Duesbury Aldred Dance Centre Blog

Thank you to all those who guessed both on line and otherwise. Our Blogger this time was Hazel, correctly identified by Chris and Ruth although Chris was the first correct one posted and so wins the prize.

Hope you enjoyed the post and thank you to Hazel for your report.

Well, what can be said about the June competition at West Park? ….. lots of things were as usual:

Lovely sunny weather

Smiling faces greeting people at the door

Really good music for the dancers

Enthusiastic support from family and friends (does Andy go home with sore hands after all his encouraging clapping?)

A beautiful turn out dress-wise – some of the girls and ladies in newly acquired outfits for the day

Selfless partnering by many experienced dancers

A good feeling of team spirit and friendliness

Craig winning several raffle prizes although Catherine was almost as successful this time

 So, on to the important part after a long morning’s ballroom and sequence dancing – the all-important wait for the numbers. Here they come, 2-0 then some presentations of trophies, 4-0 and some medals to be won. On to the latin american dancing but still more numbers coming, 6-0 and eventually 6-1 pleasing all the England fans gathered there. 

Everyone received their placings graciously except perhaps one. Our youngest competitor broke into tears as she approached the podium. What was the matter? Was she overwhelmed? Didn’t want a medal, wouldn’t smile for the cameras? None of these, no she wanted to do it on her own and Daddy had helpfully accompanied her. Leave her to it next time Paul!  

Another lovely day’s dancing is over for this year. Back to the practice room now for the next stage of our dancing journey, whatever that might be.

 

Yesterday was an event I look forward to on the annual calendar – our competition at Westpark. I always think it’s lovely to get everyone together, a chance for those who don’t compete so often to take to the floor and experience the buzz of performing. Also to provide a platform for our more experienced dancers to rise to the challenge of partnering. The physical and mental challenge of, ensuring you are on the dance floor at the correct time, with the correct partner, dancing the correct routines. It’s not as easy as they make it look.

It is also an opportunity for dancers to invite friends and family along to witness the spectacle and gain an insight into our mad and amazing world of ballroom dancing.

As always you were all brilliant, displaying a beautiful balance of competitive determination to win and team spirit.

In terms of results, there were numerous personal achievements, recalls, final places and winners. Today, those securing a first place were:-

In the Ballroom – Josh & Grace, Neil & Carla, Paige & Shanae, Tommy, Chloe, Isobel, Paige, Jack, Olivia, Molly, Chris, Allison and Craig.

In the Sequence – Josh & Grace, Tommy, Chloe, Isobel, Jack, Emily, Neil and Carla

In the Latin American – Josh & Grace, Paul & Karen, Paige & Shanae, Chloe, Isobel, Jack, Olivia, Emily, Kathryn, Allison, Olivia and Molly.

The day would not have happened without our team of helpers. Jean and Maria on the door, Joan collecting tickets, Rob & Debbie selling the raffle tickets, Julie & Andrew keeping Robert company on the stage with scrutineering and music. Thank you to you all.

Also, of course to our partners, who may have some sore legs today. Those who partner, do so of course for the sheer fun and enjoyment of being able to dance on the competition floor. But, for any of you who may be slightly competitive. The score board of winning places your partners achieved was – Liam 8, Josh 6, Louise 5, Alex 3, Molly 1, Craig 1, Jack 1, Carla 1, Neil 1. Along with Ruth, Grace, Emily, Olivia, Karen, Dawn and Andy, whose partners achieved final placings.

Boris had a lovely day catching up with his chums and of course it would be remiss not to give a welcome return to Richard, who many of you will remember. Although, he has moved away from the area he made the trip back yesterday with his new dance partner.

As is now tradition at our events, we had a mystery blogger amongst you. Their report will be posted shortly so in the meantime you can start to think about who it could be this time.

We sincerely hope all of you attending had an enjoyable day.

We have a slight opportunity to ‘catch our breath now’ until the sequence couples event at the beginning of July and the medallist qualifying competition at Castleford on 15^th July.

 

June heralds a busy time in the school starting with the ISTD Sequence day at West Park. Once again the team was out in force along with our loyal supporters and of course the mascot team led by chief mascot, Boris.

It was also the day we met Rosie for the first time, our newest (and youngest) follower.

