Modern and Classical Sequence Finals 2006/07
Weekend 29th - 30th October 2006 : The Winter Gardens, Blackpool
Match Report
The Modern and Classical Sequence branches of ballroom dance are much neglected by the IDTA schools in the south of England so it was a some-what reduced Wright Rhythm team that set forth for Blackpool last weekend. That's not to say, however, that it is in any way a lesser sport and the small band travelled intrepidly into the heart of a country that takes it's gavottes, two-steps, balancés and pas-de-basques very seriously (that is 'the North'). Fortunately Bec, Keiran and I were amongst friends and a tribute must be paid to the fine folks of Dentonia for their unstinting support - we'll make sure we bring our cheering voices for you in April.
What is 'sequence dancing' anyway?
As you probably guessed from the title of the competition, sequence dancing falls into of two styles. Modern Sequence consists of the ballroom and latin dances you know and love (Waltz, Cha cha etc.) but in set sixteen bar routines that are repeated in time to specially phrased music so everyone is doing the same steps at the same time. There are hundreds of these routines and each one has a name such as 'Edenside Rumba', 'Tango Anaconda' etc. a competition is usually made up of four dances, two ballroom and two latin which the competitors learn in advance of the event. Some say this form of dancing is the true test of who is the best dancer (as opposed to good at doing lots of fancy kicks, flicks and tricks) others that it takes all the passion, interpretation and feeling out of dancing, either way - it certainly makes you work on you basics.
Classical Sequence, or 'Old Time' as it is sometimes known, also consists of set sixteen bar routines but the dances are Gavottes, Two-steps, Saunters and others developed from the old court dances of England and France in the 1600s. These dances call for a different, but complimentary set of skills to the modern sequence, calling for relaxed elegance underpinned by rock solid balance and posture and highly precise footwork.
The competition
So, I've already said that sequence dancing is much bigger in the North than in the South but it is very popular and the impressive venue of the Winter Gardens was almost as full as the ballroom and latin finals in April and the atmosphere was just as heady. Not being able to watch the only couple from Wright Rhythm (as I was part of it) it's difficult to comment objectively, so I'll just say that I managed to retain both my modern and classical sequence U35 man titles for the third year running, something I couldn't done without Bec's hard work and bullying of me! For her part, Bec made her first Blackpool final and came a thoroughly deserved 4th in a really tough U35 lady classical sequence competition.
Full results can be found at www.scrutelle.info.
Photos
Many thanks to Keiran 'papparazzi' Smith as official Wright Rhythm fan club and photographer for the weekend. This means the rare 'treat?' - photos of me and Bec dancing!