Duesbury Aldred Dance Centre Blog

It was a small but dedicated team that ventured to the NATD competition, only two weeks after all the excitement of Blackpool. This is the last competition of the year and so is usually quite a relaxed affair. Better still it was only at Sandiacre so we didn’t have to set out too early in the morning! It was also one of the coldest mornings so far this year and we had to scrape ice from the car windscreen before we set off. Boris was certainly pleased to have his jumper!

We may have been few in number but nevertheless our dancers were on form, winning nearly every event in which we had someone entered.

In the Under 35 years events Molly and Emily, dancing together for the first time, won both their ballroom and Latin events with Craig and Karly coming 2nd and 3rd in the same events. In the Over 35 years events Chris and Serena won the ballroom event with Andy and Dawn in 2nd place then in the Latin event Andy and Dawn were placed 2nd with Chris and Serena in 3rd place. In the open ballroom event Molly and Emily won with Craig and Karly 2nd, Andy and Dawn 3rd and Chris and Serena 4th. The Latin followed and again Molly and Emily won with Craig and Karly, Chris and Serena and Andy and Dawn being placed 3rd, 5th and 6th respectively.

Many of our dancers were in action again in the adult and child events, partnering children from other dance schools. With the largest entry of the day, Andy was the only one who made a final with his partner, finishing 6th.

An enjoyable and successful day was had by all and Boris remarked that it was nice to have a relaxing day following the full on experience which is Grand Finals! With exams next week followed swiftly by Strictly Reunited there is plenty to keep us busy before we all prepare to take a well deserved break over the festive season. Well done everyone and I’m sure you are all pleased to have made the effort to go.

It took twenty six (yes 26) hours of cometitions for it to happen and then it did, – we got our first winner of the weekend – Josh and Grace won the under 35 years silver/gold waltz. Huge congratulations.

It was an extremely long and very tough weekend. The Empress Ballroom was reopened just for our event. The ceiling and scaffolding towers are a feat of engineering, some may even call it art, the dance floor was relaid, chairs squeezed into every available space, Disney themed decorations and special lighting effects created to mask the towers and after much speculation, concern and hard work at 8.30am Saturday morning the competitions began. The next twelve hours were taken over by the children’s events. The team this year consisted of Kaitlyn, Luke, Ellie, Shanae, Chloe, Grace S, Isobel, Paige, Molly, Jack, Olivia and Leila. Everyone looked lovely – beautiful hair, makeup, shoes and clothes. There were a few nerves and a little over excitement at the start of the day, due to the scale of the event but everyone achieved at least one recall. Special achievements of note are Paige made the semi final of her waltz and rumba, Molly the semi final of her foxtrot, Luke the semi final of his rumba. Then in the couples Olivia & Molly made the semi final of their tango from 67 couples and Luke & Chloe the semi final of their rumba from 78 couples!

After all the hard work, Saturday evening was a time to relax and unwind at the social dance. This year’s fancy dress theme was Disney and a large group of our children, parents and adult dancers teamed up to recreate 101 Dalmations. Martin was a sight to behold as Cruella and whilst we might not have quite reached 101, the dogs certainly took over the parade. I was just a little worried about the future dance results of the person who tiddled up Nicky’s leg!!!!!  but I’m very relieved to be able to report that she (clue) had a first class set of results on Sunday.

All too soon the 5.30am alarm was ringing Sunday morning and off we went again. The first round was 8.30am and I’m pleased to say everyone was ready, alert and raring to go. The first events of the day were the sequence where we had a very good set of results.
In the juvenile, Chloe reached the semi final. Isobel and Grace S then made it to the final,  Isobel coming a highly delighted 6th and Grace an extremely proud 3rd.
In the junior section Jack and Olivia reached the semi final and Molly achieved a final placing, coming 6th. Very well done.
Then we had the under 35 years sequence, which is an especially tough category. Getting a recall were Emily, Alexander, Paul, Libbie and Charlotte B and making it through the semi final and then the final were Josh and Grace. They were placed 7th and 4th respectively. Well done.

In the over 35 years sequence Chris had a recall to the semi final and in the final were Neil, Karen and Serena. They were placed 6th, 5th and 3rd respectively. Well done again.
In the over 50 years section we had a wealth of dancers. Getting a recall was Geraldine. Then into the semi final were Sue and Christine and onto the final were Dawn, Carla, Dennis, Allison and Andy. They were placed 7th, 6th, 5th, 4th and 3rd.
The sequence is the genre we pride ourselves on excelling in and as you can see from the wealth of recalls, semi final and final placings this year was no exception.

