Nicky Miles
Sunday 23rd October 2005 : Sittingbourne
Match Report
Phew! What a tough competition! I think everyone competing must have gained a couple of fitness points trying to 'glide' across a floor that seemed to want to hold on to your feet! Not that it phased everyone though, there were some who made it look positively easy! In fact at least one person was so flushed with success at his first comp, he was still trying to get over it on Tuesday.
Apart from the floor (maybe we need to start a nationwide campaign for real ballrooms) the day ran as smoothly as ever and I really must pay tribute to Nicky for running such excellent and regular competitions. It's no easy task (I have first hand experience) and they are such fun social occasions and great practice for the 'big' comps that we really do appreciate them, even if we seem to complain a lot (the floor's sticky, it's too hot, there's no bacon sandwiches, the paparazzi are such a menace, where are the fresh flowers in the changing room?). The other person who I think deserves mention is 'Keith the doorman' (sorry Keith I don't know who you really are), he tirelessly works the floor getting people cheering, dancing and bringing smiles to everyone's faces. If only for your cheerleading to 'Hey Baby' and 'reach', Keith, we salute you.
So, that was the competition, but what about Wright Rhythm, with some familiar faces missing from the lineup could they produce the kind of quality dancing we've come to expect? Well, as you'll have guessed from the first paragraph, of course they could! However, at the start of the day you might not have thought that was going to be the case! Paula had had a fight with her alarm clock and, as the competition began, she was still racing down the motorway to get to Sittingbourne. Fortunately all was not lost. Chaos was averted by the cool, calm and collected presence of Rob... yes you did read that right it was Rob who, in the hour of need, quietly stepped up to the plate, pen in one hand, papers in the other, like a knight of old with trusty sword and shield (maybe) and ensured that everyone was on the floor at the right time, with the right partner, doing the right dance. With the girls all lined up for Bec's makeup masterclass, everyone went on to the floor looking their best and ready to impress.
And impress they did, the old guard of Conner & Jemma, Carys & Nichole etc. stormed the floor as we always expect, but this was also a competition for the unsung heroes... Holly made the finals in both Ballroom and Latin, no mean feat in such a tough age group, clearly this girl is going places. In another hard fought competition Alexandra was one of only four recalled to the final. Steve, in his first ever competition, made the finals in every event he entered (clearly a bit too clever for his own good!) and Linda is getting very used to being at the front of the queue when they hand out the prizes! So, you see, even with a lot of the regulars missing Wight Rhythm have proven they have the strength and depth to still put on a strong show.
Finally, I couldn't finish this report without mentioning three other significant events. Firstly, Becs demonstration of how to get changed in front of a room full of people while still preserving her modesty (and with only minimal help for Pete, who knew better than to try and take photographs, despite some unkind others who suggested it might be amusing)! Secondly, the most amazing dancehall picnic I have ever seem laid on by Steve and Angela, I was fully expecting a tablecloth and the finest china to make an appearance - very impressive. Lastly, a fight to death (almost) between Ashleigh and gravity. Unfortunately I didn't witness this myself but the tale, as I understand it, goes something like this: Ashleigh was walking along, minding her own business when out jumped a vicious wet paper towel which brutally attacked the bottom of her foot, she had no chance and despite her best efforts to fend off her attacker she was overcome and brought to the floor. Fortunately she sustained only minor injuries and in a defiant gesture, she was later able to laugh at here near death (maybe) experience. Well, I'm not quite sure that's exactly what happened but I'm expecting an eyewitness report from Connor which should clear it up.
Photos