Duesbury Aldred Dance Centre Blog

The days are getting shorter, the leaves are starting to fall and there is a distinct chill in the air. It must be time for the first of our trips to Blackpool for the British Sequence Championships.

In action this year were Liam & Alex, Stuart & Andrea, Josh & Grace, Andy & Dawn, Dennis & Sue and Neil & Carla. The programme commenced on Sunday with the Modern Sequence events and the Senior Classical Sequence Championships. As always these events are keenly contested with the fabulous setting of the Wintergardens Ballroom and Empress Orchestra inspiring the dancers to give their very best performances.

As usual all our couples were superbly turned out and having worked hard over the past 12 months, produced some of their best dancing. Josh & Grace, Andy & Dawn, Dennis & Sue and Neil & Carla were all soon in action in their Modern Sequence Competition, all reaching the semi-finals. Neil and Carla made the Final finishing 6th, a great improvement from last year whilst Josh & Grace, competing here for the first time, won convincingly by winning all three dances. In the Senior Classical Sequence Championship, Stuart and Andrea finished 5th but nevertheless danced well and could have finished higher in a closely fought contest. Finally this evening Liam & Alex won the Amateur Modern Sequence Championship, the first time they have won this title and one they unfortunately missed out on last year due to Liam still recovering from an illness. a good start to the week then.

Monday, dawned grey and wet but that did not matter since we had another busy day ahead in the ballroom. In action today were, ourselves in the inventive dance competitions and Andy & Dawn, Dennis & Sue and Neil & Carla in their Classical Sequence Competion. All three couples danced well through their two early rounds to secure a place in the evening’s final. Neil & Carla danced their socks off and were placed 2nd, a terrific result, with Dennis & Sue and Andy & Dawn being placed 6th and 7th respectively. Whilst we also won with our Wisconsin Waltz.

All too soon we reached the final day of the festival and in action today were Liam & Alex in the Amateur Classical Sequence Championship, Josh & Grace in the Under 35yrs Classical Sequence competition and Stuart & Andrea in the Senior Modern Sequence competition. Once again they all produced some excellent dancing and Stuart & Andrea were placed 4th whilst Josh & Grace won their second event of the festival. A little later Liam & Alex completed a five trophy haul for the team by winning the Amateur Championship for a record 4th time, again winning all five dances comfortably. Sadly they have now decided it is time to retire from Sequence competitions, after having achieved so much, and we wish them well in whatever the future holds for them.

I am sure everyone will agree that it was a great weekend and one of which we can all be proud. The support everyone gave to each other was lovely and each could share in the success of others.

Boris is exhausted but after having a short rest he will be ready for the challenges that lie ahead and will be hoping for a repeat performance!!

It was the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the NATD North Eastern Area competitions, first held at Scarborough and then at Whitby and in order to celebrate this a cake was presented to the Area Committee and shared amongst the participants at this year’s event.

We had a small team in action consisting of Paul & Karen, Craig & Lydia, Andy & Dawn and Dennis & Sue (and Boris of course). What we lacked in quantity however we certainly made up for in quality. Paul & Karen were placed 1st in all five of their events, Dennis & Sue came 1st in two of their events and Dennis also won the Adult and Child Quickstep with a junior from another school. Andy, Paul and Karen were placed 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively in this event also.

Craig & Lydia were 2nd in three of their events albeit to Paul & Karen and Andy and Dawn also had three 2nd places. In those events where all four couples were entered they took the first four places and likewise in those events where two of them were entered they were placed first and second.

In fact the only slight glitch in proceedings was the Adult and Juvenile Cha Cha Cha event in which Paul was placed highest but could only manage a 4th place!!

Anyway the highlight of the day was of course the visit to the Magpie Cafe afterwards for fish and chips, what better way to round off a great day.

Boris of course has a busy couple of weeks ahead, there is the Sequence Championships in Blackpool commencing this weekend and then shortly afterwards, The ISTD Grand Finals on 4th and 5th of November. He says he is very excited to see you all dancing your very best and looks forward to an enjoyable, if exhausting fortnight.

Look out for further reports.

After the summer break the competition season kicked off again with our annual sequence competition at Stavely near Chesterfield. We had competitors from all over the country, including the Isle of Man all eager to gain valuable match practice ahead of the Blackpool Sequence Championships in October.

We had a number of dancers from our school competing as well, some who are regulars in this field and a number of others dipping their toe in the water for the first time.

The children’s events came first and we had Olivia & Molly and Jack & Leila dancing in some of the couples events whilst Grace S, Isobel, Chloe and Kaitlyn all danced in the solo events. All danced brilliantly as for most of them it was a new experience. Grace S made all of her finals, Olivia & Molly and Jack & Leila had a joint first place in one of the beginner/novice events and Chloe came first in one of her events.

