An Illuminating Blackpool

Well here we are at Blackpool again for the British Sequence Championships but not quite as we know it. Due to the ongoing roof issues in the Empress Ballroom we were relocated to the Spanish Hall, which is a beautiful ballroom upstairs in the Wintergardens complex. Whilst the dance floor was much smaller than we are used to the room had a lovely atmosphere and as usual our team of dancers and supporters provided great vocal support for each other.

Sunday commenced with the Social Open Modern Sequence event, the Senior Classical Championship and the Amateur Modern Sequence Championship. In the Social event there were 19 couples. Dennis & Sue reached the semi final stage whilst Andrew & Dawn and Neil & Carla reached the final. Andrew & Dawn were placed 5th and Neil & Carla an extremely delighted 2nd place.

In the Senior Championship, Stuart & Andrea were recalled to the final and were highly delighted to achieve runners up position.

Josh & Grace danced their first British Amateur Championship, as last year they won the social events. This is a huge ‘step up’ both in terms of complexity of dances and standard of dance required. Therefore, we were all very satisfied when they were recalled to the final and came 6th. This event was particularly special as two of the test dances were arranged by Robert and myself and one by Luke.

It was then on to Monday, which meant the Over 35yrs Social Classical event and the Professional Inventive dance competition. All six members of our team, Dennis, Sue, Andrew, Dawn, Neil & Carla were delighted to reach the final and were placed a very well deserved 5th, 4th and 2nd respectively.

I’m also pleased to report that Robert and I were successful in the Inventive dance competition and won with our Milwaukee Waltz. We are very proud to have now achieved the most ever Blackpool inventive dance winners with this being our 16th win.

All too soon it was Tuesday and the last day of the festival. Stuart & Andrea danced in the Senior Modern Sequence Championship and Josh & Grace in the Amateur Classical Sequence Championship. Both couples gave sterling performances and tried their very hardest. Stuart & Andrea were recalled to the final and managed to repeat their Sunday evening performance by taking the runners up position again. On this occasion, Josh & Grace although close to the final did not quite make it this time. They did however dance their best and are already looking forward to the next set of challenges.

Overall it was a fabulous few days. All the ladies had beautiful new dresses which looked amazing (the Gentlemen didn’t look too bad either!). As a team we had some super results with everyone achieving at least one of their personal goals. My overriding memories of the festival was the great camaraderie and team spirit shown by everyone. Whilst everyone was very focussed on achieving their own goals they also showed great support to all other members. Also, over the few days we had a few surprise visits from supporters which was a lovely gesture.

On a final note, I passed the back door of the Empress Ballroom on several occasions and each time there was drilling and hammering coming from inside so hopefully plans are on track for the reopening at the beginning of November.