As usual everyone tried their hardest to give a good account of themselves and although some events were

 

lighter on entries than others, there was still some quality competition to dance against.  There were many finalist but in the winners enclosure today were: Ellie, Paige, Charlotte B, Grace S, Grace P, Serena, Hazel, Josh, Karen, Carla, Shanae, Tony and Paul. In the couples sections,

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grace and Isobel came first with Chloe and Ellie third in their section. Josh and Grace, Paul and Karen, Molly and Emily and Craig and Karly filled the first four places in their event in that order. Andrew and Dawn, Dennis and Sue, Neil and Carla and Chris and Serena also took the top four places in their event.

By far the largest event of the day was the Adult and Child, Tango Serida competition. Over twenty couples were battling for a top six finish and making it to the final were Josh and Paige who came first closely followed by Jack and Molly in second. Third place went to Paul, dancing with a young lady from another school and Carla, likewise dancing with a young man from another school, finished 4th. There was a tie for sixth place between Andrew and Grace and Dennis and Chloe.

Of course we couldn’t do it without our partners, so once again thanks to Luke, Ruth, Liam and Alex along with those who competed and also partnered others; Karen, Josh, Grace and Emily. Not forgetting our volunteers for their assistance with the door and raffle; Jean, Rob and Debbie your help is appreciated. Finally, thank you to all our supporters for their dedication and enthusiasm.

There is not much time to recover now until our own competition at the end of June in the same venue, so we hope for a good turnout once again and we will also be joined once again by some of our less experienced competitors. I’m sure it will be great fun and Boris is already looking forward to it.

See you there.

It was the hottest weekend of the year and also the weekend of the Royal Wedding but for us it was the ISTD exam weekend. Over the two day session our dedicated dancers performed their sequence, ballroom and Latin routines in front of the external examiner, keen to impress and gain the highest possible grades.

We had a few first timers who acquitted themselves admirably, as well as the regulars who have done it all before but still have the odd nerve or two. Everyone was beautifully attired as always and gave a good account of themselves. The examiner remarked that she had had an enjoyable time with us and that you were all a credit to the school.

Boris was of course on hand all weekend to watch and support and whilst he is never one to complain, he did remark that it was a little warm to be wearing a jumper.

June is a busy month with the ISTD Sequence day on the 10th and our own event on the 24th. Hopefully we will have a full turnout for these local events and if you are not dancing why not come along and support.

See you there.

It seems a while since the team has been out in force but yesterday it was the ISTD Three Dance Sequence Qualifier at West Park.

The event is combined with the Inventive Dance Competition and so is only a short day compared to most competitions but nevertheless there are valuable
opportunities to gain that vital Blackpool qualification.  For those fortunate enough to have already qualified it was another chance for a pressurised performance practice which is always important to keep “match
fit”.

The team members successfully qualifying yesterday were: Kaitlyn, Ellie, Paige, Shanae, Craig, Emily, Karly, Libbie, Charlotte S, Charlotte Br, Hazel, Geraldine, Peter and Carol. Well done to you all, of course, the hard
work now begins!

In addition there were wins today for: Chloe, Jack, Grace P, Paul, Carla, Kaitlyn, Paige and Carol in their respective categories.

Of course thanks go, as always, to our dedicated partners Luke, Ruth, Alex, Grace P, Josh and Emily for their invaluable contribution. Special thanks to
Luke, who is still recovering from a sprained ankle and Alex, who is currently without her car. But both keen not to let their partners down, they carried on regardless.

Whilst competition was thin on the ground, the supporters were amazing and created an inviting and friendly atmosphere for everyone to dance in. Of
course Boris got to meet up with old friends to discuss such weighty matters as, the price of honey and whether they should have T shirts for the summer
instead of jumpers! So a good time was had by all.

The ISTD exam session follows shortly and then we have a busy time ahead in June so lots more to look forward to.

To most people Easter means bunnies, chocolate eggs and a long weekend off work. To some of our dancers however it means the Easter Sequence Festival at Southport.

In action this weekend we had Josh & Grace, Stuart & Andrea, Dawn & Andy, Carla & Neil and Dennis & Sue, with first time attendees Chris & Allison. Also joining the team for the first time were Hayley & Emma and it was great to see Karly coming along to support alongside the parents.