It was then onto the rest of the day with individual ballroom and Latin events. Everyone got at least one recall in this section, with 17 semi final placings and 7 final spots. These were awarded to Charlotte B in both her quickstep & cha cha cha, both 5th places. Grace P achieved 2nd in her foxtrot, Sue 5th in her tango/quickstep, Serena 5th in her jive, Allison 6th in her samba/rumba and Geraldine 4th in her rumba / samba.

Eventually at 9.00pm (yes, thirteen hours after the first competition of the day), we reached the couples events. This is a lovely way to finish the weekend because the teachers and partners get a chance to sit down with a glass of wine, no no I mean because it lifts everyone’s energy levels back up for some super dancing to finish the day. This year’s pairings were Alexander & Libbie, Craig & Charlotte B, Karly & Emily, Josh & Grace, Tony & Hazel, Peter & Carol, Chris with both Serena and Allison, Neil & Carla, Dennis & Sue and Andy & Dawn. Everyone got at least one recall, with final placing going to Josh & Grace (1st & 3rd), Neil & Carla (2nd & 3rd), Chris & Serena (3rd), Dennis & Sue (4th & 7th) and Andy & Dawn (2nd & 5th), Craig & Charlotte (6th)

As I have said it was a very long weekend and just to be able to say you were there, either as a dancer, parent, friend, partner or supporter is a huge achievement and one which we are, and hope you are also, proud to have been part of.  Weekends like these remain part of you forever and become one of those life experiences which you quote for years to come.  New ‘character building’  moments were experienced, new friendships were made, there were lots of laughs and probably a few tears but overall we hope you all thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

The weekend would not be possible without the incredible time and effort given by those who partner. Luke, Liam, Alex and Ruth. Thank you so very much. Also to Emily & Josh who stepped in a couple of times. Both of which resulted in their partners reaching their finals.

We are exceedingly proud of you all – the effort everyone puts into not just their dancing but their hair, makeup, dresses, suits, timekeeping, organisation, behaviour and support for one other is something which cannot ever be underestimated.

For those of you interested in the history (and to show it is possible!) we have been attending ISTD Grand Finals for 10 years now and the elite list of previous winners reads as follows :
Andy 5.5 wins (sequence in 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015 & ballroom couples 2012)
Josh 2.5 wins (ballroom 2013, 2015 & ballroom couples 2017)
Geraldine 2 wins (ballroom and Latin 2016)
Elizabeth 2 wins (ballroom & Latin 2015)
Molly 1 win (ballroom 2015)
Craig 1 win (ballroom 2015)
Serena 1 win (ballroom 2014)
Karen H 1 win (sequence 2013)
Dennis 1 win (ballroom 2013)
Leila 1 win (Latin 2011)
Miriam 1 win (ballroom 2011)
Luke 1 win (sequence 2010)
Iris 1 win (ballroom 2009)
Grace P 0.5 win (ballroom couples 2017)
Dawn 0.5 win (ballroom couples 2012)

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.

It’s October so that means our annual trip to the seaside for fresh fish and chips and of course the social ballroom and Latin couples competitions. The spa at Whitby is a lovely ballroom; it has a large wooden floor and looks out from its cliff top position onto the beach and sea. Through the large porthole windows we can watch the ships sailing past. I would totally recommend the trip to anyone who gets the opportunity.

It was a bumper turn out today with most of the first rounds being danced in either two or even three heats. Therefore, any recalls, never mind final places had to be worked for. We were an all adults group today, made up of some regular attendees and some first timers to Whitby. Everyone looked lovely and ready for the challenges of the day ahead.

In the ballroom events there were four rounds in the Open Adult Waltz and Quickstep competition. Andrew & Dawn, Dennis & Sue and Chris & Serena danced three rounds to reach the semi final. Making the final round were Paul & Karen and Craig & Karly, coming 5^th and 6^th respectively.

In the Under 35 years Quickstep there were three rounds. Making the final were Paul & Karen and Craig & Karly, coming 4^th and 7^th respectively.

In the Over 35 years event there were only three couples but Chris & Serena danced the tricky Slow Foxtrot to finish in first place.

