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Dance Season No 13: Welsh Champs

Why the fourth Ceroc Welsh Champs were the coolest yet:-

1) the atmosphere on competition day was febrile, partisan, loud, proud, knowledgeable and passionate.  Not since the first Champs (in the Coal Exchange in Cardiff) has the atmosphere been so exciting, Barry Memorial Hall became the place for the celebration of competitive modern jive.

Friday Night Atmos

2) the competitors came from far and near - awesome Scots, manic Mancunians, exuberant Esssexians and jovial Geordies amongst the clans gathered.  It was truly an international affair too.  There were frivolous dancers, those who over-estimated their talent or luck, those who were nervous and didn't need to be, those trying really hard, those there to entertain and those taking it all in their stride: it was a great mix.  It was all done in a truly positive, competitive atmosphere - there were tears but no tantrums. Great example and formative experience for some of the youngsters.

3) I remembered there's a fab Chinese takeaway at the bottom of the hill (kinda personal but these things stick).

4) the right people won - I didn't have many arguments with the judges - it was truly a fair assessment of dance in my view.  And much as I loved much else on show - and I was proud to see the fantastic reception for Jamie Storey and Gary Stubbs - but Kev and Aggie played a blinder: technical finesse and daring combined with musical interpretation and connection which bordered on the telepathic.

5) Compares du jour, Thomas and Pownell flogged - at no additional expense - every joke into the ground, buried them, deep in the cold Welsh hillside.  When in doubt beat your ******* audience into submission Dame Margot Fonteyn used to say - she'd got nothing on those two.


6) Tea dances the day after comps are the way forward as we know, Dinas Powys Village Hall was so Funk'd Up some could hardly stop eating cakes (I'm talking about you Claire Courtney).  But Messrs Gammon and Kerr provided a superb end to the weekend.

Dinas Powys Tea Dance
7) we should cheer the wide age range of the competitors too.  This is truly an event where diversity is encouraged and valued.  And it was great to see winners and medallists of all ages celebrating their hard work together.

Welsh Barbers: Subtle innit?
8) Competition A/V scaled new heights. I watched all the finals on a v large TV in the room next to the hall - the view of the whole floor really helped compare dancers.  The feed from fixed cameras brought a new clarity to watching which will be treasured by spectators and competitors alike.

9) Bottles of Rioja helped the heats go quickly.


10) The Welsh team continued to appear swan-like above the surface (where it matters) and smiley. To all intents and purposes for many there, they are family - inviting their mates round for a great weekend.  The event continues to thrive, and whilst people are saying "We're gonna need a bigger hall" - you know they're onto a winner.  Well done people. Fabulous!
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