Southport at Scarborough

Normally Easter means one thing and that is the Easter Sequence Festival at Southport. For the last two years however it has meant lockdown but happily this year the Easter festival was reinstated although this time at Scarborough rather than its traditional home. As if to greet our return the weather all weekend was gloriously sunny, although not exactly warm enough for bathing in the sea but that still didn’t deter some brave holiday makers.

At Southport we are used to having a hotel within a short walk from the ballroom but at Scarborough the ballroom is on the shoreline whilst most of the hotels are situated on the cliff above. This entailed a perilous climb several times daily which would have tested the resolve of a mountain goat. Still we didn’t lose anyone on the way which was a bonus and after long periods with little or no dancing, was no doubt a cunning plan to test the fitness of the dancers in readiness for the competitions.

The ballroom itself is situated in a lovely position overlooking the beach and the sea with great views towards the harbour and town. Whilst a little smaller than the Floral Hall it did have a cosy feel without being squashed. There was a good turnout of both competitors and social dancers and the atmosphere was great all weekend. Everyone was just glad to be back and this helped generate a friendly but competitive feeling throughout the festival.

Sadly our team was somewhat depleted with the loss of Carla & Neil and Andy & Dawn who would have been dancing but were struck down by the dreaded virus at the eleventh hour. They were missed of course and it was such a shame they couldn’t make it this time.

We did however have Josh & Grace, Stuart & Andrea and Craig & Emma who were dancing their first Easter Festival as amateurs. Boris and the bears were also out in force of course and excited by the prospect of three days of dancing.

Proceedings began on Friday afternoon with all couples in action. Stuart & Andrea were first to take the plunge and finished second in their event. All couples took part in the mixed open event, with all couples reaching the final. Josh & Grace secured second place closely followed by Craig & Emma and Stuart & Andrea in fourth and fifth respectively. Friday evening gave everyone chance to dance again and in the amateur event Josh & Grace finished second overall once again although they did win the foxtrot. Craig & Emma came fourth in the same event, although receiving some higher placed marks in some dances, and acquitted themselves very well in this tough category. Stuart & Andrea also managed to turn the tables on their main rivals by winning the senior event. So ended Friday and everyone could be pleased with their results and performances.

Saturday brought more action in the ballroom with all couples dancing once again in both the afternoon and evening sessions. Stuart & Andrea had three events and were placed first in two of them and second in the other. Josh & Grace were placed second in the amateur modern sequence event whilst Craig & Emma were fifth. Boris was pleased to have Liam and Alexandra for a sleepover although thought their owners a little neglectful! Happily however they were all reunited the following day.

All too soon we came to the final day of the festival and although it seemed like we had been there for ages in some ways in others it felt like we had only just begun. The day started with the traditional visit from the Easter Bunny (heavily disguised as Louise). Sunday is always a full day with the 8 dance events being a test of fitness as much as technique. All coped admirably however and Stuart & Andrea won their event. Josh & Grace were placed second in their event and Craig & Emma were placed fifth in the same event. Back to the hotel for a quick meal and change and then it was off to the ballroom once more for the final evening of competitions.

 

Once again Stuart & Andrea secured the top spot albeit with only two competitors left dancing, all the others having had to withdraw due to injuries or illness as the weekend progressed. They were the only couple in their category who competed in all their events, a testament to their dedication and fitness. The same can be said for our other couples who also danced in all their events over the course of the weekend. In the Classical Sequence competition Josh & Grace finished in their, by now familiar, second place but nevertheless this was a great achievement, beating couples who have beaten them on previous occasions and picking up some first place marks from some of the adjudicators along the way. Craig & Emma finished sixth in the same event but this was only their second amateur event and so can be proud of their achievements this weekend.

The final competition is traditionally the Latin sequence event and unfortunately Josh & Grace and Craig & Emma were the only entrants. Nevertheless the atmosphere was electric and both couples put on a great show, full of energy in-spite of three long days of competition, and were a credit to the school. In the end the honours went to Josh & Grace.

So ended a fabulous and friendly weekend leaving everyone drained physically and emotionally, but in a good way. The support from everyone was amazing and we are immensely proud by what you have all achieved and to have you as part of our team.