A great start to the day then and the adult events followed. Alex & Liam won the amateur classical sequence event and were second in the modern sequence. Stuart and Andrea were second in both of their events and Josh & Grace won both of their events whilst Paul and Karen were third in the same events. Neil & Carla, Andy & Dawn and Dennis & Sue and all made the final of Over 35 years Classical Sequence finishing 3rd, 4th, and 6th respectively.

Dancing in this type of event for the first time were Craig & Emily who won the intermediate section with Chris & Serena finishing 4th in the same event, a great result for both couples.

The fun competition provided great entertainment and some of the non competitors joined in. A variety of dances were selected and competitors changed partners each round. The event was eventually won by Liam and Molly.

The day seemed to be enjoyed by all who attended and was a great start to what will be a busy few months. Boris and the gang were of course on hand to lead the support which was very enthusiastic as usual.

A massive thank you to everyone who helped to make the event a great success, Dawn for the catering, Janice and Brian in the kitchen and Ruth, Caroline and Janet on the door.

Well done to all concerned and see you at the next event.

After a busy few weeks we had almost a full team outing to Castleford for the final ISTD qualifier of the year before Grand Finals in November.

Whilst nearly everyone had already qualified there were a few gaps to be filled and for others it was a chance to practise and hopefully gain valuable experience. A few of our regulars were missing today due to holidays and other things but we had three new little ones joining the team for the first time: Kaitlyn, Chloe and Isobel, three sisters. All did brilliantly with Kaitlyn finishing second in the under six year’s waltz, Chloe 2^nd in the under 8 year’s waltz and Isobel 3^rd in the Juvenile Primary section. In addition they each won their respective Latin events and Chloe was placed 5^th in the Sequence. Well done girls, keep up the good work!

Grace S won both her ballroom and Latin events and was placed 2^nd in the sequence whilst Luke won his ballroom event, was placed 2^nd in the Latin and 7^th in Sequence. Molly, Olivia and Jack all made their ballroom and Latin finals and both Jack and Olivia made the semi-final of the Sequence. Molly achieved 4^th in the Sequence which is a creditable performance as this is always one of the toughest events.

The bar had been set high therefore for the adults as usual and the Sequence events were first. The under 35 year’s section was probably the largest entry of the day and Grace P, Josh and Emily all made the final which was a great result. In the over 35 year’s section Elizabeth, Karen, Carla, Neil and Chris filled the places from 2^nd to 6^th and Christine, Allison and Dennis all made the over 50 year’s final.

The successes continued in the ballroom and Latin individual events and there were wins for Grace P, Carla, Elizabeth, Iris Christine, Craig, Allison, Karen H and Neil. In the couples events there were also wins for Chris & Allison, Josh & Grace, Neil & Carla and Craig & Lydia. A great day overall then, with a good atmosphere and plenty of team spirit. Once again thanks to those who partnered: Liam, Alex, Josh and Karen and also to our vocal supporters.

We now have a short rest over the Summer before the hard work begins again in September!!

Boris wishes you all a lovely summer and happy holiday if you are going away. He has his case all packed ready to visit friends and relatives in Sunny Bearbuda where he is looking forward to chilling out on the beach ready for the busy time ahead.

After the excitement of our competition at West Park a few of our couples travelled to the magnificent Walsall Town Hall Ballroom for the prestigious Supadance Sequence Championships. In action today were Liam & Alex, Stuart & Andrea, Andy & Dawn, Neil & Carla and Josh & Grace. All put on a good show against some stiff competition and can be pleased with their performances.

Liam & Alex won the Classical Sequence Championship and were placed second in the Modern Sequence. Josh & Grace won three of their events and came second in the other. Stuart & Andrea were placed second in their Modern Sequence and third in their Classical Sequence events. Andy & Dawn were placed 4th in two of their events and 5th in the other two whilst Neil and Carla had 4th, 5th and 6th placings in their events. A good day overall then and most of them will be dancing again in Lincoln this Sunday before the full team are once again in action at the ISTD qualifier at Castleford before the Summer break, if Summer ever arrives that is!

Our Parent Blogger this time was Anita, so thank you for your observations and well done for the first correct guess from Olivia and Caroline. Your prize is on the way to you.

It was the day of our own competition and the heavy rain which we experienced over the previous week failed to dampen the spirits of our intrepid band of dancers.

Boris particularly likes our competitions as he gets to sit on the stage and can inspect the dancing from a different viewpoint.

In addition to our regular team we had a number of dancers who were new to competitions and for some it was their first ever outing. Nevetheless all performed magnificently with many making finals. Stephen & Angela both won one of their individual events on their first outing and also first timers; Lizzy was placed 5th in one of her events  and Connie was placed 3rd in two of hers. Another new recruit, Georgina reached three of her finals being placed 4th, 5th and 7th.

