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Modern and Classical Sequence Finals 2007/08

Weekend 24th - 25th October 2009 : Winter Gardens, Blackpool

Match Report

For a few years now Bec, and sometimes a couple of others, have been making an annual trip up to Blackpool to compete in something known as the IDTA Nationwide Modern and Classical Sequence finals.  Well, for the first time this year Wright Rhythm sent an official team to represent the school...

What is Modern and Classical Sequence anyway?

Modern and Classical Sequence is a branch of dance covered by the IDTA in much the same was as Ballroom and Latin.  Basically there are two forms - 'Modern Sequence' and 'Classical Sequence' or 'Old Time', in each of these forms couples dance together, like in Ballroom and Latin, but, rather than being free to make up their own routines and interpret the music as they want, they must all dance the same sixteen bars of steps at the same time.  There are hundreds of different routines that may be danced and for competitions four are selected for each age group to be danced on the day and the couple that dances them to the highest technical standard will win the competition.  the difference between the 'Modern' and 'Classical' sequence is that Modern Sequence routines are based on the standard Ballroom and Latin Dances we all know (Waltz, Cha cha, Tango, Rumba etc) whereas Classical Sequence is based on older forms of dance such as the Gavotte, the Saunter and the Two Step. 

Wright Rhythm does sequence

Inspired by Bec's enthusiasm for sequence dancing, Gilli and Paula decided it was time Wright Rhythm branched out into this different form of dancing (not an entirely new experience for them as they had previously made the leap from Disco to Ballroom and Latin with the success we all enjoy now).  So the challenge was laid down to all dancers to go along to the qualifiers and see what we could do.  A small but high quality group took up this challenge and having been thrown in at the deep end - straight into the qualifying event - proved themselves equal to it by all managing to qualify!  Unfortunately, although they qualified in great style, Thee and Ryan weren't able to make it to the finals due to illness so the team that made the trip to Blackpool was:

• Carys Woods
• Alexandra Withers
• Alex Cane
• Lizzie Harrison
• Rebecca Emmott
• Steve Payne
• Peter Normand

They also had an enthusiastic support team behind then cheering every step of the way right through to 5am on Sunday morning!

Results

For a first official outing Wright Rhythm came back with some very credible results and a not inconsiderate amount of silverware.  Full results can be found at http://www.scrutelle.info/results/estelle/2009/nationwide_sequence/index.htm.

There was also a special U25 Veleta event in which Lizze came =25th and Alex came =13th.  All round a good set of results and a great platform to build on for next year.