Duesbury Aldred Dance Centre Blog

Our weekend in numbers: 28 hours in the ballroom, 18 Semi-Finalists, 49 Finalists, 7 wins, 9 very tired little bears!

Grand Finals returned with a bang and although we were there last year things were still not quite back to normal then. This year felt more like the Grand Finals of old and whilst we didn’t see much of the pyrotechnics outside there were plenty of fireworks in the ballroom.

Doors opened at 8am on Saturday morning and finished shortly after 9pm on the Sunday. Sitting watching every step danced during that time and not moving for anything was of course Boris, ably assisted by the various members of the bear supporters club.

As always it was the children who began proceedings and with the juveniles dancing first, the juniors got to have a lie in. With Olivia, Tabatha and Kaitlyn we had a small team and with two first timers to this event it was always going to be tough. Nevertheless they all ‘stepped up to the plate’ and rose to the occasion. Olivia had three heats in her first round and three rounds to make a final which she achieved and ended up with a brilliant 5th place in her ballroom event. Tabatha was also competing here for the first time and she too had a to work hard. Her first round had four heats and she would have to dance in four rounds to reach the final. She danced really well and made the semi-final but sadly didn’t make it to the final on this occasion. Still it was a great result in a tough event. Kaitlyn did not have it easy either but having been coming to these events since she was quite small she knew what to expect. It was to be her last juvenile competition before moving into the junior ranks and again she put on a terrific performance, progressing through three rounds to finish fourth in her ballroom final.

The sequence events came next and whilst there were less entries the standard was still high. Both Kaitlyn and Tabatha had to work hard to make the final and finished second and fourth respectively. Another good result for both. Finally it was the Latin and although our young dancers did well and got recalls none of them made it to the semi-final stage.

Tabatha and Kaitlyn were in action once more in the couples events dancing the Tango and Cha Cha Cha, not the easiest of dances. As with the other events there were several heats and four rounds to navigate to get to the finals. With not much practice together beforehand they danced really well and did get two recalls which was another positive result.

Having been shown the way by the juveniles it was the turn of the juniors and today we had Chloe and Brooke. For Brooke it was the first time at this event whilst Chloe was an old hand, having danced here as both juvenile and junior. There was going to be no let-up in the quantity or quality of the competition however and both girls had to produce some of their best dancing to progress. Brooke reached the semi-final of her ballroom event and backed it up with a recall in her Latin. Chloe had a recall in her ballroom event but sadly couldn’t repeat this in the Latin. In the sequence event Brooke finished third with Chloe fourth although both could have been placed higher. It was then on to the couples events and again there were several heats and rounds to contend with. Chloe and Brooke produced an accomplished display of both their Tango and Cha Cha Cha routines and were delighted to get a recall in the Latin.

Overall then we had had a great start to the weekend and well done to everyone involved.

Sunday morning started early (as always) and the benchmark had been set so how would our dancers fare today?

We began with the sequence events so everyone was in action from the start. The under 35 years section saw most of our dancers recalled to the semi-final but Josh, Grace, Craig and Emily all reached the final, finishing second, third, fourth and fifth respectively. Emily was especially pleased to make her first sequence final at this event. In the over 35 years event, Paul, Karen, Serena and Chris filled the top four places in that order whilst Irina, dancing for the first time at this event, finished sixth. She also went on later to get a recall in her Latin event. The over 50 years section saw the largest entry of the sequence events and we had eight dancers involved so not all were going to be in the final. Again, most made the semi-final and the recalls must have been close as only five were brought back to the final, all from our dance school. Carla won with Andrew second, Peter third, Allison fourth and Neil Fifth. We couldn’t have had a better result. The over 65 years section was a new creation for this year and again we had a strong entry. Dennis was the eventual winner with Rosalind second, Sue third and Hazel fifth. It was a real team effort with Josh, Grace, Emily and Craig all partnering alongside competing themselves and a fantastic showing from the team. The bears were so excited they almost fell off their seats.