In the Over 50 years Waltz there were seven couples and our team couldn’t have done any better as Andrew & Dawn came first with Dennis & Sue second.

It was then time for the sequence section which was an Open Adult Saunter Together. There were 24 couples in the first round and everyone made at least the semi final, with Paul & Karen, Craig & Karly and Andrew & Dawn being successful in reaching the final. Paul & Karen secured 4^th place then Craig & Karly and Andrew & Dawn became inseparable and achieved a joint 5^th place.

The sequence section also had an open ‘fun’ Square Tango event. This could have been seen as a bit of a conundrum as how do we have fun in the tango!! However, it was the largest event by far with about 70 couples starting off. Along with our regular competitors Rob (Karly’s Dad) & Julie (Craig’s Mum) took to the floor and secured a recall to the second round. Well done on your dancing and entering into the spirit of the competition. Sue & Dennis also decided to bring about the changes as they reversed roles and it has to be said Dennis held his elbows up extremely well in the follower’s role!!! After five rounds, Paul & Karen came out victorious with leader Sue and follower Dennis coming into second place.

After the prize presentation for these events it was nearly 5pm and thoughts were starting to drift towards my fish & chips but there was still the Latin section to come so focus had to be regained for a few more hours.

In the Under 35 years Cha Cha Cha there were 14 couples, Craig & Karly reached the semi final and Paul & Karen reached the final, securing 6^th place.

In the Over 35 years Rumba, there were the same three couples and Chris & Serena made it a double by also winning this event.

In the Over 50 years Cha Cha Cha there was again seven couples. We secured 1^st and 2^nd spots again but this time with a reversal of fortunes with Dennis & Sue winning and Andrew & Dawn taking the runners up position.

In the Open Adult Rumba and Jive competition, Craig & Karly and Paul & Karen reached the final. Being placed 4^th and 5^th respectively.

In conclusion, the day had a lovely atmosphere with some great music, dancing and of course fish and chips for supper.

It’s now full steam ahead to the British Sequence Championships at Blackpool next weekend and then two weeks later the ISTD Grand Finals. Can we take this opportunity to wish everyone the very best of luck at both these events. For those of you who may not have heard there has been a partial collapse of the ceiling in the Empress Ballroom at Blackpool. This has been a major concern to the dancing world but repairs are underway and we have received clarification that the sequence festival will be held in the Spanish ballroom in the Winter Gardens complex but that the Empress Ballroom will be reopened in time for the ISTD event. This has been made possible by a false ceiling being erected with scaffolding roles holding it into position. Therefore, it is not a totally ideal situation but we are exceedingly grateful to be given access to the ballroom at all and we’re sure it won’t spoil a fabulous weekend.

The summer holiday’s are turning into a distant memory and the new term begins. This is one of the busiest and most exciting term’s on the calendar and it kicked off on Sunday with our sequence couples competition in Chesterfield.

The morning was given over to the children’s events and whilst we only had one couple representing the school they did a sterling job. In a couple of their events, Jack and Leila were the only competitors so had to perform their test dances on their own. A daunting task for some but Jack and Leila rose to the occasion and put on a lovely show for the audience.

Then it was into the afternoon session and the turn of the adults. In this part of the day we had great representation across all the grades. In the amateur classical sequence and modern sequence events Josh and Grace put on a great display to be awarded second place. In the senior classical sequence and modern sequence, Stuart and Andrea performed well to also secure two second places. In the under 35yrs social classical sequence, Paul and Karen were awarded second with Craig and Emily close behind in third. In the over 35yrs classical sequence, Neil and Carla were second, Andrew and Dawn third, Dennis and Sue fourth and, making their sequence debut, Chris and Allison were sixth.

These places were largely maintained in the social modern sequence event.

There was also a little time for some fun events. Josh made one little girls day by winning the two step fun event with her. In the adult fun event we had intense rivalry which culminated in Stuart winning and Andrea coming second (I have the feeling we may be hearing about this for some time to come!).

Another first, was that Luke adjudicated his first Chesterfield event, which was a very proud moment.

Finally, days like this do not run themselves and we would like to thank Ruth, Joan,  Allison, Dawn, Janice and Brian for their crucial contributions.

Moving forward we have a period of intense work prior to the two main Blackpool events in October and November……exciting times…..

