It was the coldest day of the year so far, with ice and snow affecting many parts of the country, especially the midlands, where the Midlands Amateur Dancers Club played host to the Heart of England Championships, and despite this, competitors came in large numbers to this, the first competition of 2009.
In what is now an annual event, which is an ideal ‘warm-up’ for Champions of Tomorrow, the MAD Club has organized a competition that provides something for all competitors of all grades and standards, from beginners/novice through intermediate/pre-champ all the way to championship level events, including Heart of England Championships for Juniors, Amateurs and Seniors. In addition to this, there were also EADA National Selection events for Juveniles, Youth and Senior 3 competitors, as well as a DPA-Sponsored event for Under 21s, together with supporting events that matched the competitions planned for Champions of Tomorrow. On top of this, the MADC’s organization of the event was supported by the best pro’s in the Midlands, setting up a day of good competitions, run to time, in an enthusiastic and friendly atmosphere – and all in aid of the MADC’s chosen charity, the Acorns Children's Hospice (http://www.acorns.org.uk/).
Having said all of that, there were a couple of hiccups – the number of seats available in the main hall was lower than expected, which meant that the balcony seating came into play much earlier that it should. This is an issue that the MADC will resolve for next year. Secondly, whilst he junior and juvenile events were completed in excellent time – around 3.00pm, ensuring families could get away early, the adult events did run rather late, and our thanks go especially to out ballroom competitors for enduring a 2 hour delay to the start of their events. All committee members of the MADC are grateful that everyone stayed to compete and support their fellow competitors, and made the day so enjoyable for everyone.
The morning and early afternoon session saw some excellent dancing from nearly 40 junior and juvenile couples, and they certainly inspired appreciation and support from the audience who cheered and shouted for their couples all through the rounds. It was really warming to hear families cheering for their sons and daughters as they were recalled into the next round. The highlights for this session were Juvenile EADA Ballroom and Latin events, both won by MAD Club member Rebecca Scott and her new partner Lloyd Perry from Wales, and the Heart of England Junior Ballroom Championship, won by Miles Chapman and Lorna Arnold.
Even before the Junior and Juvenile events had completed, the EADA Youth 10 Dance had got underway with most of the UK’s top 10 youth 10 dancers vying for the top places in order to gain selection to represent their country in the forthcoming World Championships. Congratulations go to the winners Stanislav Wakeham and Laura Nolan. Also congratulations to MAD Club members Tabari Salmon and Sophie McCoy who were placed 4th in their very first event as youth – in fact both are still under 16!
The adult latin events were also very well attended and altogether took 2 hours to get through, with the highlights being the Heart of England Amateur Latin Championship, won by Richard Still and Morgan Hemphill. The, after a delay of over two hours, the Adult Ballroom events got underway, and there was a huge entry for these competitions, resulting in a mammoth 3 and half hour session! Once again, we were entertained by some excellent dancing by all ages and grades, including the Amateur trophy, the Under 21 trophy sponsored by the DPA, and the EADA Senior 3 NSC, and congratulations go to all winners and finalists.
It was a long day, but well run by Gary Foster as non-voting chairman, and Brenda Gascoigne as compere, with support from te MADC Committee members. Big thanks to all to turned out to support us.