There was hardly time to catch our breath before the ballroom and Latin events began and there were going to be no easy pickings today. Everyone got at least one recall in their events but reaching the semi-finals of at least one of their events were: Peter, Andrew, Carla, Dawn and Neil. Lisa, another first timer to this event, reached the final of both her events and was placed fifth in the ballroom and third in Latin, a brilliant achievement. Making their ballroom finals were Craig, Chris, Grace and Paul and making their Latin finals were Carol, Serena, Hazel and Allison. Josh, Dennis and Sue all made both their ballroom and Latin finals. Special mention should go to Rosalind, who won her ballroom event and also came fourth in the Latin, and Charlotte who came sixth in her Latin event, the first time she has made a final at Grand Finals.

The ballroom and Latin couples events are always the finale of a very long weekend and by this time everyone just wants to go out and enjoy themselves. Whilst no less serious, there is always much more smiling apparent. All the couples danced well but making the finals were Neil & Carla and Peter & Carol, the only couple to make both ballroom and Latin finals finishing fourth and fifth respectively. However, Josh & Grace, Chris & Serena and Andrew & Dawn all won their ballroom couples events, a fine way to bring proceeding to a close. It was then back to the hotel then for some food, celebratory drinks, a few traditional games and a chance to reflect on the high points of weekend.

Of course we must thank our supporters for their never ending encouragement and help and also the others who partner alongside competing themselves: Josh, Grace, Craig and Emily. Special thanks also to our dedicated team of teachers: Luke and Liam for their partnering both at this event and also the qualifiers and also putting themselves out to travel up for lessons with their respective partners before events, and to Ruth for keeping control of the clipboard throughout Saturday and Sunday so we all know where we should be, with whom and when, a crucial part of the team effort.

Boris has told us how delighted he was to be part of such a dedicated, friendly and supportive team and looks forward to seeing everyone at future events, he was a bit sad however that he didn’t get to see Arabella but hopes to see her again soon!  

Sunday arrived with great anticipation and the ballroom was filled with the excitement of the evening’s events to come. Josh & Grace and Craig & Emma commenced proceedings in the Amateur Latin Sequence Championship which was a great way to get the assembled crowd buzzing. Both couples produced an excellent display over five demanding routines ending with Josh & Grace being crowned Champions with Craig & Emma runners up.

Stuart & Andrea and Neil & Carla were next in action in the Senior Classical Championships, and again both couples produced an excellent display, Neil & Carla dancing at this grade for the first time at this festival. Stuart & Andrea finished second and Neil & Carla sixth though both could have been placed higher.

The final event of the evening was the Amateur Modern Sequence Championship in which Josh & Grace and Craig & Emma were once again in action. This was as much an endurance test as one of dancing prowess and both couples were up to the challenge. Another thrilling display was produced by all the competitors with our couples being placed a respectable third and sixth respectively.

Andrew & Dawn and Chris & Lisa would be next to get their opportunity to impress on the following day having witnessed the standards set by the other team members.

Boris was super excited to see a full turnout of bears for this important occasion and was keen to discuss cheerleading strategies for the rest of the festival to ensure the best support for the team.

Monday arrived and this evening only Andrew & Dawn and Chris & Lisa were involved. Their event had the largest entry so far with two rounds before the final. For Chris & Lisa this was the first time at a major event together, only having recently started competitions in this style. They danced very well to secure a recall but sadly did not make the final on this occasion however the experience will be invaluable going forward. Andrew & Dawn also put on an excellent display and made it to the final where they finished second overall, the same place as last year (and a place they seem to be making their own!) In doing so they won the Saunter but sadly it wasn’t enough to secure the top spot.

All too soon we reached the final day and this evening all couples were in action so we were all going to be kept busy. When the band strikes up the ‘G chord’ it brings you out in goose bumps in the expectation of what is to follow. Andrew & Dawn and Chris & Lisa kicked things off in their Modern Sequence event which again had a large entry with two rounds before the final. Andrew & Dawn made the final and finished a highly respectable fourth, Chris & Lisa did not get a recall this time however they gained more valuable experience for the future. We then had the Pro-am competition in which Liam danced with Grace. They were the only entrants but nevertheless gave the appreciative audience a wonderful display of classical sequence dancing. Not many dancers get to have the Blackpool floor to themselves accompanied by the Empress Orchestra so it is a moment to cherish even though it is also nice to have some competition.

