Viewed 13683 times by 2416 viewers

What lay ahead of us was beyond all our expectations as we knew that there were going to be hundreds of keep fit fanatics showing us what they do but choreographed into precise routines. Teams from around the British Isles and also from Germany showed us how we could have fun and keep fit at the same time. The capacity crowds cheered as each team took to the floor but not even us as parents were ready for the roar that the Encore Formation Team received as they performed their famous Chicago routine. Louder than the cheers at Blackpool the kids showed the crowds why they have been crowned Junior and Adult formation champions of 2007. This was to be the dress rehearsal for the up coming Open British Championships and what a way to do it.

I hope you enjoy the photos. I was sat in the Gods as there was simply no room anywhere else so they are a bit dark.

Photos - Click Here

 Viewed 18275 times by 3150 viewers

As we walked into the Ballroom it was an amazing sight, flags hanging, people cheering, the atmosphere was electric.  We were totally blown away with the venue and atmosphere.  In truth, we didn’t expect much from any of the events Jessica and Callum had entered but wanted them just to have fun, we were so happy to be there and they danced 100% in every dance.  I don’t deny a tear rolled down my cheek wishing dad was here by my side.

When the dancing started we were blown away with such a high standard of all the competitors. Wow, i couldn’t believe my eyes, everyone was amazing. On a personal note tho, I would like to congratulate every British competitor for their outstanding performances and professionalism both on and off the floor.  They all looked immaculately presented, well mannered and happy to be there.  The support that the children gave to each other was commendable.  I was very proud of them all and it was lovely to stand back and admire the way these children conducted themselves.  WELL DONE KIDS!!!!!

When it was time for the Team Matches i couldn’t believe how proud i felt of these kids in our Teams, how well they danced and conducted themselves, how stunning they looked in their matching red and blue dresses for Juniors and white for the Juveniles and how good the two mascots were under such pressure.  Well done to all of you that took part in the Team Match and to the brilliant supporters that were cheering you along all the way.  I was very proud to have witnessed this event.

I truly couldn’t imagine that there could not be another venue in the World that is better than the Tower Ballroom to hold a dancing competition. All the amenities required are so close at hand, the restaurant, bars, rest rooms, live band, great organisation and atmosphere and it was great to see our kids relax when they were not competing, i noticed that Jungle Jims was a great success!!!!   Well done kids, you enjoyed yourselves on and off the floor.

One of my biggest memories of the week would have to be how much everyone, both kids and parents, supported and helped each other,  I didn’t know how i would feel being their all week not really knowing many people yet, but i shouldn’t have worried, everyone was so friendly to us.  I would like to especially thank Ritchie and Clara’s parents who were very supportive and for making me so welcome to join them and for my friend Celine.  Many thanks gang.

After four days of dancing it was a great idea to have the disco for the kids to let their hair down after all the hard work and pressure that they had had.  All nationalities danced together on the floor having a great time.  Even the stewards and some of the judges joined in with the kids having a laugh and dancing to the YMCA and many others, it was great to see everyone having fun.  Ten out of ten for you all.  I even joined in the dancing myself, i was on the top balcony so no one could see me though.  I didn’t want to embarrass Jessica.

The last day came and it was kind of sad, having had such a good time watching all the kids dancing and in such a great atmosphere, having got ourselves into a great routine for the day and seeing Jessica make so many new friends and meeting old friends too.  Neil (cool-dad) had rushed up from Nottingham on hearing the news that Jess and Callum had made round 2 in the jive, sadly a traffic jam on the M6 stopped him seeing the kids dance, I know he was gutted!!     At the end of the day we left our kids to say their goodbyes to their friends, whilst we once again trundled back to the apartment heavily laden with bags and costumes.

What a great week we had there, once again well done to all the kids that participated and especially to Jessica & cal, your Dadda would have been very proud of you darling.

Coolmum

 Viewed 28805 times by 4466 viewers

The ever enthusiastic Martin Cutler took to the stage and became the warm up act, synonymous with large events like Strictly Come Dancing live but in my opinion much better at the job.

The night kicked off in no other place but the bar. It was buzzing with excitement and anticipation but we didn’t have to wait long as we were ushered into the spacious hall. Some people were so excited that they even left their expensive camera in the bar area..mentioning no names. Unlike all the other events, the hall was laid out like a theatre and this gave us plenty of room to sit and also great vantage points to see the fabulous dancing.

And for their first dance, came the announcement, we have our baby ballroom finalists Rebecca and Jourdan. Their outstanding knowledge of the fundamentals of dance was a joy to see, and as Martin stated, who could forget that infectious smile from Rebecca. Next to follow was a new Junior partnering of Ben and Kelsey. This petite couple have only just gone up to the junior ranks and what a future they have ahead of them.

Not unlike a competition the next to dance were the youths and just like their younger friends they gave a show that was fit for a variety performance. Our couples for the evening were; Stef and Jenny, Dan and Monique, Rob and May, Dan and Steph and David and Danni.

On completion of the Ballroom section of the evening we were presented with the first of three formation teams, Rhythm. Dress in Black and Gold fringed trouser suits they took their places for a beautifully executed routine. This team along with the younger junior team - Lions - are due to compete at the National Junior championships during the Easter week at Blackpool and our luck goes to each and every one. The Lions are the youngest of the three teams but never the less they are precise and dedicated. You cannot help but adore the stunning outfits that have been made by Carol Cutler.

As the evening progressed we were entertained by the dancers Latin skills with lifts spins and fancy footwork. This was topped off by the reigning Junior and Adult British Latin American Formation Team namely Encore. Their performance was as always one to get the crowds clapping and whooping along to the catchy tunes of Chicago.

And finally……well what can I say. No it wasn’t one of the usual performances you would expect at a do like this but something much better. We were privileged to witness the skills and agilities of the beautiful Morgan Hemphill and the cheeky Richard Still. Unfortunately I had to leave before their Latin but if the ballroom was anything to go by then the crowds were in for a real treat. This couple have graced many a ballroom on a Sunday and it still has me staring in awe as they float around the room with such ease.

And finally……Thanks must go out to Isobel Warwick for her tireless efforts in organising the kids and the star attractions….oh and to keep us all under control.

Lots of DanceTalk Love… Toddy!

 Viewed 29709 times by 4568 viewers

Simon, put that chest away before you scare our guests….. The universities of England held their annual competition at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool this Saturday and whata great time they had.

Familiar faces can be seen I especially like Simon Douglas who used to partner Bianca Grover. Oh how sexy you look now.

 Viewed 12255 times by 2070 viewers