Saturday 17th August saw the start of the English Open Solo Championships, organised by Darren and Katie Park of Unity Dance Promotions. Now in its second year, this event is dedicated exclusively to the increasingly popular genres of solo Ballroom, Latin American and Sequence dancing, quite literally giving these dancers the spotlight and red carpet entrance they deserve.
Set in the stunning Grade II listed building of Burton Town Hall, the dancers performed against the backdrop of high vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and a large sprung dance floor surrounded by impressive stone arches, inspiring them to deliver their best performances. The grandeur of the venue was complemented by the organisers' meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that the dancers remained the focal point from start to finish. Each finalist had the opportunity to perform an introductory dance, entering the floor on a red carpet and often striking a signature pose at the end. Winners were invited to perform an honour dance as well as give a short interview, adding a personal touch to the event.
The full program of events catered to all ages, with a particular personal highlight being the numerous 8-dance championships. These competitions reward dancers who excel in both Ballroom and Latin styles, a dual proficiency that sometimes seems to be increasingly rare in today's competitive scene. Here however, these events were very well supported and as competitors are recalled on a dance-by-dance basis, the excitement was palpable, especially when the legendary Blackpool phrase "Stay on the floor" was announced. Overall, the level of dancing was of a very high calibre, with competitors demonstrating exquisite grooming, excellent floorcraft, and fierce competition, all while maintaining a fun and friendly atmosphere.
When also combined with clockwork efficiency and great modern music, this event is a must-attend for all solo dancers. Congratulations to all the competitors and a special thank you to the organisers for a fantastic weekend of competitions.
Photographs from this event by Charlotte Wilson Photography. Purchase yours here:
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