The Whitby Dancers, Fish and Chips and Allotment Holders Pie Society!

It was an early start on Sunday morning, but not too early, when we set forth to Whitby. The sun was shining and the sky was blue, which always makes for a pleasant drive over the moors before catching that first glimpse of the sea in the distance and the skeletal outline of Whitby Priory standing alone on the cliff top which signals that you are almost there.

Of course this was the first visit to Whitby since the pandemic and only two couples made the trip this time, Andrew & Dawn and Chris & Serena. There was a reasonable showing from the other schools but it was not as thronged as on some of our previous visits. Nevertheless both couples had some competition in their events which is always welcomed.

The Spa ballroom is always a lovely place to dance with a large wooden floor and its situation, perched on the cliff top overlooking the beach. No doubt this inspired our couples to perform well with Andrew & Dawn taking first place in four out of their five events. Chris & Serena also took a first place in their Latin event and second in their ballroom event. They were also placed second to Andrew & Dawn in the Sindy Swing event.

An enjoyable day was had by all and then, as tradition dictates, it was off to the Magpie for some well earned fish and chips and Allotment Holders Pie! We hope to repeat the experience in October so if anyone else wants a day out at the seaside let us know.

A Day of Firsts

Was the alarm clock set for 5am or 6am? Who knows, changing the clocks is always confusing and also a little nerve wracking in case something goes wrong but, there was nothing to worry about today, everyone was on time for the local competition at West Bridgford.

Although, we were a small group, what we lacked in quantity we made up for in quality and we’ve decided today was a day of firsts.

Lisa performed in her first couples event since joining the school, dancing with Chris. They were placed a very respectable 3rd in Waltz and 2nd in Cha Cha Cha.

Irina performed the foxtrot for the first time after only five lessons and for those of you ‘in the know’ you will be well aware how tricky the foxtrot can be. She was recalled to the final and was placed a creditable 9th.

Whilst on the foxtrot, Chris performed his new routine for the first time and after a recall he was placed first in the final.

Craig and Emma performed the Brooklyn Tango for the first time in competition. Both as a couple and in the individual event partnered by Robert and Louise (I’m not sure which was the most scary!). They were placed first in couples and first & second in individuals.

Scarlett was recalled to the final in both her Waltz and Cha Cha Cha competition. And was awarded a first place for her Waltz. This was rewarded with not only a trophy but also a sash and an Easter egg.

Finally in our team today we had Andrew and Dawn and I’m going to say their first was that they danced a competition together for the first time in a very long time. It was lovely that they were back in the fray. Together they performed Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Cha Cha Cha, Rumba and Paso Doble. All dances were recalled to the final and they were placed 4th, 2nd, 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 3rd respectively.

All in all it was a lovely day. Everyone achieving their given purpose for the day. Additionally all Mum’s were entered into the Mother’s Day raffle (where Estelle, Scarlett’s Mum, won a prize), we had cake to celebrate Andy’s birthday and we were all home in time to enjoy the last of the sunshine and dinner time.

The Return of the Mystery Blogger

After 2 years of social distancing, wearing masks and the rules of six; it had been a long anticipated wait to spend the day social dancing, wearing sparkly dresses and to see the Festival Hall back filled with eager dancers awaiting their turn to take to the floor for a Dancesteps competition once again. 

Commencing the proceedings was the keenly contested over 50s category, who showcased a beautiful waltz and quickstep, which set the bar for the rest of us fellow competitors. The standard of dancing throughout the whole day was high- clearly everybody had been doing their homework!

Following the ballroom section was the classical sequence and it was wonderful to see so many competitors taking part in this event. The juveniles danced a delightful Waverley Two Step, whilst the juniors and adults took to the floor and demonstrated the Honolulu Waltz- a new dance for many of us- and the Tango Serida (one of my personal favourites)! They were danced beautifully by all; it must have been a very difficult task for the adjudicators to have decided who made it through to the final rounds! 

My favourite dance of the day had to be the event that drew the competition to a close- the 16-35 couples jive! As per tradition, the final jive of the day had to be danced to the infamous 00s classic- “Reach for the Stars”, a song which always reminds me of my childhood! The dancers all gave an electric performance, even after a long day of competing, and it was a refreshing change to be able to sit back and enjoy this competition from the side-lines! 