The final competition before the summer break was a Blackpool qualifying event, this time at Castleford near Leeds. The advantages of Castleford over the usual venue of Pudsey is that as it’s closer we got an extra half hour in bed but it does have the challenge of the octagonal dance floor. We were a reasonably large group, although there were a few absences due to holidays and one group were unfortunately left stranded on the M1 with a puncture. We also had a few new members to the qualifying team and everybody was very welcoming to Ellie, Shanae, and Charlotte Brightwell.

Within the children’s individual events, the results were positive, thus there being many final places including Kaitlyn, Ellie, Shanae, Paige, Chloe, Luke, Jack, Isobel, Grace S, and Leila, many of these being first places. The overall results of the individual children events were high, which resulted in many trophies. All competitors within the children’s individual Ballroom and Latin events reached the final with many results being first, second, and thirds.

The children’s couple results were also positive, with both couples reaching the final with Luke and Chloe achieving a first place with their Tango and Rumba which are difficult dances for a couple’s event. We would also like to congratulate Jack and Leila, for reaching both of their finals with their couple’s events, and gaining first place in their couples Rumba.

As the morning progressed, a fun competition was introduced to all competitors, which included three people, one being under 12 yrs, one between 12 and 16 yrs, and the other being an adult. This dance consisted of CCC, however one competitor had to have no feet touching the floor at all times. This resulted in Grace, Grace, and Leila winning first place, followed by a third from Jack, Karly, and Chloe, with an addition of Paige, Shanae, and Charlotte also competing.

As for the Juvenile and Junior sequence three dance, all of our competitors had danced to their best abilities and in doing so achieved high results such as seconds. The juvenile sequence being Washington Two Step, Woodside Waltz, and Let’s Jive; all reaching the semi finals. The junior sequence three dances being Windsor Glide, Emily’s Foxtrot, and Shoebury Samba resulted in finals from both Jack and Leila achieving high results. Adult sequence also resulted in high places such as second, third and fourth places. Everyone danced the final in the over 35yrs, with final places in the over 50yrs and Emily reaching the final in the under 35yrs.

Once the children had collected their results, it was the adults turn for their individual competitions. All competitors had reached their finals in their Ballroom resulting in high positions such as firsts, seconds, and thirds. This was also the same case within the Latin with firsts from Charlotte Be, Craig, Hazel, Allison, and Neil.

The adult couples all reached the finals, with all competitors presented with either a first, second or a third. These being from Craig & Emily, Karly & Charlotte Be, Chris & Serena, Josh & Grace P and Neil & Carla. The chosen dances for adult couples were Tango, Waltz, Rumba and Samba, these being more difficult than other couples competitions; however this did not push any of the competitors off track, and fortunately achieved many firsts.

 

As always, days like these are a team effort. Firstly, thank you to Emily, who has written this blog (she is with us this week on work experience). Also, thank you to those who partnered on Sunday. For varying reasons we were without our usual team of Luke, Ruth, Liam and Alex, therefore Josh and Grace stepped up to the task and carried it out very efficiently. Also, to all chauffeurs, supporters and financiers, you are all crucial.

We have a few more weeks of hard work before the summer break, in which to consider a few more finer points of technical detail. We can then all recharge our batteries and return ready for some hard work (and fun) in the autumn term. We have Chesterfield open sequence event first week back, Whitby in October and various other sequence events, prior to the British Sequence Championships in October and ISTD Grand Finals in November, both of which are in Blackpool. Then, without, hardly a pause for breath we will have NATD exams and Strictly George Spencer.

As this is probably the final blog before the break, Boris would like to take the opportunity to wish you a happy summer and to thank you for your hard work, dedication and loyalty over the last term and hopes you are looking forward to the next term. He is currently packing his shorts (Bearmuda style of course) ready for his break.

The Mystery Blogger appeared to cause some difficulties this time with most people completely on the wrong track. However it was a joint effort this time by Isobel and Chloe so thank you for a detailed and well written report.

Well done also to Hazel who was closest and so has been awarded the prize.

Look out soon for a report from Castleford.

“We would just like to start off by saying what another fantastic competition organised by Robert and Louise! Everyone who competed gave it their all and as usual all our fellow Duesbury Aldred friends danced amazingly! Adult and children alike gave it their everything, and it showed in the results!

Here is a summary of some of the day’s highlights:

We started the day with Ballroom, our favourite ballroom dance was the quickstep! We particularly enjoyed it as it was very upbeat and lively.

