One of the last events of our year is the annual Christmas Party. An opportunity to meet up with friends and acquaintances we haven’t seen in a while in a relaxed, social environment. It is always a popular outing and we were in a new venue this time, Springfield Hall in Sandiacre.
We were able to secure a private function, which is always preferable and the venue proved to be a success on the whole with good food, great company and a lovely setting. We have one more event before this year draws to a close and that is the class party next week. Make sure you don’t miss it!!
It was cold and crisp for the first day of our exam session and then thick with snow for day two. All of our dancers nevertherless braved the elements and arrived immaculately turned out and ready to give the examiner their best performances. There were some first timers along with many old hands but even seasoned performers can still have the occasional wobble now and then. However, everyone was determined to impress and you are all a credit to the dance school.
The examiner remarked how wonderful everyone was and how she had thoroughly enjoyed her time with us.
Boris was of course on hand to watch every step taken and to give everyone positive vibes. He very much enjoyed the session of course but was equally looking forward to the arrival of the Christmas bears. Now that exams are out of the way the seasons festivities can begin starting with the Christmas party next week which has a fabulous turnout in a new (to us) venue, followed by the class party the week after.
It was time once more to don our dancing gear for the final competition of this year, for most of our team. It was the NATD area qualifier for Blackpool next July and the opportunity to secure a spot to dance at the famous Wintergardens.
There were only individual ballroom and Latin events on today’s programme and most of the team were in action. In the juvenile section there was Scarlett, Olivia and Alisha-Rose. Scarlett and Olivia both made their ballroom final, both finishing 4th. Olivia also made her Latin final finishing 5th
In the junior events there was Brooke, Tabatha, Megan and Sophie dancing. Megan and Sophie danced in the same events and were placed 4th and 7th in their ballroom and 2nd and 6th in their Latin respectively. Meanwhile Tabatha was placed 2nd and 3rd and Brooke finished 3rd and 7th in the same event.
In the winners enclosure in the adult sections there was Paige, Craig, Charlotte, Chris, Paul, Karen, Kathryn, Lisa, Stephen, Allison, Andrew and Hazel. Some of these were hard fought wins whilst others were earned by solo performances.
As this was the first qualifying competition for next year, some dancers had moved up age or grade categories and some were performing new routines for the first time in a competition. Whatever, personal targets each dancer had for the day, everyone danced well and those who started the year as ‘newbies’ in competing at this level, are now developing their competitive edge and delivering better under the pressure of competition. Above all though it was about the opportunity to qualify for Blackpool next year which everyone did, so mission accomplished!
Thanks once again to those who partnered, Ruth and Craig, as always your help is appreciated and of course the support from the everyone else is second to none.
Boris was in attendance as always together with his chums all keen to give their support to the team. They were so excited to have a table, which they only normally get at Daventry, so they could spread out without being worried all day about falling through the back of the chairs! He remarked on the improvements he has witnessed in many of our dancers over the year and looks forward with great enthusiasm to next year. His final official engagement will be the NATD exams in two weeks before the Christmas party season gets into full swing.
Next year’s diary dates are out (although there are still a few dates to be confirmed) so make sure you have your copy.
Well, here we go again! It’s Blackpool season and this time it was for the ISTD Grand Finals. Boris was excited to meet up with all his chums again but was disappointed that Arabella hadn’t made it again, although he did make a new friend, the Christmas Sheep!!
The alarm sounded at 5.45am and we were off. Our youngest team members were first to take up the challenge, both dancing for the first time. They were dancing in the under 8 years primary section so it was always going to be a challenge but both coped really well, looked beautiful and danced their very best. Rosie did very well to earn a recall with her waltz and Cha Cha Cha but sadly Alisha didn’t make it this time however they both gained invaluable experience which will serve them well next time.
The juniors were pleased to get a lie in and didn’t start until the afternoon. We had the fabulous four of Chloe, Brooke, Tabatha and Kaitlyn, all seasoned competitors at these events although some moving grades this year so it would be a little harder this still time, if that were possible! The afternoon began with ballroom followed by the sequence and then Latin and with couples as well, our dancers were kept busy. The standard seems to get higher each year but all of our dancers got at least one recall in some of their events in both individual or couples events. The sequence three dance section proved to be our most successful event with all four dancers making it to the final. Brooke was runner up with Chloe, Kaitlyn and Tabatha taking 4th, 6th and 7th respectively. A great result for all concerned. We should also mention and thank Emily and Craig, as they came in especially to help partner some of our friends from Barbados who were competing in the junior sequence events.
