It finally happened. Two years and a few lockdowns later we made it to Grand Finals at last. In some ways it seemed like a long time since we were last there and in others it was no time at all. We had a few of the team who decided not to make the trip this time for various reasons but most of our regulars were there.
Numbers were appreciably down this time, especially on the adult day, but the Winter Gardens was comfortable, rather than packed as normal. This of course meant that numbers competing were down and so a number of events were straight finals. Whilst lacking quantity however, the quality was still in evidence and those who did well still had to prove themselves against some stiff opposition. Regardless of results however everyone did fabulously well to have made it there with all that has been going on and as always there was a tremendous team spirit. Everyone expressed how lovely it was to have the opportunity to catch up with others they had not seen for ages and to be dancing again in the wonderful ballroom. It was also noticeable that there was a genuine appreciation from all attendees and good support for all competitors throughout the ballroom, especially those who were the only ones in their particular events.
We began on Saturday and only had Kaitlyn, Chloe and Paige dancing this time but they set the tone for the weekend. Chloe was competing in her last juvenile event and Paige, her last junior so it was an important moment for them both. All had a great day and Kaitlyn came away with a second in her ballroom event fourth in Latin and fifth in sequence. Chloe was placed sixth in her ballroom event and third in the sequence whilst Paige was placed sixth in both her ballroom and Latin events but was also our first winner of the weekend in her sequence event. A great way to kickstart the weekend and well done to all of you.
There was no evening function this year so we were able to have a more leisurely dinner than usual and a little more relaxed evening.
Sunday saw an early start as usual and the adults began their day with the sequence events. Only the Under 35 year section had a recall but making this final were Grace P, Jack, Emma and Craig with Grace sucessfully defending the title she won last time. Serena won her event with Neil second and Chris fourth and in the Over 50 years section Carla also sucessfully defended her title with Allison and Rosalind filling the next two places and Hazel finishing sixth.
The ballroom events followed and in this section there were wins for Jack, Rosalind, Chris, Serena, Hazel and Neil with creditable second places for Carla and Grace P. Next came the Latin events and this time there were wins for Grace P, Allison, Chris, Hazel and Neil.
After a long day we reached the last two sections which were the couples events which have proved to be highly successful for the school over the years. This year they were a little earlier than usual but, as always, were an enjoyable finale to the weekend. Craig & Emma, Jack & Karly and Chris & Serena had two of the largest events of the day with several recalls before their finals with all three couples achieving this in both their ballroom and Latin events. Craig & Emma won the balloom with Jack & Karly third in the same event whilst Chris & Serena were a close second in their ballroom event and fourth in their Latin. Jack & Karly won their Latin event giving Karly something to smile about on her birthday with Craig & Emma fourth. Charlotte & Emily were our only other couple competing and they were placed a highly respectable fifth in their ballroom event and third in the Latin although they could have been placed higher in the Latin in my opinion.
Of course, as always, we were supported by a fantastic team but special thanks for their contibutions go to: Luke, Liam & Grace P for partnering, Ruth for keeping us in order & transporting luggage and Anita & Debbie for creating many hairstyles. The most appealing feature of our team is how you all turnout to help and support each other even though at times you compete against one another.
Boris was of course very excited to be back and meet all his old chums again. He said he had really missed seeing everyone and thought you all did magnificently. He can’t wait for the next event.
After having no competitions since March 2020 and then having a fun but trickier time running a school this event was just what the doctor ordered. Waking up to the smell of cooked breakfasts in the Arabella, walking down the stairs with that fantastic slimming mirror, putting my tomato sauce sachet in the plastic bin on the table and doing my ever decreasing bit of hair to have it all blown about on the walk up to the Winter Gardens meant I was ready! It was so lovely to be watching on the Saturday and dancing on the Sunday. Some amazing new outfits were on show and some old favourites! Thank you to Louise and Serena for dancing with me and I have worn my sashes around school like Rambo’s bullet belt all week. It was lovely to see everyone and it was nice to have a bit of time for tea on the Saturday evening (I hear the fudge cake is good!) instead of rushing off to the usual mix of fancy dress and top notch demonstrations. Special thanks to Louise and Robert for sorting it all, getting us there and ready to dance despite all the pandemic shenanigans, I hope we all did you proud.!