her final today. However; Craig, Sian, Chris, Carol, Serena, Allison and Andy all exceeded their results from Saturday by winning their events, a great achievement and well done to you all.
Further success was to come in the couples events with final placings for Craig & Karly, Neil & Carla, Rosalind & Allison, Hazel & Debbie and Dennis & Sue. In addition, winning one of their couples events were Chris & Serena, Peter & Carol and Andy & Dawn.
Boris and the bear supporters club were very excited by all the success but also enjoyed seeing some of the newer team members performing for the first time and doing so well. They were particularly pleased to have a table to sit on where they could get a better view of all the action although Arabella was a little distressed to be left to fend for herself on Saturday night!
We finally came to the end of a very long but enjoyable weekend and we are very proud of all your achievements whether that was getting a recall, making a final or winning. Well done for all your hard work and dedication.
Of course we must thank our dedicated team of partners and teachers; Luke, Ruth and Liam who help make it all possible and the excellent support all our dancers receive from family and friends.
Well done to all involved, you were amazing.
This competition was a great adventure. A lovely mix of experienced dancers taking part and lots of newcomers to the world of Blackpool. A day warming up with Latin on the Saturday led to a fantastic Ballroom day full of excitement and great results. We looked the best and everyone tried their best on both days. Thank you to Louise and Robert for all their hard work preparing us for this amazing opportunity. The trophies were massive too, and all six!!! make a great talking point in my office.