As if we hadn’t had enough action, the evening dance followed the end of the competitions and this year was a Barbie themed party for anyone with any energy left. It gave everyone a chance to let their hair down and have a social dance before it was off to bed to prepare for the following day.
Another early start and we were once again in the ballroom and ready to start by 8.30am. It was the turn of the adults today and the Sequence events began proceedings. Everyone was in action, some with additional partnering responsibilities as well.
In the Sequence events we had Fearn, Alison T and Kathryn competing for the first time, in fact it was their first time to this event, so it was always going to be a challenge which they handled very well. Everyone else secured at least one recall with Allison reaching her semi final. Making their finals in this section, were Josh, Craig, Grace and Emily (2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th respectively) and Andrew who won his event (regaining his crown) closely followed by Lisa (2nd) Carla (3rd), Serena (4th) and Neil (6th). Chris won the over 35 years section and Rosalind won the over 65 years section with Hazel 5th in the same event. A good start to the day and some excellent results.
It was then straight on with the ballroom events and there were some tough events with many good dancers all looking for the same thing. Again, most people had at least one recall with Lisa, Craig, Rosalind, Grace, Hazel and Josh all making their finals. Rosalind won her event with Lisa and Josh runners up, Craig 4th, Grace 5th and Hazel 7th in their events.
The Latin followed and in this Kathryn, Charlotte, Emily, Grace, Serena, Allison, Carla and Andrew all made their semi finals with Lisa and Rosalind going on to make their finals finishing 3rd and 2nd respectively.
Finally we made it to the adult couples some 36 hours after we began. Couples is always a time where the dancers seem to relax and enjoy themselves and today was no exception. In action were Josh & Grace, Charlotte & Emily, Karly & Paige, Chris & Lisa, Andrew & Dawn and Hazel & Kathryn. Karly & Paige and Hazel & Kathryn were delighted to get a recall in their Latin events whilst Andrew & Dawn were placed 3rd and 5th in their events and Chris & Lisa came 4th and 3rd in their events. Josh & Grace ended the weekend with a win in their ballroom event and backed it up with a 3rd in the Latin. A great way to round off a good weekend for the team.
The bears spent all day on the edge of their seat, literally as well as metaphorically but said they enjoyed the day immensely. MacKenzie brought along a new friend Morag. Whilst a little nervous at first she soon got into the swing of things. They do enjoy meeting up on these occasions to exchange stories and catch up with the news.
As always we owe a huge thank you to all our professionals and partners: Ruth, Luke, Liam, Grace, Josh, Emily and Craig. Ruth for being the clipboard queen and Julie for keeping us watered (or tea’d and coffee’d)! Naturally the dancers could not do it without the support of everyone else and that was second to none. Well done to everyone who took part.
We still have some events coming up as we draw towards the end of the year, but things calm down a little now. We have an NATD qualifier next and then exams before we finally get into the full swing of the Christmas season.
We walk down the steps of the iconic Empress Ballroom and hear the familiar tunes from the band and we know we’ve been transported into a parallel universe. It cannot fail to inspire any dancer to perform to their best and it’s easy to take these moments for granted.
This is the British Sequence Championships and in action today were Josh & Grace, Stuart & Andrea and Neil & Carla. Everyone was determined to give their best and so they did although we knew there would be work to do if they were going to dislodge the reining champions. Josh & Grace were runners up in both the Amateur Latin and Modern Sequence Championships but on the way turned out some of their best performances. Likewise Stuart & Andrea finished in second place in their Classical Sequence Championship with Neil and Carl delighted to be fourth in the same event. Again both couples danced well. All couples would have the opportunity to dance again on Tuesday and would no doubt come back re-energised for the challenge.
Monday saw Andrew & Dawn and Chris & Lisa take to the floor for the first time. Once again they would need to bring their A game and both couples were determined to dance their best, which they did. The over 35 years Classical Sequence section was one of the busier events of the festival and Chris & Lisa were pleased to be recalled to the final finishing a very respectable seventh. Andrew & Dawn also improved on their performance last year with a well deserved win in the same event. Naturally a small celebration was in order but with another day of competition still to come we needed clear heads in the morning.
All too soon we arrived on the last day of the festival and all couples were in action this evening. We also had the eagerly anticipated Pro-Am event in which Liam & Grace, Luke & Sophie and Julie & Josh were dancing. Chris & Lisa and Andrew & Dawn had the largest entry of the festival in their open Modern Sequence event requiring two recalls to make the final which Andrew & Dawn achieved, finishing a highly respectable fifth. They then repeated their success of the previous evening by winning the over 50 years event
Stuart & Andrea and Neil & Carla also repeated their achievements of Sunday evening by being placed second and fourth respectively in the Senior Modern Sequence event. In the Amateur Classical Sequence Championship Josh & Grace came third being placed second in two of the dances and so being unlucky not to have finished higher.
