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A Class Act at The Grand, Southampton, 23/11/14

I've been waiting for something different to write about having been moaning about weekenders for what feels like 100 years and avoiding writing about the baffling competitions I've watched with incredulity.  This weekend has provided the spur.

The Grand Hotel down just beyond Gate 4 in Southampton docks, this was the place on 9 April 1912 where passengers stayed the night before embarking on the Royal Mail Ship Titanic.  The next day the ship started it's fateful maiden and final voyage. More than 1500 died when the great liner sank. The hotel is mostly apartments now but there's an elegant bar now where the ballroom used to be.  A poignant setting perhaps, but this was to be the scene of one of the finest dance events I've attended. We danced in the footsteps of those unfortunate transatlantic travellers, capturing the joy all dancers feel - across the ages and in the fabric of the building in which we danced.

With the furniture clear, the floor is big enough for I guess 130 people dancing with moderate small footprint or slotted leads.  The bar fills one side and opposite it, a raised platform of many tables and chairs allow a space to rest for those wanting a break.  The decor retains a quirk style with feature walls, interesting lighting and an intensely practical inverted Christmas tree.  Free water was provided, there were lots oaf fans and the floor lived up to its heritage. The dance started at 6pm and ended at 11pm.

I have been to some good general freestyles where the mix of music is definitely familiar and to a certain extent - middle of the road. The music at this freestyle wasn't in the middle of anything: it was high quality, high intensity (occasionally high speed), highly "musical" fare.  It was impeccably dance friendly, but not without its challenges.  A stylish mix of slow, medium, fast and very fast music: the genres were many but the ebb and flow was beautifully judged.  It went out to extremes and rightly so - these guys know that only then do you earn the respect of dancers.  There was a great deal to enjoy here some familiar some rare treasure.  There was one factor for me that was telling: people were reluctant to leave the floor even when the floor was busy.  The floor remained full until around 10pm.  I don't think I have danced so many tracks in an evening in a long time.  The pace was unrelenting, the spirit soared and I felt that surge of dance energy which propels you beyond your limits.

I have written before (in 2013 here) about the phenomenal energy, adventurous spirit and near supernatural DJing of Mr Tom Arkle and Mr Brett Stewart. Last night, they brought beaming smiles from the collection of dancers who had come from as far a afield as London and across the south coast.  And they did so without any fuss or superiority.  They are a great duo - generally playing 3 tracks at a time and then chatting to friends, dancing with customers and enthusing from the DJ booth.  They are very straightforward in their love of the music and a love in seeing a floor full of people who are equally full of music. They hit the sweet spot so many times - I could listen to their interplay all night.

Beyond the sight of most of the dancers, Tom and Brett had the support of an extraordinary team of Ceroc Fever crew - a true team of equals who work hard to get things right for their customers,  Supportive in word and deed for sure, but also beaming with pride at the success they had built. Watching them at work they combine with unfussy clarity and get the necessary jobs done.   all night.  Nothing much escapes their eye for detail, no shoddiness is given house room.  Franchisee, Jo Hughes, brigades, cajoles and chivvies things along but let's her people do what they do best: being the best advocates for the business of dance they can be: and they really are very good.  

The idea hatched by Brett and Tom and the unsung hero Tom Kiddle wasn't without risk - but was eloquently and empathetically pulled off.  Whenever the next event is - and there has to be one - I will be there.  But as I keep saying - despite the great people and wonderful venue - it is the music that matters and Tom and Brett just don't put a foot wrong.

The Grand freestyle ticked so many boxes about what a great dance event has: style, energy, sincerity, modesty, novelty, care and enthusiasm. Even I See Fire burnt more brightly in the hands of Mr Arkle and that's no mean feat! I loved it - I suggest you try it too.  It's a winner!




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