U16's Nationwide Latin Qualifying 2005/06
Sunday 20th November 2005 : Haywards Heath
Updates... Thanks to Connor and Jaimie for your updates
Match Report
It was an icy cold morning, a thick white mist hung low over the West Sussex plains causing the bright sun to shimmer and sparkle in the drivers eyes as a convoy of cars made their way, winding down the M20 to Haywards Heath. The dancers glanced out of their windows as the countryside slipped by, nervously reaching out for dresses and shirts neatly pressed on the seats beside them. From all over the area the combatants were converging ready to do battle, the scene was set, the clock was ticking. (Seriously though, did anyone else think the view coming down the M20 was pretty spectacular?)
Up and down the country childrens's Latin qualifiers are always some of the toughest competitions of the year, and this was no exception. Though to the spectators the temperature of hall was definitely on the cold side of comfortable, the dancers toes were soon warmed up as everyone put their all into their dancing. The Medallist events, which were on first, slipped past in what seemed like a flash as all attention focused on the main event of the day, the Nationwide qualifying.
For many, the highlight of the day was watching Mark, Gilli and Paula partnering the stardancers. It's not often we get to see our esteemed teachers take to the competition floor together and it was great to see them prove that they can remember the Tango and Paso routines even under all that pressure. Mark, of course, was back out with what seemed like a never ending stream of partners but even at the end of the day his feet were still moving too fast for me to get an un-blurred photo fitness is clearly not a problem for him.
Of course the children were dancing as well, but we already know how great they are so I don't think I need to dwell on it.
Finally, and surprisingly quickly, came the couples events. By this time all the nervous energy had been used up, the cold had once more descended on the hall and all minds were turned towards the results, so these last dances passed in a blur (actually I went to get some food so missed most of it, can someone please write a report? - Connor keeps promising but never delivers).
Updates
Thanks to Connor for this special update on the couple events
Ok, well I can't really remember much of it, well me and Jemma came 2nd, to a couple from Diamonds, but all credit goes to Chris and Jamie, they danced absolutely fabulously, amazingly well. They got into the semi final, well done, you deserved to get where u did, I'm sure everyone agrees. As I said I'm not sure about the little ones, I'm sure they did well though, and well done to everyone that qualified, u all deserved it. Bi bi c ya later people. 'Av it Wright Rhythm
Another update from Jamie, many thanks once again.
Hi it's Jamie, just to let you know that me and Chris got into a semi-final and Connor and Jemma came second. I don't think any one else got through sorry if any one did I can't remember. x
Qualifiers
Congratulations to everyone who qualified, a great achievement