DanceRite

Text By Georgie Holder

Georgie Holder, a pupil in our childrens' event, report from the Saturday competition.

After a busy, yet enjoyable weekend with a lot of preparation that went towards it, I would like to share the experience of the event on Saturday 5^th November.

I was competing in the ISTD finals which were held in Blackpool. The DanceRite youth were represented by Rhys, James, Amy and I. We all travelled up to Blackpool on the Friday which was a very long drive and I was glad when we arrived as we had an early start the next day, so it was definitely worth it.

We were able to see the illuminations this year which were very impressive with the trams brightly lit as they went past. This year was especially exciting as we were dancing in a new venue, Winter Gardens’ - Empress Ballroom. The day started at 6am, having to make sure everything was in place and was set for the day that was ahead of me. I felt a sense of excitement and stress, purely because I wanted everything to go as planned (making sure the false eyelashes were secured)! Arriving at the venue, I didn’t know what to expect. I had heard that it was very large and I can say now that I agree!

This was when the nerves kicked in but entering the ballroom, the atmosphere in there was fantastic! The ballroom was amazing and very grand with the chandeliers hanging from the decorative ceiling and I must say that it was a lot warmer than last year where we danced in the Blackpool Tower ballroom.

There were so many competitors; girls in beautiful dresses and boys wearing their smart attire. Despite that, the competition was very tough. Each pupil danced extremely well and turned out looking very smart. All of us were enjoying the experience of dancing in such an important place.

The day included of a lot of waiting around but it was good to know that you had the support from all DanceRite members. The competition soon ended and I was tired having danced all day, but there was no way I could sleep just yet as I had to go and get ready for the evening where professionals did an incredible Latin demonstration. This show left the audience in awe. My day was soon over and it was now time for me to support the adults in their competition the following day...

Adults

Text By Justine Nicholls

With clear roads, sunny skies and much anticipation we arrive in Blackpool. I can’t believe a year has passed since we all met at the Tower Ballroom last time. This year we are competing at a different venue, the equally famous Winter Gardens.

It’s Saturday and after a bite to eat at the hotel it’s into a dress for the evening’s grand dance. Arriving at the Winter Gardens I am breath taken at the venue. It’s lighter and brighter than the Tower Ballroom. The floor is huge with amazing chandeliers and decor. I can’t wait to get onto the dance floor. The DanceRite crowd arrive; all look like myself, apprehensive and excited about the competition ahead. The evening is punctuated by a professional demonstration by world champion Latin dancers Maurizio Vescova and Andra Vaidilaite who wow the crowd with an effortless and faultless performance, accompanied with the live music from Ashley Frohlick and the Empress Orchestra. The evening is a wonderful occasion with dancing, chatting and discussing any potential beauty dilemmas we may have. As they say a problem shared is a problem halved. As much as I could have danced the night away I made the decision to wave the white flag and go back to the hotel and TRY to get a good night’s sleep.

After a sleepless night the alarm at 6am comes too soon. Where do I start? After a quick coffee I focus and the process of getting ready begins. All goes well until an errant eyelash crawls off to hide. Unfazed I carry on and I’m finally ready (I think). Knots and butterflies Kung –fu fighting in my stomach prevent me from any breakfast and the taxi arrives.

A short drive and we are back at the Winter Gardens where the sequence dancing is in full swing. With an hour to my first heat I try to relax, but it’s hard. There is so much to think about, so many steps in my head. I change into my dress and the DanceRite collective gather and a buzz fills the hall. 9.25am, I’m off and running (well dancing!!). Others begin their dance journey and collectively we look amazing. Satin and sequins as far as the eye can see. The morning continues, everyone in the zone, dancing the best that they can. However there are tears and tantrums (another school!!) as dancers perform running repairs and adjustments to hair, make-up and dresses.

I make the semi final in Quickstep but that’s where it ends, so I have a four hour break. A bracing walk on the pier some hot doughnuts and Starbucks’ Mocha set me up for the afternoon’s Latin session.

I change into my Latin dress – another dress malfunction ... I quickly change to another dress and I’m ready. The heats go well and the DanceRite gang throw themselves into their Latin dances. Suddenly – KAPOW!! Fredric takes a hand or fist to the face by another couple. This dancing business is dangerous – Note to self, gum shield required for the next competition! However after a short interlude and a towel full of ice, Fredric is ready to dance again.

I get through my heats in Latin but again only as far as the semi finals, so my Blackpool journey for this year is over.

I have really enjoyed it and have loved dancing at the Winter Gardens. As for all the dancers; some win and some don’t, but it’s not for the want of trying and most people leave with the attitude “well there’s always next year”.

Pierre de Courbatien founder of the International Olympic Committee said “It’s not the winning it’s the taking part” and I think that’s a pretty good creed to have when thinking about Blackpool. Everybody wants to win but remember we are up against the best amateur dancers in the country. I know people would have left Blackpool deflated, disappointed and upset, me being one. Having said that, it’s not about who beats who, it’s about being able to do what we love, to dance. I hope you agree.

I will end by saying that everyone did their best and you can do no more. You all looked amazing and danced your feet sore. You are all champions in my eyes.

It goes without saying we all owe a massive debt of gratitude to Vicki, Fredric and Jonathan who as we know without their guidance and support, many of us would not even get the opportunity to even dance in Blackpool. Our many thanks and best wishes from all of us to you.

RESULT

Social Dance Test		Ballroom	Latin
Juvenile
	Amy
	James
Under 35
	David
	Laura
	Matilda
	Natalia
	Rachel	6
	Roman		5
	Stuart
	Tamsyn
Over 35
	Amanda	6
	Carl
Over 50
	Lindy	7	6
Pre Bronze
Juvenile
	Rhys
Under 35
	Justine
	Victoria	2
Over 35
	Jo
	Julie	3	6
	Simon	6
	Suzanne
Pre Bronze
Over 50
	Florence	3	3
Bronze
Under 35
	Camilla	3
Over 35
	Ben	3
Over 50
	Mike
	Teresa		3
Silver
Under 35
	Dan
	Joanna
Over 35
	Amanda
	Andrea
Gold
Junior
	Georgie
Over 35
	Christine
	Sandy	2	2
Gold Star
Over 50
	Sheila	5	5