Ceroc Northern Champs: Reaction - Jamie & Heather

In this edition of the series on Ceroc Northern Champs, we hear from organiser Jamie Stormer and competitor, Heather Passmore. Jamie's up first...

I first contacted Jamie about the idea of running a blog about the Northern Champs in May - I think he realised it was going to be a big deal (the event, not the blog) and so it turned out.

I spoke to him at the time in a blog post which really set people talking (I think there was a thought that someone somewhere snaps their fingers and these events just happen) Clearly they don't they take a lot of planning and hard work.


You'll find what Jamie said here:

http://mindpokedance.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/how-competition-is-born-making-it-happen.html

Photo: Stephen North

SN: I hope you had chance to soak in and enjoy the day, it was pretty special - lots of love in that room. Are you aware of the impact it's had already?

JS: I LOVED the day. I really did have a fantastic view of the crowd and the dance floor so I got to see everything. I was running on adrenaline and tea so I was as ramped up as the crowd were. It got a bit #TotesEmosh towards the end of the day for me and I could feel it in the room. I was honoured that so many people genuinely loved the event. We’re pleased that social media has taken our event and shared it across the masses. I’ve had a lot of comments from people who weren’t there asking when the booking lines open so they don’t miss out this time. It’s really all a bit of a shock for us, we didn’t think we’d get this kind of response. I’m just so proud of the Northern Champs team!

Photo: Stephen North

SN: Any special moments in the day you'd like to share?

JS: Special moments for me were the crew rallying together and solving problems before the day even began. My husband who kept me together throughout the day and taking my heated words in his stride. The last crew meeting before the awards ceremony where there was a lot of tears being shed by everyone involved. Finally the awards ceremony itself. It was an honour to give the results to everyone who’d worked hard and to see their efforts pay off was worth all the stresses of running a national event. I understand now, when organisers take the time to thank their crew, DJs, judges etc, it really is a team effort and those people deserve equal recognition.

3. What did you think to the quality of the competition?

JS: The standard was very high. Definitely something I hadn’t expected. We wanted to inspire our local dancers with the talent around the country but even we were blown away by what we saw on that dance floor. I thought, in my opinion that we did our best to match or equal the professionalism shown by other competitions around the country. Overall I was extremely happy with the way the weekend went.

Photo: Stephen North

SN: Great team work - fantastic innovations. Fab DJs - was there anything missing ?

JS: I know I keep banging on about my crew, my DJs, my Judges. But they really were amazing. The team banded together and really shone on the day. We had incredible comments just about our crew, let alone the event. For me, there were a few things we hadn’t expected behind the scenes, but on the whole, I wouldn’t change a thing about the weekend… But next year...

SN: Amazing reception you got - when do you start planning next year and what are the priorities?
 

JS: Started planning the second we got back home. Priorities are NEW VENUE. We’re aware that while the Ukrainian Club was great for the first one, we’re “gonna need a bigger boat” so to speak. We’re trying our hardest to get a similar date next year as I think a lot of people were happy with the date we had put forth this year. Lots of things to think about and I can only leak so much for now. There are things I will change for 2015, there are some things I won’t. But next years will be bigger and better, you can count on that.

We initially heard from Heather Passmore with her partner in Ameretto, Louise Missen here.  Two London visitors entering a Northern dance competition for the first time

http://mindpokedance.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/how-competition-is-born-visiting.html

I caught up with her after a weekend of multiple categories, costume changes, wine and a sleep...

SN: What did you enjoy about Northern Champs?

HP: I loved the whole event - the organisation was incredible, there were some problems regarding our bookings (they were split over 3 different people's bookings) but that was swiftly sorted. They had thought about everything re food, water, freestyle time to practise and relax and so on. I was also extremely glad that the awards ceremony was earlier as, being as knackered as I was, I didn't feel like I was waiting around at all. Also being able to request exact placements in all categories after the event meant you could see exactly how CLOSE you were to gaining a medal in intermediates....! Damn it!

SN: How was it competing as a lead in Top Cats?

HP: competing as a lead in top cats really challenged me (in a good way!). I really enjoyed it and was amazed that I didn't come last!! It has shown more evidently what I need to work on as a lead as well.  But I'm also hoping that this will be the end of gender balancing problems in Top Cats and Lucky Dip: if more competitions allow gender neutral lead and follow then it shouldn't be so much of a problem.

SN:  What would you like them to change next year?

HP: I don't think there is very much at all I would like them to change, I had the most amazing weekend. Same again in a bigger venue (I personally would be expecting a LOT more people to attend!!)

SN: You enjoyed a lot of success - but no doubt you're looking for more, what have you learnt from Northern Champs competition?

HP: we were amazed by how well we did, we were not expecting it at all. A lot of things can be taken away from northern champs and the judges as always were more than happy to give feedback and areas of improvement. We will of course take all of these on board and hope to do even better next time!

SN: It was lovely sharing in your weekend, will you be recommending Northern Champs weekend to your London friends?

HP: I will be recommending it to anyone who will listen! I'm absolutely gutted I have a whole year to wait for the next one!!

Thanks to Jamie and Heather - there's more to come including insights from Chris Uren on the music on the day.  If you have special memeories of the day add them as comments below :-)