Finally we reached the Pro-Am event and whilst the crowd reaction had been great all weekend a new level of excitement was reached which I am sure was relished by all the competitors who entertained the audience with an excellent display of Classical Sequence dancing. Liam & Grace took first place with Luke & Sophie runners up and Julie & Josh placed third. A great way to end the festival and well done to everyone who took part.
As always the support from the rest of the team was amazing, the chauffeurs, hair and make-up artists, canteen staff, physios, wardrobe, porters, photographers, finance staff and PAs – otherwise known as family, friends and partners. It is a team effort and everyone contributes. Boris, of course, thoroughly enjoyed himself although he has had some complaints from the other mascotts about mistreatment and Grumpy was even grumpier after his fall. He will be keeping a close eye on things in the future!!
There are always moments of elation and disappointment on such occassions but the memories created stay with us forever. Well done to you all.
Today was the final qualifying opportunity for this year’s Grand Finals in November. This also meant the last match practice opportunity for those who had already qualified. The location was Doncaster therefore not too long a journey for most people although it did mean an overnight sleepover for those dancers who live in the West Midlands.
It was the under 12 years first and today’s team consisted of Alisha, Scarlett, and Olivia, along with first timers Rosie and Alisha-Rose. Everyone looked amazing and gave a great performance resulting in the following – in ballroom a 2nd for Scarlett and Olivia, 3rd for Alisha, 4th for Alisha-Rose and a 5th for Rosie, in their respective events.
It was then ballroom couples and Scarlett & Olivia teamed up for the quickstep and Alisha formed an impromptu partnership for the Waltz. There was then an unplanned solo Waltz event where Alisha and Rosie both secured a recall to the semi final.
It was then time for Latin and the results were as follows – a win for Rosie, 2nd for Scarlett, 3rd for Alisha-Rose and Olivia and a 5th for Alisha.
The sequence then followed and we dominated in this genre. Firstly Olivia secured a recall to her final and came 6th out of a 7 dancer final. Then in the juniors Brooke secured a very emotional 1st place, followed by Chloe in 2nd and Kaitlyn in 4th. This was followed by the adult sequence where the strong team turnout continued. In the under 35yrs Emily secured the win followed by Craig in 2nd, Charlotte in 3rd and Karly in 5th. In the over 35yrs Paul secured a win over Karen coming 2nd and Chris 3rd.
The over 50yrs was the largest event of the day and 12 dancers were recalled to a final of 6. Making the cut were Andrew, Lisa, Carla, Allison, Serena and Neil; securing final results of 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th respectively. Finally in the over 65yrs it was good to see a number of dancers from other schools in which Rosalind took the winning spot with Hazel achieving 4th.
We then had the highlight of the day which was the birthday celebration of Chloe (whose birthday was today) and Olivia (who celebrated her birthday yesterday). After singing and cake the events continued.
It was now time for the junior and adult ballroom individual events. There were competed wins for Brooke, Chole, Kathryn, Craig, Rosalind, Emily, Allison and Andrew. Along with solo performance wins for Lisa, Chris and Hazel.
In the ballroom couples Chloe & Brooke secured a win along with Chris & Lisa, Craig & Grace and Paul & Karen.
It was now time for the final session of the day – Latin American. This section generated wins for Brooke, Chloe, Lisa, Chris, Rosalind, Allison, Hazel and Neil. Then in the couples wins were achieved by Chris & Lisa, Craig & Grace and Paul & Karen.
Overall it was a lovely day – inspiring music from DJ Liz, excellent team support, brilliant results and cake – what more could we need!
Thanks as always to our willing partners, who today were Luke, Grace, Craig and Emily, we couldn’t do it all without you. Also, to our loyal team of parents (otherwise known as chauffeurs, financiers, hairdressers, makeup artists, photographers and cheerleaders).
The busy term continues with the final sequence preparation event next Sunday, closely followed by the British Sequence Championships in Blackpool and then the Medallist Grand Finals, again in Blackpool, at the beginning of November.
The great and good of the Dance world gathered at the famous Wintergardens in Blackpool for this pretigious event to recongnise achievement across all levels and genres of dance. It is a bit like the BAFTA’s of the dance world and a near capacity crowd filled the Empress ballroom for this black tie occassion. The event includes a formal dinner, a number of superb cabarets, social dancing and of course the awards themsleves.
