Daventry

It’s been a while since we have been at Daventry which was always a popular event in the past but following the pandemic the school has not be there in force. That all changed today however and in spite of the miserable weather we set forth with great expectations.

The bears have always liked Daventry because rather than being squashed onto a chair they get a table to spread out on and Boris was pleased to see a good turnout although a little disappointed that Logan and Henrietta didn’t put in an appearance, maybe they hadn’t quite recovered from Whitby!

The day started with Latin unusually and everyone was soon in action. There were a few recalls today mainly in the younger age groups so Olivia had to earn her second place whilst both Brooke and Megan did well to get a recall to their final with Brooke winning and Megan securing fifth place. Also finishing in first place were Harvey, Emma, Craig, Emily, Charlotte, Irina, Chris, Paul, Karen, Kathryn (who did well to be dancing following her injury), Alison T, Stephen, Lisa, and Allison. Since many of the events are split with leader and follower however the competition was limited in some of the events but there were some good performances nonetheless and those who had to perform solo demonstrations should be applauded as this is not an easy thing to do under any circumstances.

The ballroom qualifiers followed and not everyone was dancing in these events as they were only for people who had not had the opportunity to qualify yet. However, Alisha’s third place and Florrie’s well earned second place were worthy of mention. Also on the winners rostrum were: Harvey, Chloe, Tabatha, Emma, Angela and Stephen.

With the qualifying over it was now time for the serious business of the Ragtime Swing event. This is a regular feature of this event and one which attracts a large entry as well as being one in which the school has an excellent record. We didn’t have any juvenile competitors today but Chloe & Brooke, Tabatha & Kaitlyn, Florrie & Megan and Harvey & Sophie all took up the challenge in the junior event. All couples tried their hardest and received at least one recall but Chloe & Brooke and Tabatha & Kaitlyn made it all the way to the final finishing third and fourth respectively.

The adult event had one of the largest entries of the day and well done to those who paired up with not much practice to take up the challenge. In the end, Paige & Fearn made it to the semi-final whilst Craig & Emma, Paul & Karen and Chris & Lisa all made it to the final. Craig & Emma retained the honour of the School by taking the trophy with Paul & Karen in runners up spot and Chris & Lisa in seventh.

We then moved on to the couples events and we had some impromptu pairs. Scarlett and Olivia did well to finish in sixth, dancing the difficult tango. There were also first places for Craig & Emma, Stephen & Angela and Paul & Karen in their events and Chloe & Brooke and Tabatha & Kaitlyn finished second and third in their event which had the largest entry of any of our couples events.

Finally we came to the Rose Bowl, another feature of this competition and this year a competitor could be paired with a non competitor. After a little arm twisting (although in truth not much was required) Joyce, Michelle, Hayley, Estelle and Marie all sprang into action with Chloe, Emily, Paige, Paul and Craig respectively. It was, needless to say the most popular event of the day with the first round requiring four heats. Earning a recall were Chloe & Joyce, and Paul & Estelle whilst Emily & Michelle made a round further. With Craig & Marie the only couple to make the final there was great excitment and despite a valiant attempt and a performance that improved with each round they couldn’t quite secure the top step but nevertheless finished as worthy runners up.

Another good day then for the team with great support from everyone. Well done to eveyone who took part and we look forward to seeing how you all get on at Blackpool in July!