Andrew & Dawn were then in action again in the over 50 years event and this time they finally managed to secure the top spot by winning all three dances – congratulations to you both it goes to show that perseverance pays dividends. Stuart & Andrea then took to the floor along with Neil & Carla in their Modern Sequence event and this also had a recall to the final. Both couples made it to the final, finishing second and sixth respectively, though both couples challenged for higher placings. All to soon we came to the last final of the festival which was the Amateur Classical Sequence Championship and for the first time in a few years this also had a recall which was very encouraging. Craig and Emma , dancing in their first Blackpool Championship in the Amateur grade did themselves proud and danced very well though sadly did not make the final. Josh & Grace did make the final however and produced some of their best dancing to secure another third place. As the last notes of the Two Step faded the crowd rose to their feet in appreciation of all the finalists and so all too soon it was over for another year.

It has been a fabulous festival, with a great atmosphere and a real celebration of the joy of dance after years of being locked away fearful of what the future may hold. All of the team have excelled and whatever the individual results we can share in the successes of the team as a whole and be proud to be a part of our dance school. As ever the dedicated support team have been terrific, in both helping the dancers prepare and providing vocal support in the ballroom.

Team Boris were on hand as usual watching every step and sharing the highs and lows that come with all competitive dancing. After a brief respite to recover they will be back in action once again at the ISTD Grand Finals weekend and Boris will be taking the register to make sure all his chums are present and correct once again, ready as ever for their important mascotting duties.

It seems a while since we attended an ISTD qualifier and so once again we set off to Doncaster for a final outing before Grand Finals in November. There were some people missing today and so we didn’t have a full turnout and there was a little qualifying left to do for others so it was important to secure those last few spaces.

As always the juveniles commenced proceedings and we had Olivia and Kaitlyn in action today. Olivia secured two second places whilst Kaitlyn, dancing in her penultimate event before moving up to junior was placed first in her ballroom and second in the sequence and latin. An excellent start to the day.

The junior and adult sequence came next and whilst we had the majority of the entrants there was a strong challenge from the other schools in attendance. Nevertheless there were wins for Karen, Allison and Dennis.

In the ballroom and Latin events there were wins in both styles for Brooke, Lisa, Rosalind, Chris, Hazel and Serena. Craig and Paul had wins in their ballroom events and Allison, Karen and Sue all had wins in the Latin.

In the couples events the most entries were in the over 40 years section and Chris and Serena secured a win in both their ballroom and Latin events whilst Hazel and Kathryn were highly delighted with their second and third placings in Latin and ballroom respectively. Paul and Karen won both their events with Rosalind and Allison placed second and although Chloe and Brooke and Charlotte and Emily were the only couples in their events they all danced well and are starting to gel together nicely as partnerships and it was valuable match practice for Blackpool.

With the Blackpool Sequence Festival and Grand Finals just around the corner the next few weeks will be full on and Boris is already in training for the long days of mascotting that lies ahead. He’s also been busy organising his team and so will be expecting a full turnout of bears and will be upset if there are any absentees!!

The support of everyone yesterday was excellent as usual, as we know it will be over the coming weeks. Thanks as always to our dedicated partners, Luke, Craig and Emily your help and support is appreciated.

Look out for more reports to follow.

It had taken three years to get there but it finally happened, the NATD Medallist of the Year event was able to take place. After our first visit in 2019, where the event was held in the Tower Ballroom, there had been a two year hiatus due to covid. This time the event was held in the Winter Gardens again in Blackpool, which was a new experience for many. It became immediately apparent, that the standard had risen yet again, from our previous experience, with many new schools attending – it was not going to be an easy weekend.

Saturday commenced with the children’s Latin section. First on was Scarlett, who was attending this type of event for the very first time, with her Paso Doble. This was followed by Tabatha and Kaitlyn with their Rumba. They both got recalled to the quarter final and then semi final and Kaitlyn got a further recall to the final and came 2^nd. An amazing achievement in such a large category.

Fearn, Chloe and Brooke were next. Fearn with the Cha Cha Cha and the others with the Jive. All three had had new dresses especially made for them and they all looked amazing young ladies. The extra special part was that they had all designed the dresses themselves (with a little input from Linda, our resident dressmaker) and they were all so different to each other, reflecting the personalities of each. On top of looking amazing they all got a recall.

