The English Open Solo Championships, held in the beautiful and atmospheric Burton Town Hall, gave the opportunity to showcase the full talent that the British Solo competition circuit has to offer. After witnessing and adjudicating many solo competitions myself, I would like to say how relieved and pleased I am to see that the soloists are now producing much more fundamental, controlled, and ‘real’ performances. Both styles of solo competition have been at serious risk of becoming ‘freestyle’ performances based loosely on Ballroom and Latin, rather than showcasing the proper techniques, and indeed figures, which are involved.
Certain figures are extremely difficult, or even impossible, without the counterbalance or support of a partner. However, for all and most other figures, I strongly believe a dancer should dance in the same manner whether with a partner, or without. In Ballroom, the simple awareness of inside vs outside of turn, for example. Or, in Latin, the idea of ‘walks’ using proper leg action and foot usage, and how this creates a natural and beautiful body action. Rather than simply focusing on the flicking of hands or many spins, purely to make effects.
Therefore, the change I saw at the English Open was a very welcome one, and all of the dancers should be congratulated on some excellent performances.
Darren and Katie Parks’ competitions are always very well attended, and this was no exception, once again. The music played all day was exceptional, and the overall tone of the competition had the correct markings of being a serious and prestigious championship, along with being a fun and entertaining spectacle. This was enhanced by the ‘Red Carpet moment’, which gave the finalists of each championship the opportunity to strut onto the floor, under the spotlights, and perform their individual presentation dances. It is very clear this small detail increased the performance levels of each dancer, and also the enjoyment levels of the audience around the hall.
Congratulations to Darren and Katie on another wonderful event, which is certainly not to be missed out of any solo dancer’s calendar.
Juvenile u12 solo championship ballroom:-
1st - William Powell - One of the strongest movers on the floor, which caught the eye. Some inconsistencies with the arm and hand positions, which, if addressed, would help provide a fuller overall package. Unfortunately, William’s timing in the presentation dance caused some damage, but a strong performance in the final still ensured him the 1st placing.
2nd - Paishey Saunders - A fantastic performance from Paishey, who showed a good mixture between power, musicality, and softness. An excellent ‘all rounder’ who challenged very strongly for the title.
3rd - Lacey Martell-Smith - Another dancer with strong movement across the floor, who was at her best in the swing dances, particularly. If more ribcage usage could be developed in conjunction with the excellenct movement, Lacey would be a very dangerous competitor to those around her.
4th - Lacey Lonergan - Lacey gave a terrific performance, and in my opinion deserved a much higher placing. Lacey made everything look incredibly easy, which clearly shows her mechanics were working very well. A lovely dancer, with a great floor presence.
5th - Kiera Bevan - Danced a consistent final, which was Keira’s best round. A little more stability in the upper body would help to improve the overall performance, and challenge higher.
6th - Eleanor Lawton - Eleanor is a wonderfully accurate dancer, who has been at the very top in the younger solo categories. Now, in the U12s, Eleanor needs to increase her fullness in both swing, and in body activity, to compete against the older dancers. Her technical abilities, control, and musicality were some of the very best on the floor.
7th - Ava Armstrong - Ava completed this incredibly strong final, and was extremely eye catching from the first round. Ava has a lot of flair, which makes her stand out. Sometimes, this is also to her detriment, when her postural stability starts to waver. If this could be controlled, Ava is certain to move through the ranks.
Photographs from this event by Charlotte Wilson Photography. Purchase yours here:
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