Of course, the day would not be complete without a barn dance before the final trophies and tokens were given out. The floor was filled with laughter and smiles as dancers, spectators, parents and grandparents all took part in sharing a dance together- something everybody needed after the previous two years! 

It must be said that, what makes these Dancesteps events so special, is the abundance of support and enthusiasm that echoes around the room for each and every event- it truly wouldn’t be the same without it! 

It was a pleasure to be back on the dancefloor with our “dancing family” and I for one, cannot wait until the next event!

We’re Back – At Last

Remember two years ago, early one March morning we all set off to Kirkby in Ashfield to our Dancesteps competition with no more to think about than whether we had our dance clothes and shoes, would we remember our steps, would we be coming back delighted with our performances or thinking should I have smiled more? Who knew what a pandemic was and “social distancing” was something you did at a party when you wanted to avoid someone. Barely three weeks later and we were all in lockdown not knowing when we might be dancing again!

It has been a long haul but finally we were able to step out onto the floor once more and also meet up with friends we haven’t seen, in some cases, for two years. We have lost a few people along the way but the vast majority of you have been steadfastly loyal to dancing and the school, returning to lessons when able and ploughing on regardless of whatever barriers were thrown across our path. We applaud your dedication and were delighted with an almost full turnout in celebration of a return to near normality.

Our mystery blogger will return with their report of the day shortly and there is a prize of course for the first person to guess their identity correctly.

For some today it was their very first outing and for others the first time at a dance event for two years so it was all about getting back into it and enjoying the day. We had seven other schools joining us, with some experienced competitors so the competition was by no means easy, particularly in some events. Everyone was a winner and of course we had many finalists but in the role of honour by taking first places today were Tabatha, Grace S, Emma, Peter, Craig, Neil, Grace P, Karen, Josh & Grace, Paul & Karen, Paul, Grace P & Tabatha, Paul & Chloe, Kaitlyn, Brooke, Allison, Josh and Chloe & Brooke

A huge thank you to all our partners today for coming along to practice at lessons and also for their hard work on the day: Ruth, Liam, Grace, Josh, Craig, Emily, Karen, Emma and Stuart. Also a big thank you to everyone else who helped make the day a success: Auntie Joan, Julie, Andrew, Jean, Rob and Debbie, we couldn’t do it without your assistance.

Boris said you were all amazing and he was so excited to be back and see so many of his chums again. He can’t wait for the next outing.

A Christmas Message

It’s been another difficult year for everyone but as a dance school we have weathered the difficulties and carried on as best we can. The year began in lockdown and it was April before we were able to open once again but all our loyal dancers returned ready and willing to dance on their own as regulations dictated. We managed to complete our first exam session, of the year, with the NATD in July with most people dancing solo and the others dancing as couples. The examiner commented how impressed he was and thought the standard achieved by everyone was remarkable.

September saw the return of our Chesterfield competition and it was great to see so many of our dancers supporting the event either by dancing, helping out or coming along to watch. For most it was their first competition for over a year and it good to get back into things again and blow off the cobwebs. Boris was particularly excited to see his chums once again.

Following this we attended the British Sequence Championships in October and then Grand Finals in November. Both events were well attended by our team and we had some really amazing results. The team spirit, as always, was fabulous and everyone was genuinely pleased to be out and about again.

We also had an NATD qualifier at the end of November for their Medallist Grand Finals in July next year (Covid permitting of course). Everyone managed to qualify, although the event was quite a small one but it did give some the chance to get back onto the competition floor, who had not had the opportunity since our own competition in March 2020. For others it was their first time ever. Fingers crossed we will be able to do it all again in July!

Finally we completed a second NATD exam session in December which was more normal this time as we were able to partner people once more. We did have a power cut which disrupted the exams for some people but all coped admirably with the added difficulties. Once again the examiner was highly complementary about the standard of both the dancing and presentation.  The results will hopefully be with us early in the new year.