It was then time for the Adults and they started the weekend with their Ballroom section. At NATD events there are lots of different age and grade categories and everything has a separate male and female category, this meant that some dancers had a short journey to their final others had to battle through three rounds.

Nearly everyone who had to dance in a quarter final made it through to their semi-final, Paige, Emily, Irina, Kathyrn, Rosalind, Lisa and Alison T. All were great achievements but I feel special mention should go to Emily who danced a beautiful foxtrot to achieve this recall in the Gold Cross and Bar section.  Those of you who watch Strictly will know the word ‘journey’ is much used but I feel it is an appropriate time to mention Emily’s dance journey began in 2003 when at a very young age she started classes, which Charlotte attended, and the hours (&hours) we spent walking around the studio trying to master three walks & one point. It was a huge challenge for one so young but taking a look at her this weekend, to see how far she has come on her journey was very special. Some continued on with their own journey’s by making it through to the final. Those were Paige who came 5^th and Lisa and Rosalind who both won their respective categories. The sashes were starting to be collected.

At the other end of the spectrum where those dancers whose events were straight finals and they had to keep themselves physically and mentally motivated for many hours. They all put in creditable performances and had their own moments of collectable memories. The results were runners up places for Jack, Karly, Charlotte, Sian and Allison and a win for Emma. Chris and Craig were the only dancers in their category and they had the privilege of having the Empress Ballroom floor to themselves (with Louise of course!) a very rare opportunity.

So, onto the Ballroom couples. Today there was a win for Craig & Emma with their Quickstep, runner up spots to the pink ladies (Rosalind & Allison) with their Waltz and Chris & Lisa with their Foxtrot. Third place was achieved by Chris & Lisa in their Viennese waltz and 5^th for Craig & Emma in their Viennese Waltz. Finally, Charlotte & Emily achieved 6^th in the Above Gold Foxtrot after having to beat off many good dancers in the semi-final.

And so ended day one. The doors had opened at 8.00am and it was now 10.30pm. The traditional hunt for fish & chips began and a very short spell of games during digestion was all there was time for as we all needed our beauty sleep for Sunday, when we could do it all again………………

Sunday was the opposite genre for everyone so the children started the day with Ballroom. Scarlett had Quickstep and she achieved that all important recall, well done Scarlett. Tabatha and Kaitlyn had Tango and they had to secure four rounds to get to their final. Tabatha achieving 4^th and Kaitlyn 3^rd. Very well done, in a very high standard event.

Next up was Fearn for Waltz and Chloe and Brooke for Quickstep. Again, they all secured a recall. We then had ballroom couples and both Tabatha & Kaitlyn and Chloe & Brooke achieved a recall. I think it’s fair to say the standard of the couples events was extremely high and came as a bit of a shock to us all.

For the Adults it was Latin day. Again, some had to dance a semi-final to be recalled to the final. They were Paige, Sian, Irina, Kathryn, Rosalind, Lisa, Alison T and Hazel. Those continuing to their finals were Sian who secured 4^th, Alison T 5^th and Lisa 1^st =.  Straight final achievements were Craig 1^st and runners up places to Jack, Emma, Karly, Charlotte, Chris and Allison.

Finally, the Adults had their couples events, Paige & Evie secured a recall in their Samba. Craig & Emma and Jack & Karly were recalled to the semi final in the Paso Doble, a very exciting event where the crowd went wild, the bull would have been very scared! Recalled to the final were Charlotte & Emily who achieved 3^rd in the jive, Hazel & Kathryn 7^th in the Samba and Rosalind & Allison 4^th in their Samba. Finally, Chris & Lisa came 3^rd in their Paso Doble and Craig & Emma secured the last win of the day for their Rumba.

To conclude there are many people to thank who make all this possible. To Luke, who had to whizz up to Blackpool from Kos to partner. To Ruth for sitting for hours (& hours) ensuring everyone was on the floor at the correct time, in the correct heat and running to see if they’d got a recall. To all friends and family who came to support (physically, mentally and financially) you are crucial and finally to our team of dancers who all looked amazing, tried their hardest (and at times even harder) and looked amazing. We were proud of you all.

Finally, some responses from the our team when asked “ How was your Blackpool?”

‘Adrenaline filled’  

‘Very encouraging’

‘A tale of two  halves….that perked up again at the end!’

