Lesley Dodd
Sunday 4th December 2005 : Maidstone
Update... Amazingly, Mr David Hasselhoff turned up to this comp! I didn't see him myself, but he kindly wrote a short update to the report...
This competition's report comes from special guest reporter Phil Maglassop! Hmmm.... Do I detect a pseudonym ? Nevermind, it's a fab writeup for the last competition of the year and we look forward to hearing more from 'Phil' next year. Thanks Phil!
By the way, the absence of photos is due to the fact that I forgot my camera (report photos from library stock) so if anyone has any good ones, please send them along
Match Report
It was a cold, grey, misty morning in early December, when Wright Rhythm once again made its way to another competition. All the dancers were keen to see what this new venue would be like. Would the standard be high? Would the judges be stingy? Would the floor be sticky or slippery? The parents were equally concerned. Was it going to be cold? Will we get a good seat? Will we be out in time to beat the Sunday night traffic? As the fog started to clear, and the sun began to peek over the horizon we all arrived, adults and juveniles alike, at the NLL Cornwallis School, and began our race for the choice seats. Luckily I think we succeeded. The school was right in the centre of the floor, perfect for taking pictures, and wasn't on the main traffic area for dancers who wanted to get changed, or parents who wanted to nip out for a quite bite to eat. We were set for the day.
The school got off to a great start with the juvenile solo rounds, where some of our regulars once again displayed their skills in attracting the attention of the judges. As the day progressed into the juvenile couples and junior rounds it became clear, even before results were announced, that Wright Rhythm had the upper hand. Connor achieving a resounding victory in his paso doble. It is evident we have some stars amongst our ranks.
Just past lunch time it was decided to have the fun dances. A junior with a juvenile, an adult with a junior/juvenile, and a six legged jive. However, this was no simple competition. Competitors had to think on their feet. They had to dance in non-ballroom hold, back-to-back, and wait for it ... with only two feet in contact with the floor at any one time. This did not phase our veterans, who not only accomplished this without batting an eyelid, but managed to do it whilst tactically chasing the judges round the floor to catch their attention. They did not achieve this alone though, our school showed its team spirit by cheering them on from the side lines, and indicating to Matthew Cutler and Isabella Hannah who the logical choices were for a final. Results time came, and it appears that Wright Rhythm has a competitor or couple in the final of every event they entered. A force to be reckoned with!
It reaches three o'clock, the room is now warmed up by the mornings activity, and the floor is nicely polished by the multitude of little feet that have passed over it. Now it is time for the oldies. They've had plenty of warm up time, (Six hours of warm up time) and they were rearing to go. This is the first competition for a number of newly formed partnerships, and an opportunity for all to see how their standard has improved since Reading. Missing some of our familiar faces, our team began its assault. When Wright Rhythm enters a competition, they do it in style. Not only did our U35 ladies get into the final, and not only did they dominate, Wright Rhythm owned it. There was no other school involved. The affair became more of a demonstration than a competition. Particular praise amongst the ladies must go to Theodora, and Lisa for winning their events, and to Linda and Sylvia for coming a close second and third in theirs. Amongst the couples, although it was evident that the routines were new, it is clear that there is potential, and all may walk away feeling encouraged. There is definitely a war amongst the adult dancers/couples for top spot. Each set of results was a shake up, with a new competitor winning each event.
Six o'clock and all is finished for the day. The hall is cleared, everyone is content and on their way home with a sackful of prizes, ready for a good nights sleep in preparation for their next lesson.
That was the last competition of 2005, but we have the Medal Test soon, so good luck to all those taking theirs this time. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone. Hope you have a great holiday.
Update
Thanks to David Hasselhoff for this update...
Hi Guys, I would just like to elaborate on Phil's report with some more results in the couples ballroom: Pete and Thee came first, Kyle and Rebecca came second, Frazer and Jamie came third Ben and Lisa came fourth and Kelly and Danielle came fifth then some other couple came sixth in the latin the top two couples stayed the same but Ben and Lisa shot up to third, Kelly and Danielle came fourth and Frazer and Jamie came sixth but after talking to Frazer it sounds like he is raring to go and won't be beaten again in the latin and he isn't going to let his position in the ballroom go down either. Talk to you guys l8a, bye