NATD Qualifier Kirkby

It was time once more to don our dancing gear for the final competition of this year, for most of our team. It was the NATD area qualifier for Blackpool next July and the opportunity to secure a spot to dance at the famous Wintergardens. 

There were only individual ballroom and Latin events on today’s programme and most of the team were in action. In the juvenile section there was Scarlett, Olivia and Alisha-Rose. Scarlett and Olivia both made their ballroom final, both finishing 4th. Olivia also made her Latin final finishing 5^th

In the junior events there was Brooke, Tabatha, Megan and Sophie dancing. Megan and Sophie danced in the same events and were placed 4th and 7th in their ballroom and 2nd and 6th in their Latin respectively. Meanwhile Tabatha was placed 2nd and 3rd and Brooke finished 3rd and 7th in the same event.

In the winners enclosure in the adult sections there was Paige, Craig, Charlotte, Chris, Paul, Karen, Kathryn, Lisa, Stephen, Allison, Andrew and Hazel. Some of these were hard fought wins whilst others were earned by solo performances.

As this was the first qualifying competition for next year, some dancers had moved up age or grade categories and some were performing new routines for the first time in a competition. Whatever, personal targets each dancer had for the day, everyone danced well and those who started the year as ‘newbies’ in competing at this level, are now developing their competitive edge and delivering better under the pressure of competition. Above all though it was about the opportunity to qualify for Blackpool next year which everyone did, so mission accomplished! 

Thanks once again to those who  partnered, Ruth and Craig, as always your help is appreciated and of course the support from the everyone else is second to none.

Boris was in attendance as always together with his chums all keen to give their support to the team. They were so excited to have a table, which they only normally get at Daventry, so they could spread out without being worried all day about falling through the back of the chairs! He remarked on the improvements he has witnessed in many of our dancers over the year and looks forward with great enthusiasm to next year. His final official engagement will be the NATD exams in two weeks before the Christmas party season gets into full swing.

Next year’s diary dates are out (although there are still a few dates to be confirmed) so make sure you have your copy.