As a small child you enter the cavernous Tower Ballroom and it seems a vast and magical place with its high ceiling, huge floor and ornate, gilded decoration. As an adult it doesn’t seem quite so large but it s ll has the power to impress and transport you to an alternate reality.
There really is nowhere quite like it and so, unsurprisingly, dancers of all ages and abilities come from far and wide to dance on its hallowed floor. So it was that we once again entered this iconic venue and found it filled with dancers all keen to demonstrate their skills in sequence, ballroom and Latin American. The inscription above the stage reads “Bid me discourse, I will enchant thine ear”. Perhaps in our case it should be changed to “eye” as there were certainly some enchanting performances to be seen.
Darren and Katie Park are to be congratulated on another magnificent event, showcasing the ballroom genres and, which is now firmly established on the dancing calendar. Everything is superbly organised and efficiently run which is no mean feat considering the number of events and the length of the timetable.
Music provides the inspiration for dance and there was plenty of this provided by Adam Duffie whose selection of traditional and more up to date tunes will no doubt have included some of everyone’s favourites. He always tries to play a few different selections for the sequence most of which work very well.
The sequence section began with the formation team event although sadly we only had one team today, making the trip from Dublin and trained by Lorraine Heron. Nevertheless, we were treated to a slick performance incorporating sequence, ballroom and Latin elements with some interesting patterns and quick rhythm and partner changes.
We continued with the solo sequence across all ages and grades and there was a high standard of dancing throughout. Performing solo and having to maintain your own posture, balance and spatial awareness at the same time as creating drive and movement is no easy task especially for our younger dancers. In these aspects there was much to be praised as the dancers showed themselves to be accomplished and well- rehearsed competitors. It was apparent that a great deal of time and money had been invested in attire, hair and makeup and this too was of a high standard.
It was clear that the adjudicators would have their work cut out today as the entries across all the solo sections were terrific including most of the country’s leading exponents of this style. It was also great to see that the beginner’s events were well supported with many of these already showing themselves capable of becoming our future champions. In the junior field it was pleasing to see a number of former juvenile competitors transitioning to the older age group (never an easy step) and, giving a good account of themselves, they already danced with a maturity which belied their years.
I partucularly enjoyed seeing the number and quality of adult solo competitors. Many of these were former juniors who, determined to continue with their dancing, have made the step up to the adult section. This section has grown considerably in recent years with dancers of all ages involved which will hopefully encourage others too.
Another section which has grown in numbers is the additional needs category. Both solo and couples were competing with all ages involved, performing sequence ballroom and Latin. It is heartwarming to see how much all these dancers enjoy their dancing and being involved in the competitions. It certainly raised one of the biggest responses from the audience and shows that dancing can truly be enjoyed by everyone.
Whilst today was mostly filled with solo events, we did have a few couples’ events. Attracting some of the top-rated couples in the country at the moment, these events were of the highest standard and treated the audience to an excellent display of the test dances.
Across all sections the required dances were demonstrated with a great sense of performance and style. There were a number of competitors who caught my eye, not necessarily because they were the best but because they had great expression and charisma which is important in standing out from the crowd, especially on larger floors like the Tower Ballroom.
If I were asked to provide my overall observations and invited to express any areas where improvements could be made then, in my opinion and without any intended criticism of individuals, they would be as follows:
1) Some dancers would benefit from a concentrated study of the fundamentals of their craft. I felt that there were a number of dancers, who produced some fantastic performances and expression through their bodies but lacked the same expression and articulation through their legs and feet. Equally, there were a few dancers who had good fundamentals but did not express themselves in other respects. Those dancers who are able to master both fundamentals and performance in equal measure are the ones who go on to
be most successful.
2) In general, I feel that time spent on the classical waltz, being integral to all five-foot position dances, is time well spent. Even at the higher levels I observed a good deal of over rotation, too much sway causing balance issues, indistinct foot positions at times and lack of foot pressure.
3) Some competitors would do well to study the preparatory action of Two Steps as in many instances I observed this to be missing or incorrect. Many of the juveniles, I thought, presented this better than some of their junior counterparts.
Overall, however, all of the competitors, their teachers, parents and supporters are to be congratulated on the high standard displayed. The dedication and commitment they show to this style, and competitive dancing in general, is obvious by the amount work, me and effort they put into attending competitions all over the country week in week out throughout the year. Long may it continue.
We also witnessed some of the adult couples’ events today and there was a pleasing turnout across all sections. The dancers performed some difficult routines with great enthusiasm and determination and many of the country’s top dancers in their respective sections were here today. Dancing in this magnificent venue no doubt inspired the dancers to perform their best and I observed improvements in a number of the partnerships.
Dancing in harmony with another requires a whole new set of skills to solo dancing and on the whole the couples demonstrated this well as one might expect from established partnerships. Again, from my observations, I feel that stronger leg and ankle usage would help improve balance, stability and movement for a number of the couples. Also, some competitors would benefit from greater use fluidity of the standing leg.
Once again, all the dancers are to be applauded for their hard work and continued loyal support of events in this elegant and graceful style of dance.
So ended another fabulous presentation in this historic ballroom. I am certain that the competitors will leave already looking forward to next year.
Images: Charlotte Wilson Photography
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