The weekend began well with all couples making at least one of their finals. Josh & Grace made the Amateur Classical Sequence final, Stuart & Andrea continuing their success from Blackpool with a second place in the Senior Modern Sequence final, and Hayley & Emma finishing 4th in the under 35 year’s Classical Sequence final. In the over 35 year’s section we had all four of our couples in the final, Carla & Neil finishing second, Dawn & Andy third, Dennis & Sue fourth and Chris & Allison a very creditable sixth, this being their first Southport and having only really just started out in this field. In the Latin sequence Dawn & Andy secured a win in their event with Carla & Neil second and Dennis & Sue  fourth. Josh & Grace secured second place in their event. Louise and I also secured a win in the Modern Sequence section of the Inventive Dance competition with the Santa Fe Foxtrot. A highly successful start to the weekend then.

The next day all of our couples (except Chris & Allison) were in action once again and encouraged by the previous day’s successes. Once again Stuart and Andrea made both of their finals, finishing second once more to consolidate their place in this field. Unfortunately the Amateur finals only had five couples recalled and Josh and Grace missed out but the improvement in terms of both dancing and confidence, from their step up to this grade only at this event last year, was plain to see and commented upon by several other professionals.

Hayley and Emma made both of their finals finishing 3rd and 4th, which is a great achievement as it was Hayley’s first time at this festival. One of the highlights of the weekend was Carla & Neil winning the over 35 year’s modern sequence event, consolidating their position from the last couple of run up events and in doing so beat their great rivals for the title. In the same event Dawn & Andy and Dennis & Sue secured 3rd and 4th place respectively. The improvements shown by all couples from last year were terrific as well as the results from the first timers, which were very encouraging. It demonstrates the commitment and hard work put in by all our team. Of course it wouldn’t be the same without our supporters, led of course by Boris, who probably find it more draining than the competitors.

Following an action packed two days we all retired to the bar to reflect on the highs and lows and mingle with friends. Of course we had a few obligatory games to keep everyone entertained but all too soon it was over for another year and time for everyone to return home exhausted but happy.

‘Brrr! – it’s cold out there’ – a phrase I heard more than once during the morning.

Okay, the weather was bitterly cold, but all thoughts of snow and ice soon melted away as the dancers began their warm-up routines. Once again, The Duesbury Aldred Dance Centre was pleased to open its doors and welcome those who battled the bleak weather: dancers, judges and supporters all. Nerves were clearly visible at the start – as is usual at these competitions – but after the first steps, the dancers began to relax and looked as if they were enjoying themselves.

As I looked out over the dance floor, I was amazed to see how quickly the younger dancers have grown up – juveniles to juniors, juniors to young adults. The adult dancers don’t seem to look any older of course (including me!) When I think back to the first competition that Robert and Louise ran, I can see how much the Duesbury Aldred dance family has grown. Of the many faces present, some remain the same but now dance in a different category, while others – young and old – are just getting started on the competition circuit.

The individual schools appeared to have mustered considerable support, both from fellow dancers and non-dancers who had simply turned up for the joy of watching a grand day of dancing. Audience participation lifted spirits considerably – enabling dancers to give that bit extra and to ‘Reach for the stars’ – a pleasant escape from their ‘9 to 5’ jobs.

Although not quite ‘Strictly’, the dancers were beautifully dressed and attired – attributes that served to compliment their dancing, which was a joy to watch. There were some impressive solo performances given by Geraldine and Neil (and of course their partners). I think they were very brave to do this and certainly deserved their 1^st place!

I’m sure that the dancers would agree when I say that ‘Partners’ deserve special thanks for their efforts – both before and during the main events. ‘Partnering’ is quite an exhausting job, yet somehow they seem to find the energy to keep going – so, well done to them!

Finally, we have the MEDAL PRESENTATIONS! Beaming faces and big smiles for the cameras – especially as the little ones received their trophies. Doesn’t it just melt your heart!

After all the hard work and preparation, I felt quite exhausted, but I look forward to doing it all over again in June – see you there! :o)

Neither the “Beast from the East” nor “Storm Emma” could stop our intrepid dancers from turning out in force to our Dancesteps competition. We had one dance school who were defeated by the weather, two others who were a little depleted and two of our adjudicators couldn’t make it, although we did find two others to step in at short notice, but in true Blitz spirit we “kept calm and carried on”.