‘The most extraordinary birthday I’ve ever had’

‘Fun filled & emotional #deep’

‘More than I could ever have hoped for (but Daisy missed me!)’

‘Fantastic learning curve’

‘Enjoyable & proud’

‘Very tiring but great company’

‘Expensive!!!’

‘Hot & sweaty’

‘Dancing couples was the ‘highlight’

Boris commented on how disappointed he was that some of his chums didn’t make it to Blackpool this time and he will be taking the register at the next event!

Please comment on the blog whether you were there in person or not. Or perhaps guess who the comments are from.  Next we have ISTD exams on the weekend of 23^rd & 24^th July. Then we can start to wind down into the summer break.

Chesterfield opens the new term on Sunday 4^th September. Everyone is welcome either to enter the children’s or adult competitions, or come along to the social sequence dance in the early evening where we will have a mix of ballroom, Latin and easy sequence dances.

The topsy turvy year of ISTD qualifying continues, instead of Castleford in February, yesterday we had Doncaster in June. This was the second qualifying opportunity of the year and more dancers were looking to secure their spots for Blackpool in November.

We only had one juvenile dancer today and that was Olivia Hoskin. She performed the Waltz and Cha Cha Cha coming 1st and 2nd respectively out of six and eight competitors. A good start therefore to the day.

Again, we only had one junior dancer and this was Brooke. She achieved a 1st in her Waltz and Rumba (not an easy dance) and a 2nd place in her sequence.

It was then time for the adults and they started the day with their three dance sequence events. Today there were wins for Craig, Paul, Allison and Dennis. Special mention should go to Charlotte, Dawn and Lisa who secured their Blackpool places. Also to Kathryn who tackled the three dance event for the first time and finally to Peter & Carol who partnered each other for the first time in this event. Well done to you all.

Onto the ballroom individual events. Today there were wins for Lisa, Peter, Craig, Chris, Hazel, Allison, Paul, Andrew and Sue.  Then in the Latin individuals there were wins for Irina, Peter, Craig, Chris, Hazel, Allison, Karen, Andrew and Dennis. 

In the couples events, Peter & Carol won both their Tango and Cha Cha Cha.  Whilst the impromptu partnership of Craig & Grace won their Quickstep and Samba with Charlotte & Emily following a close second. Finally Paul & Karen secured a win in their Quickstep and Samba. Special mention should go to Hazel and Kathryn who had their first couples outing together dancing the Samba in preparation for Blackpool.

Today was a new venue for us and whilst it had the benefit of being reasonably local it did pose the challenge of a small dance floor. Everyone coped exceedingly well with this challenge and I was amazed how well everyone fitted their routines around the floor especially those who had to tackle the ballroom Foxtrot and Arcadia Foxtrot.

Thanks as always goes to those who partnered, Ruth, Grace, Craig and Emily. You are all crucial to the overall success of the team and extra thanks to Ruth for managing the clipboard and keeping us all on track.

A few couples are out next weekend at the sequence weekend at Burton on Trent then the next big event for many dancers is the NATD Medallist of the Year, in two weeks time, at the Empress Ballroom in Blackpool. Many extra lessons have been had and with  new dresses, shoes & sparkly jewellery purchased the excitement is steadily building. 

For the select group travelling to Daventry on this sunny Saturday (yes, Saturday!) morning there was one aim – to qualify for NATD Grand Finals in July. Due to illness, unavailability and the competion schedule not quite being back to normal after the disruption of lockdown, this was the last chance for those who had not already secured their Blackpool place to do so. The event, which is traditionally Latin only, even had some Ballroom events added to allow for those final spots to be claimed in both branches.

Daventry is usually a Sunday competion with dancers arriving early to a somewhat sleepy town still waking up, however today we were greeted by the start of a Park Run commencing at the Daventry Leisure Centre! Still, it got us energised and in the right frame of mind for the task ahead.
As we stood in the queue waiting to go into the sports hall, we habitually looked around for the other Duesbury Aldred jackets which means that the team is out in force until we remembered it was just the 2 team members today – Hazel and Jack with support from Jayne and Steve.