There were five nominations for our team which was in itself a great achievment and recognises the hard work of our open competitors. Nominated were Andrew & Dawn, Stuart & Andrea, Neil & Carla, Josh & Grace and ourselves, in the professional sequence category (which happily, we won!).
The following day, for those sober enough from the night before, the Icons titles took place also in the fabulous Empress ballroom and the competitors had the bonus of dancing to live music provided by the Empress Orchestra, a rare treat to be savoured. Three of our couples stayed to take part in this event. Andrew and Dawn were placed second in two of their events and third in the other one, Neil & Carla finished third in one of their events and fourth in the other two whilst Stuart & Andrea were placed second in all of their sequence events. For Stuart & Andrea it was also their first foray into the open ballroom competitions, which was something completely new to them. They danced extremely well for this first occasion being placed second in one of their events and fifth in the other. A great end to a lovely weekend and well done to everyone on their achievements over the whole weekend.
So much seems to have happened since our last competition here and yet in other ways it has come around again quickly. September to December is always a busy term with many of the larger National events taking place and our event at Chesterfield always starts the ball rolling.
Whilst of course the competitions are serious we try to make it a relaxed and fun day with a mix of National League events, fun competitions and social dancing. Alongside our regulars at these sort of events, Josh & Grace, Stuart & Andrea, Neil & Carla, Andy & Dawn and Chris & Lisa we also had Charlotte & Emily dipping their toes into the water for the first time and Brooke and Tabatha competing in both solo and couples events.
It was also great to see many others from the school coming along to support the team and also join in with the social dancing.
Brooke and Tabatha were first in action and they knew they would be in for a tough time as they were competing against dancers with a lot more experience in this field. Nevertheless they coped very well, dancing their routines with confidence and gaining experience which will serve them well at other events. In the end Tabatha reached the semi-final of one of her events whilst Brooke made two of her finals, a great achievment. In their couples events they were the only couple but nevertheless stepped up to the plate and gave a good account of themselves, not easy when you are the only ones on the floor doing something which is new to you. Well done both of you!
The adults came later and were able to perform to a full ballroom which is not always the case and this in turn lifted their performances. Josh & Grace won both of their events with a confident and lovely display as did Stuart & Andrea. Neil & Carla were runners-up in both of their events whilst Andy & Dawn also won all three of their events with Chris & Lisa finishing fourth in both of theirs. On their first outing, Charlotte & Emily came third in both of their events another teriffic performance on their first outing in this style.
One of the highlights of this event is the fun, change partner, Sindy Swing competition. This gave some of our supporters the chance to get invloved, so congratulations to Alison D, Stephen, Emily and Beverley for all reaching the final with their respective partners
As always we have a great many helpers whose support is invaluable so a huge thank you to Janice, Brian, Jean, Ruth, Julie and Joan we couldn’t run it without you.
Boris particularly likes this event as he gets to sit on the stage and so gets a good view of proceedings. Well rested after his summer break he’s now raring to go and looks forward to seeing you all at future events.
The weather was wet and miserable so we were not upset to be indoors all day but that probably wasn’t foremost in our dancers minds as they tried to remember their routines and make sure heels and toes were in the right place.
As we would expect, everyone was well turned out and gave a good account of themselves, trying to put into practice all the things they have been working on in lessons and our very experienced examiner complimented us on the high standard and how beautifully dressed everyone was.
Boris was of course on hand to keep an eye on proceedings at his last official engagement before jetting off to Bearmuda for his summer break. The Autumn term will be busy as always and he wants to make sure his paws are well rested!
Almost immediately following the break we will have our sequence competition and social sequence dance at Chesterfield. Be sure to come along and support.
Well, can it really be a year since we were last here?
The journey up proved to be a trial for some with the A50 closed near Stoke and consequently for some it took over five hours. Fortunately it was Friday night so it meant everyone was present and correct for an early start Saturday morning.
The juniors had a later start, which pleased them so we only had Alisha and Olivia dancing in the juvenile section, both at this event for the first time. It was clear from the start that it was going to be tough with several heats in the first round to navigate and some very good dancers. Latin was first and both danced well but unfortunately Alisha did not get a recall, however she is still very young and still has several more years in the under 6 years section. Olivia did really well and earned two recalls but sadly did not make it to the semi final. A positive start to get us going and next it was the turn of the juniors and today we had Kaitlyn, Brooke, Chloe, Megan, Sophie and Harvey. Again for some of these it was the first time at this type of event and once more any recalls were going to be well earned.
Brooke, Megan and Sophie all danced in the same event which began in three heats. Brooke and Megan both secured a recall and Brooke went on to reach the semi final.
