It is two years since we were last in Blackpool, which in some ways seems a long time and in others, no time at all. This year the festival was a little different but it was fantastic to be back in the magnificent Empress Ballroom doing what we all love and have been deprived of, for such a long time.
When the music strikes up and the competitors are announced onto the floor you are instantly transported to another dimension where time has no meaning and the troubles of the world do not exist, at least for those three days. It was magnificent that so many dancers attended, in the present climate, and were able to produce the standards they did considering the lack of practice and competition experience they have had.
In action this week we had Josh & Grace, Stuart & Andrea, Craig & Emma, Neil & Carla and Andrew & Dawn. All performed brilliantly and the results from the team exceeded expectations.
First into action on Sunday evening were Stuart and Andrea in their Classical Sequence Championship who finished in second place although they danced well and could easily have won if a mark or two more had gone in their favour. Josh and Grace were also in action in their Modern Sequence Championship finishing a highly respectable third behind the reigning champions. A good start to the festival.
Monday saw the other three couples in action and again all of them danced well, rising to the occasion. Craig and Emma, and Neil and Carla both won their Classical Sequence events, successfully defending the titles they won here last time. Andrew and Dawn were second in the Over 35 years section beaten only by Neil and Carla making it a one-two in this event.
All too soon we reached the final day of the festival and Tuesday saw all five couples in action. After the successes of the first two days it would be hard to do better but nevertheless the team managed it. In the Amateur Classical Championship Josh and Grace were once again placed third, firmly establishing their credentials at this level. Stuart and Andrea bettered their result from Sunday by securing first place in their Modern Sequence event. This win was a long time coming and was thoroughly deserved, proving that hard work and dedication does pay off. The other three couples were competing in their open Modern Sequence event and against stiff competition, Craig and Emma won with Neil and Carla in runners up spot whilst Andrew and Dawn were placed fourth. Overall then we could not have expected much better from our dancers.
Naturally Boris was on hand to lead the support and he was very excited to be back in action and reunited with his chums. All the support from family and friends was amazing as always and it was lovely to see Luke, Liam and Chris coming along to lend their support as well.
Of course the results are important but what was more important was the opportunity to dance in this magnificent setting once again and meet with friends who we haven’t seen for ages. The saying “you don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone” has been very appropriate lately and I think almost everyone, regardless of their result was just glad to be back and appreciated the festival all the more for having had the break.
It won’t be too long before we are back in Blackpool again for Grand Finals and we will have more of the team in action. Sadly some of you will not be attending this time but hopefully those who are will be equally inspired by the team’s performances this week.
I came up on the Tuesday as a little half term treat. What a treat it was! So nice to be back in the Winter Gardens soaking up the atmosphere, seeing the dancing, new dresses, new hairstyles, polished floor and the new bar area! I have my Friday night lesson at the same time as Stuart and Andrea and it was lovely to see the best possible end result of all of their hard work. There was some sparkly organist social dancing too, thanks Louise for getting me round! Finally it was lovely to see all of the results, our dance school did so well, amazing work from everyone and special mention to Louise and Robert who have managed to teach everyone and keep it all going despite the past year and a half of virus. Well done all!
Well done everyone, it looks like you all had a wonderful time.