Of our regular competitors we had numerous 1st placings many in more than one event. In the couples events the winners were: Olivia & Molly, Jack & Leila, Josh & Grace, Dennis & Sue, Peter & Carol, Paul & Karen and Andy & Dawn. Whilst in the individual events there were wins for: Miriam, Molly, Olivia, Sarah, Allison, Craig, Lydia and Chris.

There was a great atmosphere throughout the day and thanks must go to our many partners (Luke, Ruth, Josh, Grace, Molly, Karen, Craig, Paul, Andy Dennis, Emily, Olivia) and helpers who made it such an enjoyable and successful day.

Now for the report from our Mystery Blogger:

“Only a fortnight since the last competition and again we were all back, in force, at West Park for our own competition.

The event was assured to be organised, as the ladies were in charge. Maria and Bev were chosen for the day, to bounce any awkward customers at the door and Louise was in charge of the dance floor.

There is never any doubt that the Duesbury Aldred dancers would light up the room, giving those of us that are professional spectators something to cheer for. The youngest competitors were a joy to see on their journey from “Walks and Points” hopefully to dresses full of diamantes.

We didn’t make it easy for the judges today as the podium is always going to be a hard fought place, however it became even more difficult when trying to balance two couples on the first place spot. If I had my way I’d only build a 1^st place platform as you’re all my favourites.

It wasn’t all about the dancing though, Janet whirled round the dance floor in the first half of the day collecting the raffle money in the swag bag, whilst in the second half Mrs Gamble cleaned up with some loot, winning three prizes.

Even when the day is nearly over, your feet are sore and a cup of tea is in order (or a pint in Dennis’s case) there’s still one thing that you can all muster and that’s a beautiful smile, that I get to see over and over!” MB

Can you guess who it is this time?”

P.S. Boris looks forward to seeing you all again at Castleford, the final competition before the Summer break.

 

After a period of respite with not much happening on the competition front we have a busy period ahead with two competitions in June and one in July. The first event was the ISTD Sequence Festival at Long Eaton which attracted dancers from all over the country. There was a good turnout and a busy day lay ahead on a very warm and humid day.

We had nearly a full turnout although a few regulars were missing due to holidays and as usual everyone was immaculately turned out. Everyone was determined to give their very best, which they did, whether this was in pursuit of a first position, final position or simply to improve their performances under pressure. There were at least seven dances for each to perform and some of the routines proved quite challenging, nevertheless everyone attacked them with their usual energy and enthusiasm.

There were many personal triumphs but giving winning performances this time out were: Luke, Leila, Molly, Grace P, Emily, Karen H and Serena. Most won more that one of their events but special mention must go to Serena who won all four of her individual events.

Other notable results were in the over 35 years to bronze section where we had the first three places with Carla and Sue taking 2^nd and 3^rd in both the Classical and Modern Sequence sections. This feat also occurred in the over 50 years silver and above Modern Sequence section with Andy and Dawn taking 2^nd and 3^rd.

The highlight of this event is the Three Dance Sequence competitions for Blackpool which are split between those who have qualified already and those who are yet to qualify. In the former category Luke and Miriam danced in the juvenile section and despite one of the largest entries of the day both reached the final and were placed 4^th and 2^nd respectively, a great performance. Grace S came 3rd in the juvenile section of those who had already qualified.

In the junior section Leila and Molly both reached the final being placed 3^rd and 4^th and in the under 35 years event (the largest entry of the day and possibly one of the most keenly contested) Grace P (2^nd) , Emily (3^rd) and Josh (5^th) all reached the final, a great performance. In the over 35 years section Serena was placed 1^st with Karen H 2^nd, Carla 3^rd, Neil 6^th and Chris 7^th. In the over 50 years section (another large entry) Sue surprised herself by coming 2^nd with Dawn 3^rd, Andy 4^th, Christine 5^th and Dennis 7^th. Well done to you all. With all the excitement the bears decided to see how many bears it would take to build a pyramid, can you guess?

All in all then a great day for the whole team and thanks go once again to our partners, Luke, Ruth, Claire, Alex, Liam, Karen H, Emily, Molly and Josh and of course our fabulous supporters.

With only two weeks break we move swiftly onto the next event which is our own competition. Don’t miss it. There may also be another mystery blogger!!!

Last Sunday, saw a trip south to Daventry for the NATD medallist event. On arriving at the sports hall it quickly became apparent we were in for a tough day as there was a bumper turnout of schools this year. Not deterred everyone got ready for the first challenges of the day. Unusually, we had the Latin American events first which meant straight into the faster rhythms to wake us all up on a Sunday morning. 

