On what proved to be one of the warmest day’s of the year so far we set forth to Doncaster for the first ISTD Northern Area qualifier of the year. There were some absences today and some who were yet to dance for real at a qualifier, following the cancellation of Lutterworth in January. It was a good opportunity therefore for some to gain some match practice and test drive this year’s sequence dances.
The junior and juvenile team was a small and select group consisting of Brooke, Olivia and, for the first time at one of these events, Scarlett. Ballroom came first and Scarlett came a respectable second whilst Olivia finished fourth and Brooke was placed first. Both Olivia and Brooke were dancing in a higher grade this year so this was a good result for both of them. Next came the Latin in which Scarlett was placed second in her event, Olivia third in her event and Brooke secured another win. In the Latin couples, Scarlett & Olivia paired up and danced well to finish in a respectable fourth place.
Finally it was the sequence three dance events and Olivia, who was dancing this event for the first time was placed fourth. Having to learn and perform these three tricky dances was no easy task and so she did extremely well. Meanwhile Brooke was placed second, another good result against some very experienced dancers. Next came the adult sequence and Paul and Karen tied for first in their event whilst Andrew and Rosalind both won their respective events.
Adult ballroom was the next section and as is often the case here there were only straight finals but nevertheless there were some good dancers to beat. In the winners enclosure today were: Fearn (on her first time at this event), Lisa, Paige, Craig, Chris, Rosalind, Grace, Serena, Hazel, Josh, Karen and Andrew. Whilst in the couples Paige & Fearn won (in spite of having a little rest part way through!) as did Paul & Karen with Josh & Grace treating us all to a solo demonstration.
Latin followed and in this there were wins once again for: Fearn, Lisa, Craig, Chris, Rosalind, Grace, Serena, Josh, Karen and Andrew. Whilst in the couples Chris & Lisa, Josh & Grace and Paul & Karen won their events
Boris and the team were out in force and enjoyed themselves immensely but thought perhaps they need T- shirts for summer outings as they get a bit hot in their jumpers especially on top of fur. However they realise it’s hotter for the dancers and so don’t like to complain.
Thanks of course as always to our partners: Ruth, Grace, Craig, Josh and Karen for their hard work both today, alongside competing themselves, and in lessons leading up to the event. Also our invaluable supporters, for their vocal support and who always give a good account of themselves.
In two weeks many of us will be heading to Blackpool for the NATD medallist of the year finals followed shortly by our ISTD exam session. No time to relax yet then!
We finally made it to Lutterworth after the competition in January was cancelled and this was the first ISTD qualifier of the year which is unusual as we would normally have done two or three by now and so the first opportunity to give the new sequence dances a test drive.
We had some newbies to these events this time alongside the regulars but also a few absentees who were sadly missed but Boris hopes to see them make a welcome return at the next event.
The juveniles and juniors were first into action with their Latin today and Alisha danced here for the first time, together with Olivia, Tabatha, Kaitlyn, Brooke and Chloe. Although there were not significant numbers in the events, with all of them being straight finals, there nevertheless were some good dancers to measure up against. The younger members of our team proved themselves up to the task and in the Latin, Alisha, Olivia, and Kaitlyn won their events whilst in the Ballroom Chloe, Tabatha and Olivia all won. Chloe and Brooke won both their couples events and then in the Sequence, Chloe chalked up another first. An excellent morning’s work from our younger team members and one to set the benchmark for the adults.
Unusually, there were more adult competitors than children today and some different schools too. Like the children there were some excellent dancers so we would not have it all our own way. The Sequence came first and there were wins for Emma, Paul, Carla and Rosalind. Next came the Ballroom and Kathryn, Paige, Emma, Chris (who bizarrely danced a waltz in a tango and quickstep competition!!) Rosalind, Emily, Paul and Carla all claimed the top spot whilst in Latin, Kathryn, Lisa, Paige, Chris, Rosalind, Charlotte, Karen and Carla were all awarded first place. Craig & Emma, Chris & Lisa and Paul & Karen won their couple’s events in both Ballroom and Latin. Also worthy of mention today were Fearn’s third place in her first ISTD competition and both her and Alison T dancing in the Sequence three dance events for the first time after only a few weeks learning the dances, which is a great achievement in itself. Also Paige and Karly formed a partnership for the couples events at this event and danced very well with very little practice together.
As always we had some fantastic support which helps to lift the dancers performances and of course we need to thank our team of teachers and partners: Ruth, Luke, Liam, Grace and Craig without whom it would not be possible to do events like these. It was great to have almost a full turnout of dancers and partners and Boris equally enjoyed having a full team of bears in attendance after a few absences of late!
