For our Current EADA Ranking, Click Here to go to EADA Charts page.
For our Current Results, Click Here to view our recent results.

View our Current WDC Ballroom World Ranking.

View our Current IDSF World Ranking, Standard. (As of 01/12/09)
View our Current IDSF World Ranking, Latin. (As of 01/12/09)

Kent Sports Awards 2009:
We are extremely happy to announce that we have been shortlisted for a Kent County Sports Award, in the category "Team of the Year". After having won our local awards in the same category, we were entered into the county awards and have been shortlisted in the top 12.
We now need your votes:-
How to vote:
Voting slips are in many Regional Kent newspapers:

• Thanet Gazette

• Herne Bay Times

• Whitstable Times

• Ashford Herald

• Medway News

• Folkestone Herald

• Canterbury Times

• Faversham Times

• Sheppey Gazette

• Dover Express

• Deal & Sandwich Express

• Hythe Herald

• East Kent Gazette

Slips look similar to this:
Voting slips are in the papers week ending 29th Jan, w/e 5th feb and w/e 12th feb. Please cut out these original voting slips - as many as possible over the 3 weeks - and also encourage any friends and family to help. Place the vote code for us "TOY11" on the voting slips and send to the address marked.
I know many people will not want to post the votes to the listed address, so I have established a couple of vote collection stations if you would prefer to take the votes there free of charge, then please feel free to do so - last collection day is by Monday 15th Feb.
Current collection stations are:

• Herne Bay Osteopathic Clinic, 70 Canterbury Road, Herne Bay, Kent CT6 5SB. Web: Herne Bay Osteopaths

• EMS Ltd, Technology House, Herne Bay Kent CT6 8JZ. Web: EMS Group

• Us directly at our home address (if unsure of this please email us on ianvictoria@hotmail.com)

Alternatively if you would be willing to act as a collection station for us, please let us know (email us on ianvictoria@hotmail.com) and we will arrange to pick up from you directly on the 15th Feb.

We are trying hard to promote dancing with this award and it would be fabulous to bring what is not a "classic" sport to the attention of some big names in Kent. Keep your eyes open for news and updates. We will let you know how we get on.

"Kiss Come Dancing" for World Jewish Relief - 31st January 2010:
We will be performing 2 Latin American show numbers during this Dirty Dancing themed Strictly Come Dancing style event. It is part of World Jewish Relief's fundraising campaigns. The event is to be held at the Radisson Blu, Portman Square, London on Sunday 31st January. The funds appeal at this event will go towards World Jewish Relief's children at risk programmes.
For more information on the evening and on "World Jewish Relief", please visit their website: World Jewish Relief.

"Wheels for Ralph Show" - 15th January 2010:
On Friday January 15th we performed a Ballroom & Latin show at the Westgate Pavilion. The evening was a Ballroom & Latin dance night. The event raised around £500 and all funds went to the local "Wheels for Ralph" campaign, raising funds for a 2 year old boy with Nemaline Myopathy.

For more information on the "Wheels for Ralph" campaign, and to find out what the money raised will contribute to Ralph's life please visit their website: Wheels for Ralph.

Thanet Sports Awards Winners - 11th November 2009:
We are extremely happy to announce that we won our category of "Team of the Year" at the Thanet Sports Awards 2009. We are both pleased and proud to have earned such recognition with our chosen sport of "Dancesport". As a closing to the awards ceremony we were asked to perform our showdance "Dancing Fool" - what a wonderful and appreciative audience, many of whom had not seen ballroom dancing before.
All in all a wonderful night and we would like to thank Thanet Sports network, the judges and the KM Group (who were the sponsors of our category). We are looking forward to next years awards. Photo's from the night can be seen below:
          

Thanet Sports Awards - October/November 2009:
We are extremely happy to announce that we have been shortlisted for a Thanet Sports Award, in the category "Team of the Year". With over 130 entries, short listing for each of the 11 different categories must have been tough and the competition is extremely hot! We have been invited to the Awards ceremony on the 11th November at the Winter Gardens in Margate when we find out if we remain just shortlisted, or are highly commended, or perhaps even win!
From our point of view we are extremely excited to have made the short listing and bring Ballroom & Latin Dancesport to the forefront of a "Sporting" awards ceremony. Keep your eyes open for news and updates. We will let you know how we get on.

Hampshire Dance Festival - September 2009:
During September we had a successful weekend at the Hampshire Dance festival, winning the Hampshire Amateur Ballroom Championship convincingly. This is the second time we have danced in this championship and we are honoured to add our names once again to the trophy which has been in circulation since 1945 and has some real "legends" engraved on the plinth.

