The “Blackpool” season kicked off this week with the British Sequence Championships and Boris knew he was going to have his paws kept busy with all the action over the four day event. Participating were Josh & Grace, Stuart & Andrea, Neil & Carla, Andrew & Dawn and for the first time at this event, Chris & Allison and Craig & Emma.
The Wintergardens always inspires dancers to perform to the best of their abilities and few get to experience competing in this fabulous, historic ballroom to a live orchestra.
On the first day all couples were in action and all produced great performances. Josh & Grace cemented their place in the final of the modern sequence Championship, a position they claimed last year, and finished 6th in a strong 
field. Stuart & Andrea also made the final of the Senior Championship and came 3rd. Neil & Carla, Andrew & Dawn, Chris & Allison and Craig & Emma all received recalls in the modern sequence event in one of the largest entries for some years. Andrew & Dawn went on to make the semi-final and Neil & Carla and Craig & Emma reached the 
final. It was a close fought final and Neil & Carl were highly delighted to finish 2nd whilst Craig & Emma came a very respectable 3rd, an excellent result for their first outing at this event. Furthermore all of the first three couples won one dance showing what a close final it was.
The Monday of this festival takes in the Inventive Dance competition and Louise and I were pleased to be successful in winning once again with the Waldorf Waltz taking our total wins at this prestigious event to 17, a record unsurpassed by anyone. Having been competing in the Inventive Dance competitions for over 20 years we took the difficult decision that we would retire from these events but take away many happy memories.
Also in action once again were Neil & Carla, Andrew & Dawn and Chris & Allison in the Over 35 years Classical sequence. As expected the competition would be hard fought but our dancers were up to the challenge with Chris & Allison making the semi-final and the others reaching the final. It was another close contest and Neil & Carla were once again pipped to the top spot but taking a first place in the Saunter on the way and Andrew & Dawn ended close behind in 3rd place.
The final day of the festival came all too quickly, 
although it seems as though a day in ‘Blackpool time’ is equivalent to a week elsewhere. Josh & Grace, Stuart & Andrea and Craig & Emma all had events today and they all performed magnificently. Stuart & Andrea finished 3rd in their modern sequence 
final, Josh & Grace 5th in the Classical Sequence Championship and Craig & Emma came 2nd in the Under 35 years Classical Sequence.
Another successful weekend with lots of positives but also some leaning points. Boris expressed that he was very proud of you all but was a bit lonely having to do all the “mascotting” by himself since it was a very long and tiring weekend for one small bear. Back to the hotel bar then to relax, reflect and reminisce on another enjoyable festival.
There’s hardly time to catch breath and it’s off to Blackpool once more for the ISTD Grand Finals weekend, here’s hoping to more successes as well as another chance to catch up with friends.
A really lovely event and amazing to be dancing to the Empress Orchestra. Progress continues to be made with that final of the classical within reaching distance. I also feel very privileged to have seen the last of the inventive wins. A lovely Waltz, well done Robert and Louise!