It has been a testing year but you have all been very supportive and loyal and as we approach the end of the year we can all look back and be proud of what we have managed to achieve together in the face of adversity.

We now take a break to spend time with family and friends over the festive season, which is more than we managed last year! Of course we are not out of the woods yet and things seem set to get worse but with such an amazing team we are sure to get through it and come out stronger on the other side.

Boris of course can’t yet travel to Bearmuda and so will be spending Christmas at home once again. He wishes you all a very merry Christmas and hopefully a brighter New Year when he is looking forward to seeing you all enjoying yourselves at events once again and of course seeing all his friends once more.

NATD Exam Session

Over Saturday and Sunday we managed to complete our first “nearly normal” exam session with the NATD since Covid began. We had already had a session in July where everyone either danced as a couple or solo but this time we were able to partner everyone as we usually would.

We were still limiting changing and the numbers of people in reception at any one time but in spite of these added complications the weekend went remarkably smoothly. We did have a small hiccup on Saturday when we had three power outages which meant we lost about half an hour. Apologies to those people affected and who had to dance to improvised music. It is the last thing needed when you are already nervous about performing, but you all coped brilliantly and thank you for your co-operation and understanding. Also thank you for your patience to those whose exams were delayed as a result, although we did manage to catch up most of the lost time by the end.

The examiner was Mrs Valerie Laws from Whitby who commented that she had “thoroughly enjoyed the weekend” and thought the standard was “tremendous”. She was also delighted to see so much Classical Sequence.

Boris was of course in attendance throughout and he too thought you were all brilliant in what you have achieved over a very difficult and trying period.

We now have time to relax a little as we approach the festive season before we begin what will hopefully be a much better New Year.

NATD Blackpool Qualifier

Today was another day on the journey back to reality. It was only about a month ago we received notice that the North Midland Area were going to run this qualifying competition for the 2022 Medallist of the Year which is due to take place in July in Blackpool. We had lots of thoughts around; there not being much time to prepare, the event coming very close after one, or for some, two trips to Blackpool, could the team be ready was the question. But, we decided it was too good an opportunity to miss as it was a local event and managing to fit these events into our already busy calendar in previous years had proved rather a challenge. So we put the notice up and the response from everyone was amazing. We were a few short due to prior commitments or concerns about the current situation but, overall the response was amazing.

When we arrived we saw that the response from other dance schools was also amazing, with at least six other dance schools in attendance and a standard which meant we needed to bring our ‘A game’.

This was the first competition back for several people but they were soon put at ease as the atmosphere was really friendly both from within our team and across all dance schools. For some it was their first competition since March 2020, which is a long time for anyone but for the children it must seem an age and many had changed age groups and grown out of shoes and dresses but as always you all rallied around to make sure everyone was beautifully turned out.

One of the features of the NATD Medallist of the Year programme is that they have many age and grade divisions and also Boys and Girls are split, regardless of the number of entries. This led to a few solo performances today. I know dancers go to these events to compete against other dancers but to find you are the only one in your event and required to give a solo demonstration can be equally, if not more nerve racking. Therefore, congratulations to all of you who had to face this challenge today and I believe your trophy is just as well deserved, possibly even more so.

For the record the results were as follows :-

Scarlett came 5th in her Quickstep and was recalled to the final of her Paso Doble, coming 5th again. Not an easy dance for a little person

In the Juvenile sections, Tabatha achieved two 1st places, along with two 2nd places for Kaitlyn and a 4th and a 3rd for Sophie.

In the Junior sections Fearn delivered two 3rd places and new to the Junior ranks were Brooke and Chloe who each achieved a 2nd and 3rd place.

In the Adult sections we had solo demonstrations from Craig, Emily, Karly, Charlotte, Chris, Paul, Karen, Serena, Stephen, Allison K and Andrew. You were a credit to yourselves and the Dance School. I personally thoroughly enjoyed dancing with those of you who I was lucky enough to partner.

In other Adult events Paige won her Waltz and was 2nd in her Cha Cha Cha, Evie achieved two 3rd places, Emma a 1st and a 2nd, Irina a 3rd and a 4th, Sian two 2nd places, Kathryn two 2nd places, Rosalind two 1st places, Alison T a 2nd and a 3rd, Angela a 3rd and a 4th and finally (new to the team) Lisa a 4th and a 2nd.

