Duesbury Aldred Dance Centre Blog

We have just returned from a lovely day at Wakefield. It was an additional event, not on the original calendar, providing an extra opportunity to practise or qualify for Blackpool Grand Finals in November.

With a number of people unable to adjust their original plans, we were a select team. The day started with children’s ballroom and Latin events. Everyone made their final in ballroom individuals with a win for Jack in tango. Second places for Kaitlyn and also Isobel in their Waltz events. Third places for Luke, Grace S, fourth for Chloe and fifth places for Ellie and Shanae. In the Latin individual events, Chloe and Jack won their events, Kaitlyn achieved another second. Third places to Luke, Isobel and Grace S and a 5th place for Shanae. Luke & Chloe danced the quickstep and Paso Doble in couples and came second in both.

We then moved onto the sequence events In the juvenile sequence was Chloe, Isobel, Kaitlyn and Ellie. They all danced well and got recalled to the semi final then Chloe and Isobel went one round further, to make the final. Chloe coming third and Isobel fifth. Grace S, Shanae and Jack all performed in the junior final. Jack coming an excellent fourth and Grace S in her first junior event coming fifth.

It was then fun time, today the theme was cha cha cha in ‘baby shark’ style. Everyone entered into it enthusiastically. With several rounds and many recalls, the overall winners were Kaitlyn with her Mum Jemma. Very well done. You could see where the girls get their natural rhythm from!

It was then time for the adults section, with sequence first. Everyone danced well, taking the opportunity to try out a few things they had been working on in the training room. There was a lovely atmosphere created by some good music and enthusiastic support which encouraged all dancers to lift their game. I saw so many happy, smiling dancers today.

For the record the results were as follows :-
Under 35yrs sequence – first place to Josh & fifth to Charlotte B. Over 35yrs sequence – first place to Serena  & second place to Chris. Over 50yrs sequence – second place to Andy & third place to Allison.

Dancing in the adult ballroom individual events were Charlotte B, Karly, Chris, Serena, Josh, Allison, Andy and new to ISTD events Rosalind. I’m delighted to be able to record that they all won their respective ballroom event. We almost, but not quite, replicated this in the Latin individual events.

In the couples events Chris and Serena won both their Quickstep and Paso Doble. We then had a couple of impromptu pairings of Karly & Charlotte B and Andy & Allison who very impressively had a quick practise in Quickstep, Tango and Rumba respectively to put on a fine show and win their events.

Thank you to those who went the ‘extra mile’ to attend today. It was a nice friendly relaxed event  at the same time giving some important match practice before Blackpool. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole day and hope those attending as either dancers or spectators agree.

Next on the calendar are two couples events, one for sequence and then Whitby, which is always a lovely weekend. Then it will be ‘full steam’ ahead to Blackpool.

No sooner are we back from our summer break before we are into competition mode. The first event back is usually our Sequence competition at Chesterfield. In action we had Josh & Grace, Stuart & Andrea, Neil & Carla, Dennis & Sue, Chris & Allison, Paul & Karen and making their debut Craig & Emma. Andy & Dawn were due to dance but had to withdraw due to illness.

The day had a lovely atmosphere and the standard of the dancing was high across all sections. We had the juvenile and junior events first and then the adults joined in mid afternoon. The adult competitions continued into the evening together with an evening social dance which gave the adult competitors an audience to dance in front of and also added to the atmosphere.

All our dancers rose to the challenge, as we have come to expect. Stuart and Andrea won both of their events; Carla & Neil also won one of their events and were placed fourth in the Open Modern Sequence. Paul & Karen came second in both of their events and Craig & Emma were placed second in the under 35 year’s section and third in the Open Modern Sequence, an excellent showing for their first outing. Dennis & Sue made both of their finals, finishing with a respectable fifth and sixth and Chris & Allison, who are still fairly new to these types of events, made the semi-final of the Open Modern Sequence. Josh & Grace continue to improve with each outing and secured fourth in both of their finals.

