The Festival Hall at Kirkby is one of the closest venues we visit and is where we have held our competition for many years. It was also the site of the NATD Qualifier today and it was great to be in the brand new venue which has excellent facilities as well as a spacious sports hall in which to dance which is much lighter and airier. Also, for those who will be coming along in March was also a bit warmer than we are used to!
The object of today’s outing was to qualify for the NATD Medallist of the year event in Blackpool next July and although there was a good crowd present most of the events were straight finals. Nonetheless it was more competition practice for those who came along and an opportunity to try out new things. We had some new additions to the team today as well as the welcome return of some who have been missing recently.
The juvenile and junior competitors all had a recall to make their finals and both Olivia and Scarlett secured a place in their ballroom final finishing third and fifth respectively. Brooke and Megan, who was competiting with us for the first time today, both made the final of their ballroom event with Brooke winning and Megan being placed a highly respectable third. Brooke also made the final of her Latin event finishing in third place.
The adults followed with wins today for Paige (with Fearn placed second behind her in both ballroom and Latin), Karly, Karen, Carol, Allison and Emily. There were also a number of solo performances today which is character building, having to dance on a large floor by yourself is no easy task. For some this was not the first time but for others it was a whole new experience. Well done therefore to Craig, Charlotte, Chris, Paul, Peter, Kathryn, Alison, Lisa, Dawn and Andrew who stood up to this test without caving under the pressure.
The day had a lovely atmosphere and as always the supporters were on hand to give everyone a cheer as they went round the floor. Everyone was able to qualify to dance at Blackpool and so we had a good day overall. The Bears, of course, were in prime position casting an experienced eye over all the proceedings. There was also a new addition to the team today who had to be shown the ropes but will no doubt become a regular member of the gang.
The NATD exams will follow in two weeks time and then we can turn our attention to the Christmas festivities and Boris can take a well earned break.
This was a lovely new venue and the first outing of silver Foxtrot for me which I really enjoyed. This was followed by silver Rumba, a version of which I danced at Whitby previously. Version 2 at this competition involved most of the new steps, which was progress. The tradition of new venues continues as well with the vending machines selling my beloved sugar free mango and pineapple Ribena, new competition venues seem to be the only places you can get this drink now (Beckett school being the other location). Thanks to Louise for her help preparing me for the day and dancing with me and Lisa for her cheese biscuits.
Wow one full year since my first competition !! Loved the new venue
Was a bit daunting having to dance on my own but at least I have done it now . It was a lovely atmosphere !!!
Thanks to Robert and Louise and team for their great support and expertise , not just on the day but the prep for the comps …
I’m always pleased to know I have fed chris with something !! Whether it’s cheese biscuits or sweeties or cake bars 😀
It was our first trip to the New Festival Hall and what a treat it was! The new venue is spacious with great facilities and a big floor to dance on. Everyone was in good spirit and there was plenty of support for all the dancers – from those who danced in semi-finals for a place in their final, to those who had the floor to themselves.
Congratulations to everyone who qualified for Blackpool! I’m looking forward to being back in this lovely hall in March with Boris and his new friend 😊