There was a fantastic turnout in the circumstances and even following a number of withdrawals there were still four rounds of some events. Dancers and their supporters had made the effort to travel from as far afield as London, Hull and Newbury to be there, showing true dedication and support not only to dance but also their teachers and dance schools. We appreciate the lengths some people went to, to come, when it would have been easier to have not bothered, especially Luke and Liam who both had long journeys in trying conditions.

We would also like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped on the day or partnered, there were many of you and we all know who you are, days like these cannot happen without people being prepared to step in and lend a hand. We had a number of dancers braving the floor for the first time and they all acquitted themselves well, ably assisted by our more experienced team. To everyone who took part be it as a competitor or spectator you were all great, the atmosphere was tremendous and thank you for helping to make it a fabulous day. Boris remarked that he was quite overwhelmed and it will take him at least a week to recover!

We will have a special report of the day from our “Mystery Blogger”. Who will it be this time?

A week on from Blackpool and off we set again. This time to Castleford, near Leeds for an ISTD qualifier event. This week there was no snow, no road closures and I wasn’t stopped by the Police, so in comparison it was rather an uneventful journey!

The day itself, though, was anything but uneventful. The statistics speak for themselves – 31 dancers, 23 supporters, 30 first place positions and 33 Blackpool qualifications. It was commented on that we were the best dressed school and at the end of the day Miss Byron, the compere and organiser, congratulated our school for the true team spirit shown with everyone clapping and cheering each other along.  We also thought that everyone danced well with a lot of improved performances and signs that points which had been worked on in lessons for sometime, now being shown on the competition floor. Well done to you all, sometimes these comments and observations are more important than the results.

Nevertheless, my report would not be complete without the results. The day started with the Children’s ballroom and Latin events, where wins were recorded for Grace S in her Waltz, Paige in both her Tango and Jive, Chloe in her Jive, Isobel in her Jive and then in couples Luke & Chloe in their Quickstep and Jive.

It was then time for Sequence, where Grace S, Chloe and Isobel danced three times to ultimately be placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively. The under 35yrs was, as always, a very hard fought event with recalls for Josh, Grace P, Emily, Craig, Karly and Charlotte Be. With semi final places to Josh, Grace P, and Emily. Then reaching the final and being placed 4th and 2nd respectively were Josh and Grace P. There were larger entries than usual in the over 35yrs. With a win being achieved by Paul, closely followed by Neil in 3rd, Karen in 4th and Serena in 5th. In the over 50yrs, again there were three rounds, with semi final spots being taken by Dennis, Sue, Allison, Geraldine, Christine and Carla. Progressing through to the final and being placed 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th, were Dennis, Christine, Sue and Carla.

It was then time for the Adult Ballroom events where wins were achieved by Charlotte Be, Grace P, Chris, Hazel, Josh, Paul, Allison, Sue, Karen and Christine. In the Adult Latin events there were wins for Grace P, Allison, Sue, Karen and Geraldine.

In the couples events we also had great success, Craig & Emily won the Quickstep, with Karly & Charlotte Be securing runners-up position. Chris & Serena won their Quickstep with Peter & Carol 2nd. Josh & Grace P were 2nd in their Foxtrot with Paul & Karen 3rd. In the over 40yrs Silver/Gold Foxtrot, Dennis & Sue were the only entrants but they gave a lovely controlled, well timed demonstration of the foxtrot as the sole couple on the floor. In the Latin couples there were wins for Craig & Karly in their Jive, with Emily & Charlotte Be in 2nd position. Peter & Carol won their Jive, with Chris & Serena in runners-up spot. Josh & Grace P were 2nd again with Paul & Karen 3rd. Neil & Carla won their Rumba with Dennis & Sue following closely behind.

Overall, to conclude it was a successful day from both the dance performances and results achieved. Thanks, to Liam and Ruth for their dedication to come along and partner, we couldn’t do it without you. Also, to Josh and Grace P, who are also now stepping up more to the challenge of partnering.

Some dancers are out again next Sunday at a couples sequence event. Others have two weeks to prepare for a highlight on the dancing calendar – our event at Westpark. Dancers, parents, wider family and supporters will be turning out in force, make sure you are ready.

p.s. Boris has been comforting the bear which was abandoned yesterday and whilst he is coping well, he’s promised him that he will be returning home tomorrow.