There were some excellent performances across the team and everyone should be pleased with the progress they are making in this field.

Of course we must recognise the assistance we receive from other members of the team, without whom we would not be able to run an event such as this. A huge thank you therefore to Janice, Brian, Ruth, Jean, Joan and Julie for being on hand to provide first aid (though thankfully not required). Finally a big thank you to all the supporters who came along to cheer on the team.

It is not long before we are in action once more with a final ISTD qualifier on Sunday and then we have the “two Blackpools” in about eight weeks time. Make sure you are ready!!!

It was one of the hottest days of the year, the football World Cup Final and the Wimbledon men’s singles final but where would you find our dedicated dancers? At a dance competition of course!

It was the ISTD Northern Area qualifier, which for some presented another chance to qualify and for others a chance for some pre Blackpool match practice.

As usual we began with the Juvenile and Junior events with Kaitlyn, Luke, Chloe, Ellie, Isobel, Paige and Shanae all in action today. Even Tommy decided he wanted to grace the floor and join in the fun, securing a fourth and second place in the two events he entered. Shanae looked lovely in her new Junior dress having recently made the move up from the under 12 year’s section. Kaitlyn made both her finals as did Luke, Chloe, Isobel and Paige. Ellie made the final of her Latin event dancing the Samba, a tricky dance at any age, and so secured a place in the Qualifiers event at Blackpool. Chloe, Paige and Isobel all secured first places and in the couples events, Luke and Chloe were placed second in their ballroom and Latin events dancing Paso Doble in the latter, a dance which they actually hadn’t danced together before!

The sequence events followed and these often prove to be the most competitive sections of the day and today was no exception. Chloe managed to secure second place in her event whilst Paige was placed fifth in her’s.

There followed a parent and child Cha Cha Cha competition and a number of our plucky parents took to the floor, most having no previous experience. Of course it didn’t show at all! Nevertheless they all entered into the spirit of the event and some managed to get recalls. Chloe and Jemma made it all the way to the final finishing in fourth place.

Following all this excitement it was the turn of the adults to show us what they could do. They started with the sequence events and Josh, Grace, Olivia, Chris, Neil, Serena, Carla, Andy, Allison, Dennis and Dawn all made their respective finals with Serena securing a win in her event.

Next came the ballroom and Latin events and relative newcomers, Carol and Peter made both their finals from one of the largest entries of the day, being placed second and third in the ballroom and tieing for third place in the Latin. There were wins today for Grace P, Chris, Libbie, Serena, Carla, Neil and Dawn and more importantly, those needing to still qualify in some events all managed to do so. Well done to you all.

The couples events rounded off the day with some impromptu partnerships formed for the purposes of the day. In the ballroom events: Olivia and Emily secured a win with Karly and Libbie coming third in the same event. Josh and Grace and Andy and Dawn also won their events with Neil and Carla second in the same events.  Chris and Serena were first in their event with Peter and Carol being placed second in the same event, a result which was repeated in the Latin. In the other Latin events Olivia and Karly were placed first with Charlotte and Emily (Team Skinner) securing second in the same event. Josh and Grace were second in their Latin event and Andy and Dawn again won their Latin event followed by Neil and Carla who were second.

An enjoyable and successful day once again for the team then and a huge thanks to Liam for making the journey up from London to help out once again as well as those who partnered in addition to competing themselves, Josh, Grace P, and Emily.

Boris was excited to meet up with his old chums for a final get together before he jets off for his Summer break to Bearmuda (by British Bearways of course) and looks forward to seeing you all again after the holidays, fully refreshed and raring to go for the final push before Blackpool in November.

This year we have an extra Qualifier event on 9th September, which was the event previously held in December and is now confirmed to be moved to this date. This will be a good opportunity for some match practice ahead of Blackpool especially for those who have not been out for a while.

See you there.

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.