Thanks, as always must go to those who loaned clothes, helped with hair and make-up, chauffeured, clappped and cheered. Thanks also to Craig, Josh and Grace who assisted with the partnering, Craig for photography, Ruth who kept us all in order on the control sheet and finally a huge thank you to Luke. As I’m sure you noticed, Robert wasn’t with us today, he had received an invitation to adjudicate at Blackpool and at very short notice Luke very kindly gave up his weekend to be with us for practising on Saturday and dancing on Sunday.

We are very proud of you all and it was lovely to have such a large turnout today. Onwards now to medals in a couple of weeks and I hope you all have Sunday 6th March 2022 in your diary for our Dancesteps competition.

Grand Finals 2021

It finally happened. Two years and a few lockdowns later we made it to Grand Finals at last. In some ways it seemed like a long time since we were last there and in others it was no time at all. We had a few of the team who decided not to make the trip this time for various reasons but most of our regulars were there.

Numbers were appreciably down this time, especially on the adult day, but the Winter Gardens was comfortable, rather than packed as normal. This of course meant that numbers competing were down and so a number of events were straight finals. Whilst lacking quantity however, the quality was still in evidence and those who did well still had to prove themselves against some stiff opposition. Regardless of results however everyone did fabulously well to have made it there with all that has been going on and as always there was a tremendous team spirit. Everyone expressed how lovely it was to have the opportunity to catch up with others they had not seen for ages and to be dancing again in the wonderful ballroom. It was also noticeable that there was a genuine appreciation from all attendees and good support for all competitors throughout the ballroom, especially those who were the only ones in their particular events.

We began on Saturday and only had Kaitlyn, Chloe and Paige dancing this time but they set the tone for the weekend. Chloe was competing in her last juvenile event and Paige, her last junior so it was an important moment for them both. All had a great day and Kaitlyn came away with a second in her ballroom event fourth in Latin and fifth in sequence. Chloe was placed sixth in her ballroom event and third in the sequence whilst Paige was placed sixth in both her ballroom and Latin events but was also our first winner of the weekend in her sequence event. A great way to kickstart the weekend and well done to all of you.

There was no evening function this year so we were able to have a more leisurely dinner than usual and a little more relaxed evening.

Sunday saw an early start as usual and the adults began their day with the sequence events. Only the Under 35 year section had a recall but making this final were Grace P, Jack, Emma and Craig with Grace sucessfully defending the title she won last time. Serena won her event with Neil second and Chris fourth and in the Over 50 years section Carla also sucessfully defended her title with Allison and Rosalind filling the next two places and Hazel finishing sixth.

The ballroom events followed and in this section there were wins for Jack, Rosalind, Chris, Serena, Hazel and Neil with creditable second places for Carla and Grace P. Next came the Latin events and this time there were wins for Grace P, Allison, Chris, Hazel and Neil.

After a long day we reached the last two sections which were the couples events which have proved to be highly successful for the school over the years. This year they were a little earlier than usual but, as always, were an enjoyable finale to the weekend. Craig & Emma, Jack & Karly and Chris & Serena had two of the largest events of the day with several recalls before their finals with all three couples achieving this in both their ballroom and Latin events. Craig & Emma won the balloom with Jack & Karly third in the same event whilst Chris & Serena were a close second in their ballroom event and fourth in their Latin. Jack & Karly won their Latin event giving Karly something to smile about on her birthday with Craig & Emma fourth. Charlotte & Emily were our only other couple competing and they were placed a highly respectable fifth in their ballroom event and third in the Latin although they could have been placed higher in the Latin in my opinion.

Of course, as always, we were supported by a fantastic team but special thanks for their contibutions go to: Luke, Liam & Grace P for partnering, Ruth for keeping us in order & transporting luggage and Anita & Debbie for creating many hairstyles. The most appealing feature of our team is how you all turnout to help and support each other even though at times you compete against one another.

Boris was of course very excited to be back and meet all his old chums again. He said he had really missed seeing everyone and thought you all did magnificently. He can’t wait for the next event.