"Strictly Bandstand"- 20th June 2009:
During June we were involved with "Strictly Bandstand" a project to promote and help regenerate Ramsgate Eastcliff's Grade II listed Bandstand, dance floor and railings. There has been a bandstand on Ramsgate Eastcliff since 1914, the current bandstand since 1939 (when the old one was moved and replaced with the structure that remains there today). During the 1939 refit a highly unique polished coloured concrete dance floor was laid around the bandstand within the gardens. For many years this saw extensive use, but eventually progress meant it became outdated. Now the local Bandstand group are attempting to bring back the bandstand era and hence raise money to repair the structure.
After a National Lottery and government grant of over £260,000 during 2003, the bandstand itself is now regenerated and fully operational. Phase two is to attempt to get the dance floor back to it's best. This is where "Strictly Bandstand" was to help raise money for the dance floor regeneration.
A whole day of dance related workshop's, shows and themed events was organised. Everything from argentine tango, salsa, ballroom & latin were included. We gave several shows during the day and offered support and a friendly chat to those watching the workshops. We even met with some of the people who used to use the dance floor in it's heyday and heard some fabulous stories of how it used to be. Please see below for photo's from the day:
                     
Strictly Bandstand Latin Show               Strictly Bandstand Workshop in Progress                   Ramsgate Eastcliff Bandstand Dance Floor

15th Annual "Red Rose Day Variety Show"- 23rd April 2009:
To Celebrate St Georges Day 2009, Starlite Entertainers Productions present a fantastic Charity Variety show. Ian & Victoria will perform a variety of themed dances for the show, including the debut of their Argentine Tango which they were placed second with in the European Championships. The show will be held at the Granville Theatre, Ramsgate on Thursday 23rd April at 7.30pm. For tickets, please call the Box Office on 01843591750. See the Poster Here. Or for more information on the theatre, please visit their website.

European Championships of Dance 2009:
During February 2009 we took part in the European Championships of Dance, in Spain. The contest was held over a week with a variety of individual dances contested individually. We also decided to venture into something brand new for us, competing in the Argentine Tango championship, we were very pleased to make the final in every competition we entered. This competition was very different to anything we have ever experienced before - not only because we were competing directly against professional dancers, but also because an audience of over 5000 people made the event fantastic with support for couples of all nations.
The final of the European Championship Combination Of Modalities was held on the final night and we were so pleased to be crowned Vice Champions (or Runners up).
Photos of the event can be seen below:
             
For additional photographs - please visit the Gallery here.

"The Young Victoria", Cinema release 6th March 2009:
Some time ago we took part in filming for Momentum Pictures feature Film "The Young Victoria", based on the life of the queen at a young age and her struggles in her rise to power. We were involved in the filming of the Coronation Ball scenes where "Victoria" Emily Blunt, dances with "Albert" Rupert Friend for the first time.
For the authenticity of the 1830's era we learned to waltz as per the era as well as a more complicated quadrille dance from our wonderful friend and choreographer for the film "Jack Murphy".
The film is due for release in cinemas on 6th March 2009. For a photo of us in costume, please see our TV & Film Photo Gallery. Or, Click here to watch the film trailer (look out for us), or visit the film's official website here.

Beverly Big Band Valentines Ball - Saturday February 14th 2009:
East Kent's premier dance orchestra, The Beverly Big play live for a fantastic "Romance" themed evening of dance. We danced a variety of "romance" themed dances, along with a few of our own cabaret show dances.
The ball was held at the Westgate Hall, Canterbury, Kent. For more information on "The Beverly Big Band" or to find out about forthcoming events, please contact Christine on 01227 712355.

"Strictly Building" - December 2008:
During December we were asked to take part in a "Strictly Building" challenge, laid on by Building Magazine. The challenge was the Construction Industries answer to "Strictly come Dancing", involving companies putting forward a couple to take on a Strictly style dance challenge. Ian & Victoria represented Keltbray/AWS.
With 11 couples taking to the floor, we all learned a set Salsa routine from Simon Lister and then the competition was off. Round one saw the top 6 couples go through. We scored: 9, 9, 9 from the judges, total 27, putting us into an easy 1st place.


Round 2, we upped the game, but seemed to draw a mixed reaction from the judges with their scores and comments. We scored: 9, 10, 8, total 27, keeping us in 1st place by 1 point.


Round 3 - "The Final" and 3 couples left to battle it out:

• Ian Sharpe & Victoria Lawrence from Keltbray/AWS
• Maurice Gidwani & Rachel Hardisty from Mott MacDonald
• Dan Stewart & Sophie Griffths from Building Magazine

"Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day", Cinema release 15th August 2008:
Some time ago we took part in filming for Focus Features Film "Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day". The film is set in the 1920's, based on the story of a governess who happens into the life of the upper class as a social secretary to a rich American Singer/Actress in London. We were involved in the filming of the scenes at the "Scarlet Peacock". We are actually visible for large amounts of time in the dance and nightclub scenes.
The film is now on general release.For a photo of us in costume, please see our TV & Film Photo Gallery. Or, Click here to watch the film trailer (look out for us), or visit the film's official website here.

