Sunday arrived with great anticipation and the ballroom was filled with the excitement of the evening’s events to come. Josh & Grace and Craig & Emma commenced proceedings in the Amateur Latin Sequence Championship which was a great way to get the assembled crowd buzzing. Both couples produced an excellent display over five demanding routines ending with Josh & Grace being crowned Champions with Craig & Emma runners up.
Stuart & Andrea and Neil & Carla were next in action in the Senior Classical Championships, and again both couples produced an excellent display, Neil & Carla dancing at this grade for the first time at this festival. Stuart & Andrea finished second and Neil & Carla sixth though both could have been placed higher.
The final event of the evening was the Amateur Modern Sequence Championship in which Josh & Grace and Craig & Emma were once again in action. This was as much an endurance test as one of dancing prowess and both couples were up to the challenge. Another thrilling display was produced by all the competitors with our couples being placed a respectable third and sixth respectively.
Andrew & Dawn and Chris & Lisa would be next to get their opportunity to impress on the following day having witnessed the standards set by the other team members.
Boris was super excited to see a full turnout of bears for this important occasion and was keen to discuss cheerleading strategies for the rest of the festival to ensure the best support for the team.
Monday arrived and this evening only Andrew & Dawn and Chris & Lisa were involved. Their event had the largest entry so far with two rounds before the final. For Chris & Lisa this was the first time at a major event together, only having recently started competitions in this style. They danced very well to secure a recall but sadly did not make the final on this occasion however the experience will be invaluable going forward. Andrew & Dawn also put on an excellent display and made it to the final where they finished second overall, the same place as last year (and a place they seem to be making their own!) In doing so they won the Saunter but sadly it wasn’t enough to secure the top spot.
All too soon we reached the final day and this evening all couples were in action so we were all going to be kept busy. When the band strikes up the ‘G chord’ it brings you out in goose bumps in the expectation of what is to follow. Andrew & Dawn and Chris & Lisa kicked things off in their Modern Sequence event which again had a large entry with two rounds before the final. Andrew & Dawn made the final and finished a highly respectable fourth, Chris & Lisa did not get a recall this time however they gained more valuable experience for the future. We then had the Pro-am competition in which Liam danced with Grace. They were the only entrants but nevertheless gave the appreciative audience a wonderful display of classical sequence dancing. Not many dancers get to have the Blackpool floor to themselves accompanied by the Empress Orchestra so it is a moment to cherish even though it is also nice to have some competition.
Andrew & Dawn were then in action again in the over 50 years event and this time they finally managed to secure the top spot by winning all three dances – congratulations to you both it goes to show that perseverance pays dividends. Stuart & Andrea then took to the floor along with Neil & Carla in their Modern Sequence event and this also had a recall to the final. Both couples made it to the final, finishing second and sixth respectively, though both couples challenged for higher placings. All to soon we came to the last final of the festival which was the Amateur Classical Sequence Championship and for the first time in a few years this also had a recall which was very encouraging. Craig and Emma , dancing in their first Blackpool Championship in the Amateur grade did themselves proud and danced very well though sadly did not make the final. Josh & Grace did make the final however and produced some of their best dancing to secure another third place. As the last notes of the Two Step faded the crowd rose to their feet in appreciation of all the finalists and so all too soon it was over for another year.
It has been a fabulous festival, with a great atmosphere and a real celebration of the joy of dance after years of being locked away fearful of what the future may hold. All of the team have excelled and whatever the individual results we can share in the successes of the team as a whole and be proud to be a part of our dance school. As ever the dedicated support team have been terrific, in both helping the dancers prepare and providing vocal support in the ballroom.
Team Boris were on hand as usual watching every step and sharing the highs and lows that come with all competitive dancing. After a brief respite to recover they will be back in action once again at the ISTD Grand Finals weekend and Boris will be taking the register to make sure all his chums are present and correct once again, ready as ever for their important mascotting duties.
Many congratulations to all – what a fantastic set of results! Looks like you all had a great few days, and what could be better than dancing at the Winter Gardens to the Empress Orchestra! Looking forward to getting up there in a few weeks to see some more fantastic dancing and Boris’ cheerleading squad 🙂
This really was the most wonderful event. Dancing to the Empress Orchestra is so exciting, and it is like no other event in terms of a learning curve. Thanks to Lisa for dancing with me, Louise and Robert for teaching us and for the support from everyone from Duesbury Aldred who filled the ballroom with their enthusiastic cheers. Onwards and upwards!