Celebrating 75 Years of Dance Innovation: British Dance Council's Inventive Dance Competition Anniversary
The British Dance Council commemorated a significant milestone with the 75th Inventive Dance Competition, an event committed to advancing the art of Sequence dancing. Held at Ashby on Sunday, August 4th, the celebration not only honoured the event’s rich history but also focused on discovering three new sequence dances in Classical, Modern, and Latin sequence. Professional competitors and spectators from across the UK gathered to share their passion for sequence dancing and to celebrate 75 years of this esteemed competition.
Robert Aldred, Chairman of the Sequence Advisory Committee, extended a heartfelt welcome to everyone in attendance. He emphasised the crucial role of collective effort in ensuring the event's success and reflected on the lasting influence of the competition. Robert noted that many past winning dances remain popular and continue to shape current competition syllabi. The event also celebrated past winners, inviting attendees to reminisce about their favourite routines and treasured memories.
The celebration also recognised the contributions of professional dancers who have previously won the British Dance Councils Inventive Dance competition and have now returned to partake in the milestone event. Robert paid homage to those unable to attend, ensuring they were remembered with equal measure.
MCs, Stuart Perry and Beverley Howard, provided a well-received dance programme that kept the energy high throughout the event. Spectators enjoyed opportunities to dance during the breaks between competition rounds, adding to the atmosphere.
The competitions commenced with the classical sequence section, where 14 dances were entered, covering a diverse range of rhythms, including Waltz, Two Step, Tango, Swing, Gavotte, Saunter, and Blues. Only 4 couples made the final. The winning dance in this category was the Saunter Armani, arranged by David Bullen and beautifully demonstrated by Fabio and Amy D'Angelo.
The Latin sequence section featured 13 entrants and was the most challenging event of the day. Eight couples advanced to the final, where Duncan and Hannah Trever emerged victorious with their Columbo Cha Cha Cha performed to a very modern piece of popular music "Stand By Me" by Usai (featuring Kacy Moon).
After lunch, Kevin Page, invited past winners of the BDC Inventive Dance competitions to gather for a celebratory parade. The professionals were introduced onto the dance floor, greeted by enthusiastic applause from the audience (see picture). Adding to the atmosphere, they performed the Gainsborough Glide, a classic dance that first captivated the imagination as the original winner in 1950.
The final competition of the day was the Modern Sequence section, which featured 18 entries, including many newcomers, as the event experimented with a rule for 2024 allowing a professional to partner with a non-professional. All ballroom rhythms were showcased, and five couples made it to the final. The standout pair of the afternoon was Luke Shepherd, who, partnered by Julie Pearson, won with their performance of the Rose Foxtrot.
After the final teaching, Robert Aldred, expressed gratitude to the Sequence Advisory Committee, whose meticulous planning and dedication ensured the event's success and acknowledged the invaluable support of various organisations who have sustained the event's legacy.
A special commemorative programme highlighting all past winners has been produced. You can view a copy of this on the British Dance Council's website.
The next exciting event on the calendar is the prestigious Blackpool Sequence Dance Festival's Original Dance Competition, set to take place at the iconic Blackpool Winter Gardens Ballroom on Monday, October 21, 2024. This renowned event promises to deliver exceptional performances and memorable moments. Be sure to submit your entries and visit Blackpooldancefestival.com for more details.
Images:
Past Inventive Dance Winning Professionals
Sequence Advisory Committee Delegates
Winner of the British Dance Council Classical Sequence inventive dance competition, David Bullen, with the Saunter Armani, demonstrated by Fabio and Amy D’Angelo. Pictured with BDC Director, Howard Cookson.
Winners of the British Dance Council Modern sequence section inventive dance competition, Luke Shepherd, partnered by Julie Pearson, with the Rose Foxtrot. Pictured with Louise Aldred.
Winners of the British Dance Council Latin Sequence inventive dance competition, Duncan and Hannah Trever, with the Colombo Cha Cha Cha. Pictured with Mark Paton and Jacqui Davies.
MCs Stuart Perry and Beverly Howard
Celebrating the Gainsborough Glide, the first British Dance council winning dance from 1950
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