So Easter is upon us once more and of course that means the Easter Sequence Festival. This time we were back in Scarborough, once again experiencing the joys of the cliff side hike. Fortunately the weather was kind to us and we did not have to endure this in the wind and rain.
An early alarm (isn’t it always) heralded the start of what is always an action packed weekend and Friday began with the professional Inventive Dance competition in which Ruth and Liam were taking part with their respective partners Karen and Charlotte. Ruth made the semifinal with her Cha Cha Cha and partnered Karen in the final with her Tango. Liam reached the final with all three of his dances and won with a lovely Saunter.
Next came the amateur competitions in which Josh & Grace, Stuart & Andrea, Neil & Carla and Chris & Lisa were all competing. Chris & Lisa had the most competitors in their event being open to all age groups and were delighted to make the final being placed sixth. Stuart & Andrea and Neil & Carla were placed second and third respectively in both their events and Josh & Grace won their event. A good start to the day and we just had time to unload the car and have a quick bite to eat before returning to the ballroom for the evening session.
The evening session of the competitions saw all four couples in action once again and sadly Chris & Lisa did not reach their final this time. Stuart & Andrea were placed second once again closely followed by Neil & Carla in third. Stuart & Andrea also came fourth in the open Valse Martine event and Josh & Grace won both of their events ending a very successful day.
With the sun beaming through the windows and the sea as calm as a mill pond we once again began our descent of the cliffs in close formation for day two of the festival. Once again all four couples would be action in both the afternoon and evening sessions. This afternoon saw Chris & Lisa secure third place in the over 35 years section and Stuart & Andrea taking the runner up spot in both of their events. Neil & Carla were placed third in one of their events and fourth in the other and Josh & Grace continued their winning streak in their first event but were then pipped at the post in their second. We had a little more time before the evening session, time to eat and relax a little and then off once more.
The evening session brought the open pre champ modern sequence title which was one of the largest entries so far and, in which Chris & Lisa were recalled to the final and were placed fifth, a very good result. We also had the Senior classical sequence where Stuart & Andrea once again finished second with Neil & Carla in fifth. In the Pro Am competition, Liam & Grace were placed first and completing the evening Josh & Grace won the Amateur modern sequence title. It was then off to the “after” party for those with any energy left (or those with plenty of stamina). Of course with the change to British Summer Time, we would be deprived of an hours sleep although thankfully we didn’t start until the afternoon the following day.
Bonnets, bunnies and bears! Easter Sunday arrived and the final day of the festival was soon upon us and it some ways it seemed that we had only just arrived. A sea mist had descended over the town but thankfully it remained dry and still.
Thankfully we didn’t start until lunchtime today so we could get ready at a slightly more sedate pace.
Easter Sunday always brings the eight dance events (although it used to be ten dances when Luke danced as he likes to remind us whenever the opportunity arises!) and these test the memories as well as the technical expertise of the dancers. After Louise performed the traditional bunny giving ceremony, we were on with the dancing. Chris & Lisa were placed fourth in their eight dance, third in the over 35 years pre champ and after being recalled through two rounds were placed sixth in their Latin event. Stuart & Andrea secured their (by now familiar) second place in two of their events but did go one better by winning the Tango competition. Neil & Carla came third in all three of their events whilst Josh & Grace won their eight dance event.
The final evening arrived all too soon and with the Open Amateur, Senior and Pre Champ events as well as the Open Latin event, we were in for an exciting finale. Chris & Lisa rounded off a very positive weekend by being recalled to the final and securing fifth place. Neil & Carla were fourth in the modern sequence whilst Stuart & Andrea finished second but were only one mark away from securing the top spot. All eyes were then on the prestigious North of Britain Amateur title which would be hard fought. Josh & Grace proved they were up to the task with a serene performance and taking the title by winning four out of the five dances and following in the footsteps of Luke & Joanne and Liam & Alex who have previously won this event.
The final event of the festival was the Amateur Latin competition in which both Josh & Grace and Neil & Carla were competing, finishing second and third respectively. It is always produces a great reaction from the crowd and the dancers can relax and enjoy the moment which they both did.
Congratulations to everyone who took part you were amazing and a great credit to our dance school. There were memorable moments for everyone whether that was improved performances, making finals, having the courage to take part and of course winning. Boris was of course on hand to witness every step and was delighted to see the improvements everyone is making. The support, as always, was incomparable but most important was the team effort and team spirit which was on display.
Emotionally and physically drained we, of course, returned to the hotel for the traditional post match analysis and reminiscences from a great weekend.
This is the best competition of the year. There is so much dancing and the three days in Scarborough (which is also great for shopping) flew by! Thanks to Lisa for our continued journey, which made good progress over the weekend, to all of the supporters, and of course to Louise and Robert for all of their time, effort and patience!