We have a bit of a break now before the next ISTD event in June and then we have the NATD finals in Blackpool at the beginning of July followed by ISTD exams at the end of July. Lots to keep us all busy then.
It’s been a while since we have been at Daventry which was always a popular event in the past but following the pandemic the school has not be there in force. That all changed today however and in spite of the miserable weather we set forth with great expectations.
The bears have always liked Daventry because rather than being squashed onto a chair they get a table to spread out on and Boris was pleased to see a good turnout although a little disappointed that Logan and Henrietta didn’t put in an appearance, maybe they hadn’t quite recovered from Whitby!
The day started with Latin unusually and everyone was soon in action. There were a few recalls today mainly in the younger age groups so Olivia had to earn her second place whilst both Brooke and Megan did well to get a recall to their final with Brooke winning and Megan securing fifth place. Also finishing in first place were Harvey, Emma, Craig, Emily, Charlotte, Irina, Chris, Paul, Karen, Kathryn (who did well to be dancing following her injury), Alison T, Stephen, Lisa, and Allison. Since many of the events are split with leader and follower however the competition was limited in some of the events but there were some good performances nonetheless and those who had to perform solo demonstrations should be applauded as this is not an easy thing to do under any circumstances.
The ballroom qualifiers followed and not everyone was dancing in these events as they were only for people who had not had the opportunity to qualify yet. However, Alisha’s third place and Florrie’s well earned second place were worthy of mention. Also on the winners rostrum were: Harvey, Chloe, Tabatha, Emma, Angela and Stephen.
With the qualifying over it was now time for the serious business of the Ragtime Swing event. This is a regular feature of this event and one which attracts a large entry as well as being one in which the school has an excellent record. We didn’t have any juvenile competitors today but Chloe & Brooke, Tabatha & Kaitlyn, Florrie & Megan and Harvey & Sophie all took up the challenge in the junior event. All couples tried their hardest and received at least one recall but Chloe & Brooke and Tabatha & Kaitlyn made it all the way to the final finishing third and fourth respectively.
The adult event had one of the largest entries of the day and well done to those who paired up with not much practice to take up the challenge. In the end, Paige & Fearn made it to the semi-final whilst Craig & Emma, Paul & Karen and Chris & Lisa all made it to the final. Craig & Emma retained the honour of the School by taking the trophy with Paul & Karen in runners up spot and Chris & Lisa in seventh.
We then moved on to the couples events and we had some impromptu pairs. Scarlett and Olivia did well to finish in sixth, dancing the difficult tango. There were also first places for Craig & Emma, Stephen & Angela and Paul & Karen in their events and Chloe & Brooke and Tabatha & Kaitlyn finished second and third in their event which had the largest entry of any of our couples events.
Finally we came to the Rose Bowl, another feature of this competition and this year a competitor could be paired with a non competitor. After a little arm twisting (although in truth not much was required) Joyce, Michelle, Hayley, Estelle and Marie all sprang into action with Chloe, Emily, Paige, Paul and Craig respectively. It was, needless to say the most popular event of the day with the first round requiring four heats. Earning a recall were Chloe & Joyce, and Paul & Estelle whilst Emily & Michelle made a round further. With Craig & Marie the only couple to make the final there was great excitment and despite a valiant attempt and a performance that improved with each round they couldn’t quite secure the top step but nevertheless finished as worthy runners up.
Another good day then for the team with great support from everyone. Well done to eveyone who took part and we look forward to seeing how you all get on at Blackpool in July!
Another day another trip to Whitby! This time the weather was kind and it was almost spring like. Just two of our dancers made the journey, Chris & Lisa, and of course Boris. Being local, Serena also came along once more to support our dancers so we were a small but select band.
It was another opportunity to gain some invaluable match practice and Chris & Lisa took full advantage finishing first in the over 35 years couples section and third in the open adult event.
Next came the adult individual events and Chris & Lisa partnered each other. In the Adult section Lisa finished fifth with Chris in sixth then in the over 35 years section Chris won with Lisa closely behind in second.
The Latin events followed and in the open adult they were placed fourth and then came third in the over 35 years couples events. In the individual events Lisa was placed fourth in the Over 35 years event whilst Chris finished fifth. An excellent set of results overall.