Jack was up first to perform his Samba. Although the music was slower he gave a lively solo performance for the audience. Hazel followed not too long after with her Rumba – also a solo performance, which earned extra applause from the crowd!
After the Latin prize presentation we moved onto the Ballroom section of the day. This time, both Hazel and Jack were performing Tango. Again these were solo performances, with both receiving praise regarding their technique. This was wonderful to hear and is reflective of the high standard which our school adheres to.

After the Ballroom prize presentation there was a quick lunch and then having acheived our objective, we moved onto the ‘fun’ events for the day! Those who have been to Daventry before will be familiar with the Jean Johnson Memorial Ragtime Swing event. This is held every year at Daventry in honour of the late Jean Johnson whose favourite dance was Ragtime Swing. There are juvenile, junior and adult events for this. Hazel and Jack decided to make the most of the journey and paired up to take part. They were placed a respectable 5th out of 8 considering neither had done this dance for a considerable time and their only practise together had been 5 minutes before the start of the event!
To finish off the day, there was the “Rose Bowl” event. In this one, a dancer pairs with a non-dancer to do waltz. The dance floor was the most crowded it had been all day and it was great to see everyone beaming as their parents/family/friends took to the floor and had a go. A great way to end a successful day.

Hazel and Jack were both scheduled to be dancing again the next day in Lutterworth, so Boris’ friend Zoe congratulated them on ‘Mission Accomplished’ today and told them to have a relaxing evening to prepare for their second qualifying event in 2 days!! Zoe will need a good rest after 2 solid days of cheering!

Thank you to Ruth for going to Daventry to partner and also sending in this report.

It was the first ISTD qualifier for over two years and also a new venue. Usually this event takes place in Kettering in January but this time it was May and the destination was Lutterworth. It was not as busy as normal but the weather was better than it often is in January and it was nice to be home whilst it was still light! For Jack and Hazel this would be their second event of the weekend having already attended an NATD qualifying event the day before (dedication indeed).

There were some people joining the ISTD Team for the first time, we had Tabatha, Brooke, Kathryn, Lisa and Irina. Along with everyone else they were hoping to secure a place in the Grand Finals event in Blackpool in November.

The Juveniles were the first to take the floor and we only had two dancing today, Tabatha and Kaitlyn. Both won their ballroom events and came fourth in their Latin events. In the couples they came second in ballroom and 4th again on Latin. In the sequence unfortunately they were the only competitors but they danced well, unfazed by having the floor to themselves. In the end Kaitlyn, having more experience in these, events came out the winner.

In the Juniors events we had Chloe and Brooke dancing. Brooke doing these events for the first time won both her ballroom and Latin events. Chloe was third in ballroom and then fifth in Latin. In their couples event they finished with a second in ballroom and third in Latin. In the sequence events there are no grades, so they were in the same event and this time Chloe took first place and Brooke was runner up.

Many of the adult events were straight finals today but nevertheless there were still some good dancers to be beaten to achieve a win. Two of our new adults, Lisa and Kathryn made the finals of both their ballroom and Latin events, with Lisa winning the Latin section. Both had to dance a round in order to make a final. The only other individual event with a recall to the final was the over 50 years in which Carol and Peter both made the final finishing second and fourth respectively in both events.

Winners today in the individual ballroom and Latin events were Paige, Lisa, Rosalind, Emma, Chris, Hazel, Grace P, Josh, Carla, Dennis, Jack, Serena, Allison and Karen. In the couples events there were also wins for Craig & Emma, Peter & Carol, Josh & Grace and Paul & Karen.

We had the monopoly on the sequence events today filling both the Under 35 years, Over 35 years and Over 50 years finals. Josh, Paul and Carla winning their events. We also had the inaugural Over 65 years sequence event and Dennis had the honour of being the very first winner of this event.

Of course we had a full turnout of bears for this important outing including a new addition to the team who said she was made to feel most welcome by the others. They rather liked the chairs since they didn’t fall through the back of these.

We had a number of people taking on the responsibility for partnering others today alongside competing themselves; Grace P, Josh, Craig, Emma, Emily and Jack. Thank you all for your help on the day and coming along to lessons to practice. Thank you also, of course to Liam for his partnering on the day and being available for lessons with those he was partnering.

The next ISTD qualifier is in June so make sure you have the date in your diaries.

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.

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.

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.