News

COUNTRY AND WESTERN DAY 16TH OCTOBER 2011

It was the first time that I had attended this event and I was so impressed. The Kirkby Suite was full of enthusiastic dancers, most dressed as cowboys, indians, and other western style subjects. Linda Smith was on the stage demonstrating the dances, Gill was on the music, and the floor was packed with people all working in precision with the line dances.

Tables around the floor were decorated in country and western themes, many decorated with fairy lights, flags, western toys, etc. , and everyone was enjoying the fabulous atmosphere. I had the difficult task of choosing the best dressed table, and also the best costume at the event. Very difficult, but eventually I chose two very worthy winners.

I really enjoyed the Trilogy tribute during the afternoon, which was a very moving tribute and included the firing of gunshots, and all taking part in this must be commended.

Although the Country and Western Branch of the association do not have an actual committee, full credit must go to Linda and her small team who organize these days. They not only raise money for charity, but also give our members another popular branch of dancing they can become a part of.

The next event will take place in March, and anyone interested in attending can get further details from Linda Smith or our General Secretary, Carol Parry.

Chris Booth
President
 

SEQUENCE DAY at Alford Hall 18th SEPTEMBER 2011

I attended the Sequence Day at Alford Hall on Sunday 18th September and was really impressed with the enthusiasm and dedication of the dancers taking part.
The three winning dances ( ISDC ) from Bridlington taught by Norman Sharples and Margaret Halliday were the Anniversary Blues arranged by Barry Earnshaw and Beverley Murch-Fowkes, the Marcesite Rumba arranged by Stuart Perry and Beverley Howard, and the Velvet Ash Foxtrot arranged by Ian and Sue Webster. As the talented instructors took to the floor to lead the dances, they were soon followed by the other Sequence Members who it was obvious to see, were really enjoying the afternoon.
Several other dances were also shown during the afternoon, and led by many other professionals! I personally enjoyed all the dances shown, and those who took to the floor first to demonstrate the dances, were both confident and assured in their approach. Well done to all!
As a Theatre Branch Examiner and Committee Member, it was super to see another branch of the association, and how their sequence day receives such a good response.
Full credit should go to David Hipshaw ( Chairman of the Branch ), and James Conley ( Secretary of the Branch ), who work so hard for the Allied. Also to all the Sequence Branch Committee Members for organizing such a splendid day for our members!!!

Chris Booth
President
 

BALLROOM/LATIN LECTURE DAY 4^TH SEPTEMBER 2011

I attended a most enjoyable and interesting lecture day at Martins Dance Centre on 4^th September, which was well attended by many of our Allied members.

Ann & Kevin Breen started the lectures with a Waltz, that was received enthusiastically by all. Sue Murphy was then joined by her daughter Victoria to give a lecture on Bossa Nova which was a nice change of mood, and everyone seemed to take to the challenge when the music was changed to a faster beat to give an interesting contrast to the dance. Sue’s years of experience allowed her to share her expertise and knowledge with the responsive dancers. Catherine Edgar was very brave in lecturing on the Quickstep without a partner, and showed all the steps as both man and lady. Another very pleasing lecture, very well presented! A very confident Cha Cha Cha lecture was given by Philip Hurst. Excellent choreography, and well shown to all in Philip’s usual professional manner. Our retiring President, Mr David Hipshaw was then joined by his sister Pauline to lecture on the Foxtrot. Well demonstrated to the members, with David’s usual flair and attention to detail. He was able to motivate and share his knowledge with the responsive dancers. Les Marr concluded the lectures with a fabulous Samba, which many members will use in their schools. His work will surely enhance any teacher’s pupils skills, and again the lecture was very well received by everyone. Six excellent lectures!!

I do feel anyone who didn’t attend missed a great day of work that members can use in their own schools, and even if  they don’t want to use all the dances, there are steps and segments that would be useful for any professional teacher.

Well done to all the lecturers for giving all the members attending some ideas for their classes. The work was all very well received by all!!!

Chris Booth

President