We rounded off the day with the traditional visit to the Magpie for Whitby’s finest before heading off home at the end of a very long week. Next up we have Daventry followed shortly after by Lutterworth, both qualifying events. It looks like Boris is going to have his paws full. 🐾
Having moved from its spiritual home of Southport last year to Scarborough, The Easter Sequence Festival this year moved up the east coast to Whitby, a venue well known to our dancers who attend the NATD North Eastern area competitions. The ballroom was the same stunning location, perched on the cliffs overlooking the beach and sea but had a slightly different feel to it this time. It is a lovely spacious room with a good size floor to dance on which would be appreciated by the dancers. After having to scale the cliffs at Scarborough last year with ropes and crampons! it was relatively easy to get from the hotel to the ballroom. Unfortunately the weather was not so kind however and having left in glorious sunshine we arrived to drizzle and rain which Whitby sometimes likes to tease us with.
Happily we had a full turnout for the start of proceedings having lost a few last year (to Covid not the cliffs) before we began and everyone was determined to give a good account of themselves but most importantly, enjoy the weekend. The team this time welcomed Chris & Lisa for their first appearance together at this event alongside regulars, Josh & Grace, Craig & Emma, Stuart & Andrea, Neil & Carla and Andy & Dawn. Of course Boris and co. were in attendance together with our vocal supporters excited by the prospect of three days of competition and social dancing.
It was an early start for some of us having to be in the ballroom for 10am but for the rest it was a more leisurely lunchtime appearance. All couples were in action today with Stuart & Andrea and Neil & Carla opening the batting in the Senior Special Event (a competition not a meal deal!). Stuart & Andrea won the event with Neil & Carla, dancing for the first time at this event in the higher grade, being placed third. The category which Andy & Dawn and Chris & Lisa were dancing in this weekend is not always split by age at this event, as they usually are, so finals were always going to be that much harder to come by. Nevertheless, Andy & Dawn were placed third and Chris & Lisa seventh in their opening event, so a great start to proceedings.
We then had time for a quick bite before it was back to the ballroom again for the evening session. Once again, Stuart & Andrea took the honours in their event with Neil & Carla third, Josh & Grace had two second places in their events with Craig & Emma placed fourth and fifth in the same events. Andy & Dawn secured another third place but sadly Chris & Lisa did not make the final of this event although they danced with great purpose and are starting to settle down into this level. So ended the first day and with expectations raised how would the rest of the weekend go?
Day two dawned with the sun shining brightly, Whitby keen to show us its other face. With more dances to remember and the successes of yesterday a warm fuzzy memory what would today bring? Once again our dancers were all in action both in the afternoon and evening sessions. With the Amateur and Social Modern Sequence and the Senior Classical Sequence to look forward to as well as a number of other supporting events there would be plenty to keep us occupied.
We began the day with the Senior tango competition in which Stuart & Andrea and Neil & Carla were placed second and third respectively, but Stuart & Andrea then regained the initiative by winning the mixed event. In the Social dance category, Andy and Dawn won the Over 35 years event with Chris & Lisa being placed sixth and then in their mixed open event Chris & Lisa secured a semi final place and Andy & Dawn came third. The two couples repeated this result later in the evening session in their Modern Sequence event. Josh & Grace continued to cement their position in the Amateur field by being placed second in both of their events in the afternoon session.
We then had a few hours (which is rare here) to have a relaxing meal before getting ready for the evening session. Stuart & Andrea and Neil & Carla had their Classical Sequence event in which they placed second and third and again, Josh & Grace were placed second in their Modern Sequence competition, this time with Craig & Emma finishing in fifth place in a strong Amateur field. Another good day overall and improved performances all round. There was just time for a quick drink or two before bedtime to reflect on the events of the last two days and enjoy the company of our dancing family.
All too soon we arrived at the last day and this would prove to be the toughest both mentally and physically with a whole afternoon of competitions, including the eight dance events, followed by the evening grand finale. The Easter Bunny (aka Louise) made her usual appearance to get the day off to a good start and then the couples took to the floor once again and we were away. Andy & Dawn and Chris & Lisa took to the floor in their eight dance event and finished in third and fourth place respectively. In the Over 35 years event Andy & Dawn took the top spot with Chris & Lisa in fifth. Andy & Dawn repeated their success in the Over 50 years event and were also placed second in the Latin.
In the Senior event, Stuart & Andrea came second and Neil & Carla third in their eight dance, a pattern repeated in the other two competitions this afternoon. Meanwhile in the Amateur section Josh & Grace maintained their runner up position with Craig & Emma placed fifth. With just a couple of hours to rest and refuel we came all too soon to the final evening. Andy & Dawn and Chris & Lisa were not dancing this evening having completed all their events earlier but nevertheless came along to add their support to the others.
