FOXTROT BEGINNERS’ WORKSHOP and SUMMER SOCIAL

During July and August we had three special sessions which were dedicated to the most beautiful, yet the most complex, of all the ballroom dances, the Slow Foxtrot.

All the sessions were well attended and together we learnt a basic routine and tackled some of the technique and musical aspects involved.  It was difficult for most people but also fun (with many bruised toes) but it gave us a good insight into what’s required before we can say, with pride, we can foxtrot!

After the last session we all went along to the adjacent pub next door and enjoyed a really nice relaxing dinner socialising with all our compatriots.  

2009

U.K. OPEN 10 DANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS

In October a party of us squeezed into a large minibus and travelled to Frimley to watch the UK 10-Dance Championships.  These championships attract a large number of international competitors to what, is basically, a small competition (in international terms).  However, the standard is very high as this competition is used as a dress rehearsal for the major International Championships held the following week.  Margaret takes up the story...

On 10th October we joined a group of Jennie & Richard’s pupils for a day out at a dancing competition at Lakeside.  

Despite our early start, the competition was in full swing when we arrived and it took a little while for us to get to grips with the programme.  Some of the competitions were so well supported that there were a number of heats and then semi finals before the final competition in the different categories.  We were surprised to find that we, the spectators, were sitting alongside the entrants and their entourages, frocks, shoes, make-up, etc.  This made us feel involved in the competition and Paul and I were hoping that the young East European couple based at our table with their mothers would do well in their competition.  They made it through to the final but didn’t win a prize, they were robbed!  We discovered that the dancing world is a very international one and there were competitors from all over the world with a large far eastern contingent, in fact I don’t think there were many UK entrants.

The standard of dancing throughout was very high and some of the competitors looked barely teenage if that.  Later on we watched a senior competition proving to us that we mustn’t give up yet…  We were very impressed that so many dancers on a relatively small dance floor could perform their routines without any major collisions but don’t envy the judges who have a very difficult job.  

It was late when we left but the dancing was still going strong and we never found out who won the later competitions.  Overall we had a very tiring but enjoyable day full of colour and movement and we all came home with music ringing in our ears, they really must find another tune for that paso doble!