Whitby Pavilion Sparkles with Joy at the 59th Annual Easter Sequence DanceFestival

Organised by David Bullen, the 2025 Festival followed the success of last year’s

Scarborough event and once again delivered a packed programme of competitions, social dancing, and special highlights. The event came alive with the superb live sounds of Jon Canning, and recorded music from Adam Duffie and The DB Sound, creating an uplifting

backdrop for every session. Caroline Roberts served as compere, with David Trueman as

the non-voting chairman.

From the moment the doors opened on Thursday afternoon, dancers were swept into a four-day celebration ofsequence dancing. Festivities began with the ever-popular ‘Old Time’ Dance, led by MCs Andrew Pigg, Paul Watkins, Henry Beale, and Freja Smith. The evening continued with the Grand Welcome Sequence Ball, featuring guest MC's Alan and Amanda Parker, who set the tone for the weekend with a lively and extensive programme of social dances.

The evening marked the debut of the Hall of Fame Appreciation Awards, honouring individuals across several categories and recognising both seasoned professionals and

emerging talents. Among the highlights, Jeff and Muriel Aldren received the Professional award for their dedication to the Easter Dance Festival, while Lucy Morse and Lauren Foy earned the Amateur award, reflecting the promise of the next generation.

In the Senior category, Harry and Margaret Hilton were applauded for their lasting

passion and commitment. Emma and Lucy Schofield were recognised in the Pre/Champ

category for their success. Ian and Sue Webster received the Inventive Dance award for

decades of creative contributions to social dance. In Music, Jon Canning was honoured

for his uplifting original music.

Special thanks in the Best Wishes and Thank You category went to Eric and Lynda

Dodd and Curtis Watson and Alexandra Parry for their continued support. The awards

concluded with Judith McKelvey receiving the Outstanding Contribution award for her

exceptional and long-standing support and dedication to the Easter festival.

Friday delivered a thrilling fusion of competition and glamour, beginning at 10 a.m.

with the North of Britain Open Inventive Dance Competitions—recognised by the British

Dance Council (BDC) and proudly sponsored by Brockbank Lane Script Service.

Throughout the day, social dancing was enjoyed with Alan and Eunice Lam as MC's. The

excitement continued into the evening with the elegant Gala Ball, where the new dance

finals and the prestigious Open Events Superstars Titles were contested, accompanied by

social dancing led by Alan and Jacqui Todd.

The Classical Sequence section featured 12 outstanding entries, with five couples advancing to the final. Competitors showcased their skills across four rhythms: Sylvia’s Saunter, Greenbank Gavotte (arranged by Kelly Sloan and Ellen Harrison), Oaklands Tango (arranged by David Howker and Deborah Catlow), Tango J’adore (arranged by Eugene Barber

and Lorraine Heron), and Shepherd Swing (arranged by Luke Shepherd and Julie Pearson). Lewis Frobisher and Bethany Rushby emerged as champions, impressing the judges with their winning performance of Sylvia’s Saunter.

The Modern Sequence section, competing for the prestigious Neil Marshall Memorial Vase, featured eight impressive entries, with three couples advancing to the final round. Dancers performed the Lavinia Waltz (choreographed by David Howker and Deborah Catlow), Falmer Foxtrot (arranged by Kelly Sloan and Ellen Harrison), and Forbidden Tango (arranged by Stephen and Jane Coughlan). The Lavinia Waltz ultimately claimed the top prize.

Twelve couples competed in the Latin Sequence section for the Graham Thomson Memorial Cup, with four couples advancing to the final. Finalists included the Claremont Cha Cha (arranged by Kelly Sloan and Ellen Harrison), Jericho Jive, Rumba Rose (arranged by Lewis Frobisher and Bethany Rushby), and Chico Mambo. The atmosphere was electric as spectators passionately got behind each couple during a thrilling dance-off, prompted by an unbreakable tie between two standout routines: Chico Mambo, choreographed by Eugene Barber and Lorraine Heron, and Jericho Jive, choreographed by Gail Brocklesby and Peter Davies. After an exhilarating showdown, Gail and Peter emerged as the winners.

A highlight of this year’s event was the debut of the Modern Sequence Advanced Figures Inventive Dance category—an exciting and innovative addition for 2025. Six couples competed in this final, each delivering outstanding performances that captivated the audience. Entrants included, Lewis Frobisher and Bethany Rushby, Gordon Smith and Freja Smith, Eugene Barber and Lorraine Heron, Luke Shepherd and Julie Pearson, Gail Brocklesby and Peter Davies and Liam Pywell and Charlotte Carruthers. The winners were Lewis Frobisher and Bethany Rushby with their beautifully danced Millie’s Waltz.

Evening Event Winners

Pre Champ - William Robinson & Kat Barker

Senior - Roger & Annette Griss

Amateur and Open Event - Nicholas Wilson & Live-Beth Bradfield

Saturday began with the teaching of the previous days newly choreographed dances for festival members, followed by a full day of competitions and a lively afternoon sequence dance hosted by Paul and Caroline Dellar. The evening saw dancers dress to impress for the Festival Gala Sequence Ball, hosted by MC’s, David Howker and Deborah Catlow, where the prestigious North of Britain Open Titles were contested in true style.

Evening Event Winners

Open Pro/Am Extravaganza - Classical - Liam Pywell & Grace Phipps

Open Pro/Am Extravaganza - Modern Sequence - Liam Pywell & Lauren Foy

Senior Classical for the Carol Parry Memorial Cup - Stuart & Andrea Bowkett

Open Pre/Champ Modern Sequence - William Robinson & Kat BarkerOpen Amateur Modern Sequence - Thomas Winter & Anna Duncan

Open Formation title - Sand-Dancers Formation team trained by Stuart Hatton

Sunday marked the final day of the festival, beginning with a lively morning dance

hosted by MC's Ellen Harrison and Kelly Sloan, followed by an afternoon of competitions.

The event concluded in grand style with the Farewell Gala Sequence Ball hosted by MC’s,

Eugene Barber and Lorraine Heron, and the presentation of the DPA Super League North

of Britain Open Titles, bringing the weekend’s celebrations to a memorable close.

Evening Event Winners

Show Dance title - Alicia Sewell Kingston Seymour

Amateur Classical Sequence for the Jack & Joyce Briggs Memorial Trophy - Thomas

Winter & Anna Duncan

Senior Modern Sequence - Stuart & Andrea Bowkett

Open Latin Sequence - Grant Connor & Anna Duncan

Pre/Champ of the year - William Robinson & Kat Barker

With this year’s sessions completely sold out, excitement is already building for the 60th

Anniversary Easter Sequence Dance Festival, set to be even more spectacular in 2026.

The milestone event will take place at The Marine Hall, Fleetwood, from Thursday 2nd to

Sunday 5th April.

Advanced booking is highly recommended and can be made through David Bullen at

www.dancefestivals4you.co.uk