This evening we had the Amateur Classical and Latin sections and the Senior Modern Sequence. The atmosphere was electric, particularly in our corner of the room, which spurred the dancers on in their performances and no effort was spared. Stuart & Andrea finished in second place in their event with Neil and Carla in fourth. Josh & Grace were placed in their, by now familiar but still well earned, runners up spot in both Classical and Latin whilst Craig & Emma were sixth in Classical and third in Latin.
It was a terrific weekend with amazing performances from all dancers assisted greatly by the team of dedicated supporters who do a good deal more than just turn up and applaud to help all the team to achieve the successes that they do. Boris and the bears clapped their paws off and were quite exhausted by the end. All was concluded with a group Sindy Swing to finish us all off and give some of the supporters a chance to show off their own dancing skills!
And so ended the festival with everyone coming away worn out but with a smile on their faces. Next year we are back at Scarborough and I’m sure it will already be in everyone’s diaries.
It was an early start as usual but made all the earlier by the clocks going forward an hour the night before. At least we only had to travel to Nottingham today as it was a local competition. With no qualifying to be done either, this one was just for fun and to gain a bit more match practice for greater challenges later in the year.
Today we were a small, but nevertheless enthusiastic, team with only 11 dancers in action: Scarlett, Brooke, Emily, Charlotte, Craig, Emma, Chris, Lisa, Dawn, Andy and Hazel.
There was a good attendance and some good dancers so it was clear early on that it was not going to be a walk in the park! Everyone today had to be recalled to make their final and everyone did make at least one of their finals with most making both ballroom and Latin. There were a mix of couples and individual events and the couples were first in action. Craig & Emma won both their ballroom events with Charlotte & Emily finishing second. In the Latin Charlotte and Emily won the Samba with Craig & Emma third and then in the Paso Doble the positions were reversed. Chris & Lisa finished a creditable third and fourth in their ballroom events and second and third in the Latin whilst Andy & Dawn finished second and fourth in the ballroom and fourth and fifth in their Latin events.
The individuals followed and Scarlett won her ballroom event from the highest entry of the day starting with a first round which had to be split into four heats. She backed this up with an excellent third in the Latin. Brooke, had a couple of rounds to navigate before her final and she also won her ballroom event and finished third in the Latin. Emma won her individual ballroom event and Lisa finished with a tie for first place in both her ballroom and Latin individual events, with everyone else also making at least one of their finals, all of whom had at least two recalls to get there.
An excellent day’s work all round and one which we can be pleased and proud of, the support as usual was great and well deserved. Of course Boris was on hand with a small group of helpers to lead the cheering and they thought the cake made the day especially enjoyable, although it did get stuck to their fur!
Best of all it was still light when we came out and it was only a short ride home. The next few weeks will be busy with the Easter Sequence Festival, the NATD North East Social Competition and then the NATD qualifier at Daventry. Watch out for further reports.
So here is the eagerly anticipated report from MB, so who is it this time? Post your guess and see if you can win a prize.
“And it’s here again – arguably the most important date in the dancing calendar – the first Dancesteps competition of the year.
A ‘family reunion’ as one may call it, saw many enthusiastic supporters coming along providing anything from encouraging cheers for those on the dance floor to switching out numbers for those also on partnering duty- which after doing once, I’ve gained a large respect for anyone who partners alongside competing regularly because that was not easy!
With the competition fully in motion, the floor was graced with dresses of all colours and styles red, black, green, yellow, dresses with feathers, dresses with lace, dresses you’ve seen other people wear before and some completely new. And I will say it’s always an honour to see dresses that I and others have worn before, gain a new life and be passed through the dancing generations.
In the sequence events, a wonderful Waverly Two Step was danced by the Juveniles followed by the adults who gave a performance of the Trafalgar Two Step – with the inventors of the dance also judging! Everyone delivered a splendid performance, making everyone proud.
Moreover, I must highlight my favourite event of the day which was the Under 6 Walks and Points. The dancers came with their A game and no less – reminding me of how I was once one of the dancers up there, an unforgettable dancing memory from my childhood.
As always, Louise kept the day moving swiftly along, and by lunchtime the first presentations were being announced with the school achieving tremendous results and many members being awarded first place in their respective categories.
Next, we saw fierce performances in the Latin events with expressive Cha Cha Chas and powerful Paso Dobles taking our breath away – metaphorically and literally.
