Just over a week has now passed since the excitement of the Live Performance, which saw the culmination of the last 3 month's work disappear in a matter of hours. Everyone had said to enjoy the moment, that it passes so quickly - I had severely doubted my capacity to ever 'enjoy' this sort of public humiliation, but now know exactly what they were talking about.
During the week leading up to the Big Night, all 11 couples went through a complete run through and rehearsal on the Wednesday and Thursday evening. It was fun seeing the event hall at Beau Sejour Leisure Centre transform into a glittering ballroom. It also brought home the fears of a live audience and the closeness of Performance Night!
Saturday 25 April 2009 eventually arrived - and was a long, long day.
We all assembled at 1.00pm to go through another two full dress rehearsals before then killing time/nerves until we were required to perform later that evening.
For the 400+ crowd, dressed in their black ties and finery, the evening started at 6.30pm with a champagne reception. However, it wasn't until MUCH later - after 10.00pm - that the dancing began.
My biggest fear had always been about 'freezing' on the night - just losing my memory for the routine in the middle of the dancefloor. But you know what? Everything just seemed to fall into place, so that our group Viennese Waltz and then solo Jive performance each came and passed without too many horrors. The sheer joy at completing the second and last routine was incredible. What's more, Lyndsey and I even scored a perfect 10 from one judge for our Waltz. Amazing!
And it really WAS enjoyable to be a part of such enthusiasm and excitement. Seeing the crowd cheer and get behind the dancers.
There was a truly well deserved winning couple in Chris and Kelly (who scored an unprecedented two lots of 4 x 10s), with Alex and Celena coming second, and Helen & Tor third.
For myself, I was just delighted to have survived without anyone making comparisons to the infamous John Sergeant.
There is some talk about the possibility of this year's 'novices' returning at next year's Dancefloor Challenge for a comeback routine. Whether or not this happens, we'll just have to wait and see!
Photo from Digital Photo Post.com
4 responses so far ↓
1 Ric // May 5, 2009 at 8:44
Chris, I felt you should have won. Your moves on the floor were fantastic and I’m looking forward to seeing them make a re-appearance at our Christmas do!
2 Chris // May 5, 2009 at 9:24
Many thanks for the kind words, Ric. I’m also available for private functions and hen parties!
3 Sassi // May 31, 2009 at 15:59
Christopher: Never imagined you having all those Graceful moves !
4 Chris // Jun 1, 2009 at 7:51
Thanks, Sassi. Neither did I!
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