U16 Latin Qualifying
Sunday 19th November 2006 : Haywards Heath
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Well, in the words of Craig Gravel-Hardwood (or whatever his name is)... Absolutely Phenomenal!
The pressure was really on for the U16 Latin team on Sunday - following great success at both the U16 Ballroom qualifying and the Adult qualifying expectations were very high and as the team assembled in the morning the atmosphere was electric and you could cut the tension with a knife (possibly an electric knife? - sorry).
With several dancers for whom this would be the first time stepping out onto the competitive dance floor it was great to see the experienced team members offering so much support and encouragement and the confidence with which even the youngest members took to the floor was a testament to everyone involved. I'm sure there were some, quite rightly, very proud parents.
Solo Events
The day began (too early as usual) with the solo events and you could immediately see that it was going to be a good day. Time after time the cheers went up from the Wright Rhythm corner as our numbers were recalled, it seems (in fact I think it was true) that every competition we entered we had someone in the final ending up with no less than seven, yes seven firsts! A convincing performance by any standard. Our finalists were:
- Rhianna Gander - 5th in the girls 3-5 years rosettes - definitely a star of the future here.
- Ryan Celiman - 5th in the boys 3-5 years rosettes - another one to watch out for, Jon needs to watch his back.
- Carys Woods - 1st in the girls 6-10 years stardance - outstanding performance, we need to see this every time you dance!
- Nichole Wimble - 4th in the girls 6-10 years stardance - another great result from a supremely consistent performer.
- Jon Williams - 5th in the boys 6-10 years stardance - keep it coming Jon and we'll see you climbing the leader-board.
- Holly Freeman - 1st in the girls 12 and under bronze - is there no stopping this girl?
- Alexandra Withers - 3rd in the girls 12 and under silver - going from strength to strength every week.
- Chris Williams - 1st in the boys 13-16 years silver - superb dancing, justified result.
- Charlotte Field & Ashleigh Frost - joint 1st in the girls 16 and under silver - taking the field apart.
- Connor McCabe - 1st in the boys 13-16 years gold - need I say more.
- Jemma Stripling - 1st in the girls 13-16 years gold - another champions performance.
Qualifying
So having got off to a flying start and and with confidence running high the focus turned to the main event of the day - the qualifying competitions with the prize of a place at the nationwide finals in Blackpool next April. This is always one of the most hotly contested competitions of the year and nothing can be taken for granted so it was important that everyone be dancing to the best of their abilities - fortunately everyone was. No less than 17 - count them - 17 qualifiers! Even those that didn't qualify came close with many being included in dance-offs so I can confidently predict great things for them at next years event. The qualifiers were:
- Charley Sheriff
- Rhianna Gander
- Ryan Celiman
- Carys Woods
- Mary Castle
- Nichole Wimble
- Nadia Desouza
- Jon Williams
- Alexandra Withers
- Hannah Brown
- Hannah Bonner
- Holly Freeman
- Connor McCabe
- Chris Williams
- Jemma Stripling
- Ashleigh Frost
- Charlotte Field
This means there will be 41 competitors representing Wright Rhythm at the Nationwide finals in April with many competing in both the Ballroom and Latin competitions - it should be a fantastic weekend!
Couples
The day finished with the couples events but I've been promised a report from a special guest reporter for this section so I'll leave it to them to tell you about it - please check back soon.
Photos