Before we knew it, we had made it to the final event, the under 35 couples Jive. Of course the day would not be complete without playing ‘Reach For The Stars’ a staple of the Dancesteps competition. With the whole audience joining in for the chorus, the atmosphere was electric. It was delightful spending another year back together with our dancing family and I will be looking forward to whatever (or whoever) next year brings.”
As always with our own competition we will have a full report of the day from the mystery blogger, who will it be this time?
Just to say however that it was a fabulous day with almost a full turnout from the team. There were also a number of spectators who came along to support and cheer people on. For some it was their first outing or their first time dancing in a new age or grade category whilst others were old hands but all looked great and danced amazingly well.
There were many “personal bests” and of course it isn’t always about winning but the roll of honour was as follows: Ballroom – Alisha, Scarlett, Tabatha, Emma, Peter, Craig, Allison, Grace P, Karen, Josh & Grace and Stuart & Andrea, Sequence – Rosie, Olivia, Chloe, Craig and Karen, Latin – Chloe, Lisa, Allison, Grace P, Karen, Chloe & Brooke and Paul & Karen
A huge thank you to all our helpers: Julie, Andrew, Jean, Joan, Rob and Debbie, the partnering team of Ruth, Luke and Liam and those who partnered as well as competing themselves: Grace P, Josh, Craig, Karen, Emma, Charlotte, Stuart, Andrea and Grace S. We could do it without all your hard work and dedication both on the day and beforehand.
Boris was of course on hand to oversee proceedings and was helped out by many of his chums. Fortunately he was also on hand to offer a bed for the night to someone who got left behind in all the excitement of the day!
The last time we were able to hold a presentation dance was in 2020 and so much seems to have happened since then. It was great therefore, to see so many people once again enjoying a social afternoon with others we may not have seen for ages. It’s an event where all ages can join in whether that be for the social dancing, watch the displays, receive awards or just enjoy the tea and cake.
Proceedings began with a spell of social dancing to get everyone involved and then the children gave a display of their dancing partnered by some of our young adults (most of whom have been coming since they were small children themselves) and teachers. We were treated to a waltz, quickstep, foxtrot, cha cha cha, jive and samba. Next, it was the turn of the younger adults themselves starting with Charlotte and Emily who demonstrated a fiery paso doble routine contrasted by Grace P, Josh, Emma and Craig who performed a beautifully elegant classical waltz. After a short interlude Emma and Craig returned to give us a rendition of the tango in conjunction with Grace P and Josh who danced the quickstep both to music from the film “Burlesque”.
Next it was time for the professional demonstration and this year we decided to try something different and danced a foxtrot number together with Luke to the song “Me and my Shadow”. If you think you have trouble dancing with one partner try dancing with two!! All of the demonstrations were enthusiastically received by the audience and thank you to everyone who took part.
Then of course it wouldn’t be a presentation dance without the Lancers and those who might have known it before had probably forgotten it by now. After all the excitement it was time to enjoy some lovely tea and cake provided by members of the church with proceeds going towards the upkeep of the church. We also had a raffle with many of the prizes generously donated, including a giant bear (who fortunately found a good home!) and the selected charity this year being the Skin Cancer Foundation. You raised a fantastic £143 thank you for all your contributions
The awards ceremony followed including the first presentation of the school award in three years. This time we selected Charlotte Skinner who started as a very young child and through many life changes, has remained dedicated and loyal to both her dancing and the dance school. Congratulations.
Finally we just had time to pull in a quick Virginia Reel before it was time to say goodbye. Boris was of course in attendance to oversee proceedings and told us how delighted he was to see everyone back once again enjoying their dancing.
Our next event will follow in just two weeks when we have our competition at the new Kirkby in Ashfield leisure centre. Once again our dancers will be in action so why not come along and support the team.
As the year draws to a close we begin to think about a period of celebration and spending time with family and friends. Of course, now that travel restrictions have been lifted, Boris is looking forward to having time off in Bearmuda with all his chums in order to recharge the batteries and prepare for the year ahead.
He tells me that it is wonderful how you have all progressed this year and is pleased to see how resilient everyone has been in supporting the dance school, events and most importantly, each other. It is easy to forget that, this time last year we were still not fully back to normal and events did not really get going properly again until March.
Boris commented that he is really proud to be the school’s Chief Mascot and whilst eager to have well earned rest he can’t wait to get started again in January. We hope you all have an amazing Christmas and a New Year to remember for the right reasons this time!
