Stars of the Future 2007
by Sarah 12 / 06 /07

Let me start by congratulating the organisers, Nigel and Janice Horrocks, for yet another well organised day of competitions. The adjudicators for all their hard work and dedication right to the last final and all the scrutineers, music makers, runners and programme sellers; in fact everyone who was part of the team. You all made this a competition that was a pleasure to be a part of.





Dancers of all ages and grades have been taking part in the qualifying heats throughout the year and this was the big day that they had been waiting for. Excitement from the very young and extreme nerves from the more mature, these emotions were all visible, and that was just from the hundreds of spectators that were made up of the competitors families and friends.





We arrived at the Brentwood International Centre at mid-day. The sun was hot and most of the children were outside on the grass enjoying a break, having finished their ballroom section and waiting for their next event to begin. The atmosphere between the competitors was relaxed to say the least.

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As we approached the hall we could here the beautiful music that was being played for the EADA amateur ballroom competitors. Elegant and immaculately groomed, the couples adorned the floor and the rainbow of colours that floated past us was like the tail feathers of a peacock that were being displayed with pride. The onlookers were in awe of their grace and technical abilities. It’s no wonder we all travel week in week out to watch our children progress and grow into such dedicated and well adjusted young adults.



The time had arrived for the finals for the younger competitors and the children gathered around the edge of the dance floor in hope that it was their number to be heard. The lucky finalists excitedly walked onto the dance floor and those not so lucky remained on the sidelines, but in the true spirit of any competition I have been to of late these children were there to the last beat of the music cheering their peers on. They were gracious and very supportive and a credit to all their parents, teachers and trainers.







The results were now imminent and taking the pole position for the open juvenile 4 dance modern were Miles Chapman and Lorna Arnold. The winners of the juvenile 4 dance Latin were Luke Miller and Charlotte Plant. What talented young children these are. Taking the junior open competitions by storm and winning the double were John Giannini and Stevie Jones.







This year the competition was run to a new format and all of the children’s events were finished and presented by about 7.30pm. I personally found this a more suitable timetable and even though the majority of the juniors, juveniles and their parents had left at this time, the hall was still full to the brim.





The adult section continued well into the evening but this didn’t ruffle any feathers as we were all aware of the late finish before the day had started. Fore warned is to be fore armed so to speak. It was an evening full of energy and charisma right up until the last final. The youth couples new to the adult world were learning from their older counterparts and the older competitors were fascinated by the energy from the younger ones. This was a great success for the organisers and we are already planning our visit again next year.



I began by saying congratulations to the organisers and now I am going to finish by congratulating the competitors, their parents, teachers and spectators. Without all of you we would not have this beautiful sight to feast our eyes upon. From the smallest of beginners to the tallest of amateurs, you should all be proud to be a part of this wonderful art that is dancing.