Junior Blackpool 2007
By Sarah

For the first year for as long as I can remember, neither of my children were able to take part in this fantastic event. You guessed it, they are both too old. No longer would I be able to soak up the atmosphere from the ballroom or the excitement from the children as their numbers were called out. Nor would I be there to loose my voice after shouting out my support for the junior and juvenile British team. There is a feeling of loss but this was calmed by the fantastic friends that I have made in the dance world over the years. They updated me by the minute and also sent me photos. Thanks guys.


All I could do was wait until I finished work on the Friday so that I could drive up to catch the final of the junior Jive, the final of the juvenile Latin championship and the the final of the 8 couple junior formation competition.

I was finally able to soak up that atmosphere and I still lost my voice shouting for the Encore Latin Formation team.
The first event that I was able to enjoy was the juvenile Latin championship and it was such a buzz to see our own Luke Miller and Charlotte Plant in this amazing final.



They danced beautifully and kept my gaze throughout. This was then followed by the junior jive quarter final and I was very happy to see two of our British couples in this top 25. John Giannini and Stevie Jones were on fire tonight as was Stanislav and Julia.

The event that I had travelled all that way for was up next. No time to relax or even frequent the bar as the Encore Latin formation team took their places on the floor. I have never been a great fan of formation but this year I have changed my mind. The theme they chose was Chicago and the interpretation of the music was pure class and quality. They had me screaming and shouting for the whole time. All the other teams were exciting too but this team had something about them. Of course the screams got louder when they were announced British Champions.

A short visit this year for me but all in all still a very emotionally charged one.

Submitted By Sarah
See the other report on the festival