The largest event was the 8-9yrs pre-bronze girls, where four rounds had to be danced. Fearn did well to make the semi-final and Grace S made the final coming 6^th. Overall we achieved ten first places in the Latin individuals – these were Leila, Olivia, Karly, Grace P, Allison, Karen H, Jack, Josh, Tony and Andy. Well done to all of you and also to the other remaining finalists, who all gave a good performance.

As it was an NATD event, most people were dancing at a higher grade than at the other medallist competitions and quite a few new routines were being trialled for the first time. Congratulations to all of you, on securing your new steps and still maintaining a high level of performance. 

Onto the Latin couples events. Again the Juvenile event had the largest entry where Miriam & Grace S had three rounds of Samba to make the semi-final. Although, Jack & Leila had a straight final they fought off all competition to win their Jive event, and Molly & Olivia were recalled to their final and came a creditable 4^th. Karly & Emily S danced a lively Samba to come 3^rd in the Adult All Ladies. In the Adult Gentleman/Lady Jive event, we had seven couples, of which Josh & Grace P, Paul & Karen and Craig & Lydia made the final, being placed 1^st, 5^th & 6^th respectively.

It was then time for the team match. This year the team comprised of Miriam & Grace dancing Waltz, Jack & Leila Rumba and Josh & Grace P Tango. All dancers performed their very best and everyone else cheered them on. The team mascot bears particularly love this event as they get to join in the team parade. Unfortunately, only the winning team is announced and this year it was not to be us but it must have been a close run competition.

It was then onto the Ballroom individual events. This time we had eight 1^st places. These were awarded to Miriam, Leila, Grace P, Allison, Craig, Chris, Josh & Andy. Again, new routines were on display and they were all performed without any major traumas.

The final events of the day were the all important Ragtime Swing events. Miriam & Grace S were first to perform and again had the most competition. They had five rounds to get to the final and they came a hard fought 3^rd. Very well done. In the Junior section, Molly & Olivia and Jack & Leila had three rounds to get to their final. Molly & Olivia came 2^nd , whilst Jack & Leila were 3^rd, so close to getting their hands on the trophy! In the last section, the Adult event, we fielded 10 couples. After three rounds we were down to two couples in the final, Josh & Grace P and Paul & Karen. The pressure was certainly being felt at this point because Josh has won this event every time he’s competed for it, since its inception. Was it going to happen again? By this time there were a few tense looking parents, I think they were sharing the pressure. But, worry not Josh & Grace P were announced the winners, so the trophy was back in safe hands for another year.

It was a long day but hopefully everyone felt it was worthwhile. Whether it was for a win, a final place trophy, an extra recall to last year, a chance to practice a new routine or perhaps for a fun day out with good music and company! Whatever, your own personal goal, Boris and the bears certainly enjoyed their re-union. Thank you to you all for your continued commitment and dedication.

Now it’s onward to exams in May and then two major competitions in June.

It’s Easter so that can only mean one thing – Southport! For the annual Southport Sequence Festival. This time we had six couples dancing: Liam & Alex, Stuart & Andrea, Dawn & Andy, Dennis & Sue, Neil & Carla and for the first time, Josh and Grace.

The first event in which we had representation was the “Dancer of the Year” event which Josh and Grace won against some stiff competition. They also went on to win all of their other events over the weekend a fantastic achievement at their first attempt. Liam and Alex retained the Amateur Classical Championship title with a convincing win, being placed 1st in all dances by all adjudicators. They also won one of their events on the Sunday and were placed 2nd in the other. Stuart and Andrea were placed 3rd their Modern Sequence event and also in their Classical Sequence event on the Sunday.

Both Andy & Dawn and Neil & Carla made the final of their Classical Sequence event finishing 4th and 5th respectively.

The Latin sequence event is an entertaining feature of the Southport festival and this is open to all grades. Liam & Alex, Josh & Grace and Andy & Dawn all made the final being placed 2nd, 3rd and 5th.

Sunday dawned dry and bright but soon turned wet and windy, just the sort of weather to be indoors and all of our couples were once again in action. Andy & Dawn made all of their finals once again adding two more 4th places to their tally. Dennis and Sue won one of their events with Neil and Carla placed 2nd in the same event. They also both made the final of one of their other events finishing 5th and 6th respectively.

The culmination of the festival is usually the Team match which has historically produced great entertainment. The theme this year was Circus. Our team comprised Louise as Lion Tamer, with Andy as the lion, Stuart & Andrea as Clowns, Liam & Alex as “strongmen (and women)” Josh & Grace as trapeze artists and myself as the Ringmaster. Unfortunately the only other team entered withdrew but we carried on regardless and everyone gave a great performance. Well done to you all on your costumes, they were fantastic especially Stuart’s shoes!

It was a very full but very enjoyable weekend, roll on next year.