Chloe also had to bring her ‘A’ game in order to secure a recall, which she did and also went on to reach the semi final.
Kaitlyn had a difficult dance in the Samba and sadly did not make the next round. Harvey didn’t have quite so many in his event since leaders and followers are split into separate categories but nevertheless danced very well and became our first finalist of the weekend, a fabulous achievement on his first time at this event.
We next had the couples events in which Chloe & Brooke and Harvey & Megan teamed up. The couples events are always strong here and Harvey & Megan managed to secure a recall for their Cha Cha Cha but sadly Chloe & Brooke were a little hard done by not receive any recalls.
It was now the adults turn to shine and, although we were missing some of our regular team who were sadly missed, everyone was keen to put all their hard work into practice. The adults were dancing their ballroom on day one and we had Fearn, Paige, Karly, Craig, Emily, Charlotte, Irina, Heather Chris, Paul, Karen, Kathryn, Alison, Rosalind, Lisa, Angela, Stephen and Hazel in action upholding the honour of the team.
Heather was delighted to reach her semi final along with Alison, Fearn and Rosalind who also made theirs. The first adult member of the team to be recalled to the final was Paige, soon to be followed by Kathryn, Lisa, Angela, and Emily. Also dancing in finals today were Karly, Craig, Charlotte, Chris, Hazel, Stephen, Paul and Karen although no one was on their own in any event. Craig, Chris and Paul all won their events, our first wins of the weekend but their were also some other excellent results: Third places for Paige, Charlotte, Karen, Lisa, fifth places for Karly, Stephen and Hazel, in sixth place came Kathryn and Emily and Angela came in with seventh but still a good result having been recalled to the final.
It was then onto the couples and like the children no one would have an easy ride. Paige & Karly and Hazel & Kathryn teamed up alongside regular couples Stephen & Angela, Charlotte & Emily, Chris & Lisa and Paul & Karen. All performed well in their respective events and Charlotte & Emily made one of their semi finals, whilst Stephen & Angela made both of theirs. Paul & Karen and Chris & Lisa went one better and made both their finals finishing third and second and fifth and sixth respectively.
So ended day one and we could come back the next day and repeat it all again.
All too much!
We had barely got one leg in our pyjamas when the alarm was going off to start all over again. This morning the children were dancing Ballroom whilst the adults would have Latin. Alisha and Olivia were there bright and early once more ready to start, all set and raring to go. Both danced their best once more and this time Alisha managed to secure a recall to the semi final, a great result.
Following this the juniors took to the floor for their ballroom events and this morning we had Tabatha joining the team. Megan, Sophie and Brooke started in four heats and would have to dance four rounds to make the final. Megan got one recall and Brooke made the semi final but sadly didn’t make it any further. Chloe also had a recall and Tabatha reached her semi final. Everyone danced amazingly to achieve what they did and even those who didn’t quite manage a recall still danced well and will benefit from the experience.
In the junior couples we had Chloe & Brooke, Tabatha & Kaitlyn and Harvey & Megan and as was the case all weekend the events were busy, nevertheless all exceeded expectations, Tabatha & Kaitlyn were recalled in one of their events as were Chloe & Brooke. Chloe & Brooke then went all the way to the final in their other event and finished fourth to round off a super weekend for our young team.
Adults were next with their Latin and Paige, Kathryn, Alison, Stephen and Lisa were all recalled to their finals finishing sixth, third, fourth, third and second respectively. Craig won his event as did Chris, Karly was placed fifth and Charlotte claimed third place with a characterful Paso. Earning a recall and also worthy of mention were Emily, Rosalind and Angela.
We started at 8am on Saturday morning and we finally made it to the last section of the weekend, the Adult Latin couples, at about 9pm in which Karly & Paige, Charlotte & Emily, Hazel & Kathryn, Stephen & Angela and Chris & Lisa were all dancing. This was the most lively session with everyone determined just to enjoy themselves. Charlotte & Emily reached the semi final of their event, Stephen & Angela reached both their finals being placed third and sixth, likewise Chris & Lisa who were placed second and third.
Of course on hand to watch every step being danced was Boris and the team. The vocal support from our supporters was, as always, the best in the room and inspired all our dancers to perform to the best of their abilities. Thanks as always to Luke for help with partnering, Ruth for keeping us all in order with the clipboard and Julie for supplying us with tea.
A fab weekend then once again and everyone involved should be very proud of their achievements.
After a moment to catch our breath we have the ISTD exam session in a couple of weeks and then we take a break over the summer to fully recharge ready for the busy autumn season ahead.