Everyone seemed to enjoy the sequence, from the adults dancing the Saunter Shiraz down to the much anticipated under 6’s dancing the walks and points. Each and every dancer gave it their everything!

We have a split decision on our favourite Latin dance of the day!

For one of us it was the Tango! This dance is such a powerful dance and we are sure that this saying runs through most dancer’s head whilst dancing the Tango… “Slow, slow, quick, quick, slow!” It certainly runs through our minds a lot.

Our other favourite Latin dance was the Cha-cha-cha! This is because it’s such a lot of fun to dance and before the music even starts out come the cheeky cha-cha-cha hips!

The biggest highlight of the day for us was the last dance of the day! The fun dance! Everyone seemed to take to the dancefloor but a special mention must go to Luke! Even after spending the entire day partnering other dancers he still managed to take a barn dance and put a Luke twist and shimmy into it. We left the dancefloor in fits of giggles!!

The fantastic results the dance school achieved is in part due to our amazing teachers: Robert, Louise, Luke, Ruth, Liam and Alexandra. They each deserve a huge round of applause for the outstanding dedication they put into teaching. Another huge mention must go to all the parents, carers, grandparents and supporters for all the hard work they put in behind the scenes!”

Thank you to our Mystery Blogger/s – remember there is a prize for the first correct guess.

 

Yesterday was one of the highlights of the dancing year, our own competition at West Park. Almost the entire dance school were out in force, most to compete but others just coming along to support. The atmosphere was terrific all day long and everyone seemed determined to give their best. In many of the finals we managed a clean sweep of all the final places and there many first places which was excellent.

For others there were personal bests whether that was making it around the floor, making a final, getting a recall or just being part of the event and there were also some first timers too. Boris and the gang (or should I say sloth!) thoroughly enjoyed themselves and are already planning their next get together.

A massive thank you to all those who helped out on the day: Maria, Martin, Anita, Caroline, Janet, Beverley, Joan, Julie and Andy Hall. Of course we couldn’t do it without our regular partners: Luke, Ruth, Alex and Liam, I am sure everyone appreciates your dedication. Also a big thank you to all of you who took on partnering duties, mostly alongside competing: Karen, Josh, Grace P, Craig, Molly, Paul, Andy, Neil, Claire, Emily and Karly and for coming along to lessons and classes to practice. It is a real team effort and great to see how everyone pulls together to help make it the success that it is.

Our Mystery Blogger will once again be making an appearance, look out for a report soon.

It seems ages since we have been at a competition, in fact it is March since we had a team outing and so it was good to be out in force once again. Boris expressed how excited he was at seeing all his chums once more and watching everyone dance.

The occasion was the ISTD Sequence Medallist Festival at West Park Leisure Centre so a nice short trip for most of us and plenty of dancing. More importantly there were qualifying place up for grabs for the ISTD Grand Finals in November.

Today was all about sequence and alongside the regular three dance qualifying events there were a number of events covering Classical, Modern and Latin Sequence as well as some Couples and Adult and Child events.

As always the team performed brilliantly with 34 first places overall secured by Charlotte Brightwell, Grace S, Olivia, Grace P, Josh, Karen H, Jack, Karly, Christine, Carla, Kaitlyn, Chloe, Debbie, Alexander and Allison. Furthermore many of these were multiple winners.

In the couples events, Grace S & Chloe won in their first outing together with a very controlled Gainsborough Glide and there were also wins for Josh & Grace and Neil & Carla. In the Adult and Child event, from an entry of around 25 couples, Andy & Grace and Josh and Olivia were tied for first place a great result from all.

With so many excellent performances to choose from it is impossible to mention them all but some of the other highlights were: Olivia securing three first places in her one dance events and a second in her three dance event against some tough competition, Karly winning two of her individual events, Paige, Miriam, Charlotte Bennett, Alexander, Geraldine and Allison all qualifying for the Sequence events at Grand Finals and Kaitlyn’s very cheeky Cha Cha Cha.

Many thanks go once again to our hard working partners: Luke, Ruth, Liam, Alex as well as those who partnered alongside competing themselves: Josh, Grace P, Karen, Libbie and Emily. Also thanks go to Maria and Jean for their help on the door, anyone else who helped in any other way and of course everyone who came to support.

Only two weeks until the next big outing which is of course our own event. Make sure you are there, we couldn’t “bear it” if you’re not!!!