OUR TORQUAY WEEKEND - AUGUST 2010
Friday dawned and at last, our long-awaited weekend trip had arrived. There was much excitement in the preceding weeks and everyone was gearing up to having a great time.
The first hurdle, that of getting down to the west country, on a Friday, in the middle of summer was accomplished without too much trouble for most people – especially for those who arrived early and were able to enjoy their lunch on the seafront in the warm sunshine.
The weekend began with a wine reception (starting us off how we meant to continue!) and on into dinner in the award-winning restaurant. An evening of dancing followed with great music being played by our DJ Richard to put us in the mood, as if we weren’t already! Everyone dressed up, shone their shoes and strutted their stuff – (I’m sure we’ve never taught some of those moves!).
The following morning started early (before breakfast!) with a full-on Zumba Dance Fitness Class to get those bodies moving – having been bullied or coerced the previous day, it was great that nearly everyone set their alarms and pulled themselves out of bed to make it down on time, not least, yours truly. Fun and exhilarating - it was a great way to start the day!
The following morning started early (before breakfast!) with a full-on Zumba Dance Fitness Class to get those bodies moving – having been bullied or coerced the previous day, it was great that nearly everyone set their alarms and pulled themselves out of bed to make it down on time, not least, yours truly. Fun and exhilarating - it was a great way to start the day!
After a huge breakfast, that we then felt justified in eating, ballroom classes were held throughout the morning providing something for everyone and much ‘food for thought’ (‘scuse the pun, couldn’t resist it!) The afternoon was free for everyone to do their own thing and explore the lovely town and seafront of Torquay. Of course, the dedicated took advantage of the time to take in some private lessons!
Another great dinner in the restaurant was followed by a second evening of dancing – although it was noticeable in the first half of the evening that the energy levels were definitely depleted from the first night! We were all waiting with anticipation for our treat – a ballroom demonstration from top amateur couple Richard Still and Morgan. They didn’t disappoint – five fabulous dances – a giddy Viennese waltz; foxtrot, which just glided smoothly across the floor; romantic English waltz; exciting and sultry tango all followed by a quickstep where people were laying odds that their feet never touched the ground – fantastic! Richard kept us entertained between dances with his repartee whilst Morgan changed into one gorgeous frock after another at breakneck speed. Their performance was greeted with resounding applause at appropriate junctures and they fully deserved their presentation at the end. Once we had recovered our breath the evening then continued unabated but with a new energy and determination – hope it lasts through to the Autumn Term!
Sunday morning dawned and the stalwarts made it down to another Zumba class – a few more were planning to make it but staying up to the wee small hours supping had taken its inevitable toll… However, there was work to be done and a full morning of latin classes followed.
The weekend completed with a scrummy Bistro lunch to set everyone up for their journey home.
Thank you, everyone, for making the weekend such a fantastic success and for the presentation made to us the following week, it was much appreciated. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves immensely and we know we did! Thank you, also, to our hotel that did such a fantastic job for us and the food was awesome – thank goodness we were using so much energy!
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS COURTESY OF: AHMET MEHMET, MIKE BARLOW, PETER LAWSON, SIMON FOSTER AND STEVE MASTERS