"Vinyl Moments Show"- 24th August 2008:
A celebration of the best of the 50s, 60s and 70s. You will be taken back to the good old days with song, dance, film clips and memorabilia. Ian & Victoria performed 3 dance numbers, one for each decade.
The show is on at the Granville Theatre, Ramsgate, commencing at 7.30pm. For more information, please visit their website or call the Box Office on 01843 591750.

"Summer Variety Cavalcade"- Summer Season Show
Every Tuesday for 6 weeks from 29th July - 2nd September 2008:
Ian & Victoria performed a Fred & Ginger themed ballroom cabaret, a latin spot and their Argentine Tango "Passion & Betrayal". The show was filled with Song, Dance and classic entertainment. At the Westgate Pavilion Theatre, every Tuesday (for 6 weeks from 29th July), commencing at 7.30 pm.
See the poster here. For more information, please call the Box Office on 01843 835611.

"Diamond Jubilee Variety Show"- 25th June 2008:
Celebrating 60 years of the Granville Theatre. Starlite Entertainers Productions present a fantastic Variety show. Ian & Victoria will perform a variety of dances for the show, it commences at 7.30pm. For more information, please visit their website.

JANUS Awards - 9th May 2008:
The JANUS Awards are Northern Irelands' equivalent of the Oscars for the tourism and hospitality industry. This year the final awards ceremony takes on a "Strictly Come Dancing" theme and Ian & Victoria will perform a variety of dances during the evening. The awards will be held at The Europa Hotel, Belfast on Friday 9th May. This is a very exclusive "Red Carpet" event with previous winners including Paul Rankin.
Ian & Victoria also performed at the launch of the Awards in February at Ten Square Hotel, Belfast. For more details please visit the "Institute of Hospitality" website or see a video of the evening below:
.

15th Annual "Red Rose Day Variety Show"- 23rd April 2008:
To Celebrate St Georges Day 2008, Starlite Entertainers Productions presented a fantastic Charity Variety show. Ian & Victoria performed a variety of themed dances for the show, including the debut of their spectacular Argentine Tango show number. The show was held at the Granville Theatre, Ramsgate on Wednesday 23rd April. All the proceeds from the night were donated to charity. For more information on the theatre, please visit their website.

Cultureal Event - March 29th 2008:
Cultureal is an arts Festival based in Sandwich, Kent and aims to recognise and celebrate Sandwich's unique cultural heritage. We performed a Ballroom & Latin show, live to the Beverly Big Band at the "Last Dance" event of this day long festival. Along with this, there was dance instruction from professional teachers before the band took to the stage so last moment techniques were honed. The "Last Dance" specific event was held in St Mary's Church.
All events were free to the public to spectate and participate, bringing the community together.
For more information on the event, please visit the Cultureal website here.

European Championship of Dance:
During February 2008 we took part in the European Championships of Dance, in Spain. The contest was held over a week with a variety of individual dances contested individually. We made the final in every competition we entered, our best placings being 4th in both the Cha Cha Cha and Paso Doble competitions. We also decided to venture into something brand new for us, competing in the Argentine Tango championship, we were very pleased to make the final at our first attempt. This competition was very different to anything we have ever experienced before - not only because the floor size was so limited, but also because the judging panel were not qualified dancers, more TV personalities, local dignitaries and such like.
Photographs from the Argentine Tango Event can be seen below:
             
For additional photographs - please visit the Gallery here.

Muir Maxwell Trust Show:
During December 2007 we took part in a huge fund raising ball for the Muir Maxwell Trust at the Dorchester Hotel, London. The theme was a Venetian Masked ball and was hosted by 2 dancers, Angela Rippon & Natasha Kaplinsky. We danced a Waltz and Viennese Waltz live to the London Symphony Orchestra to open the dance floor for the guests. The event was spectacular and the evening raised over 1 million pounds for the charity that supports children with Severe Epilepsy.
For more information on The Muir Maxwell Trust, please visit their website here.

Gordon Giltrap DVD Shoot:
A long time ago we were invited to dance for a new DVD being released by "Gordon Giltrap". The DVD is a media edition of his new album "Drifter". On this album is a fantastic Viennese Waltz track called "Mrs Singers Waltz".
We were recorded dancing to the track, which has now finally been edited and released exclusively onto Youtube, you can watch that here:

For more information on Gordon Giltrap and our day shooting the video, please visit his website here.
To see photographs taken on the day by photographer "Sue Holton" please see the Sue Holton Gallery in our photograph collection.

Hampshire Dance Festival - September 2007:
During September we had a successful weekend at the Hampshire Dance festival, winning the Hampshire Amateur Ballroom Championship convincingly. This trophy has been in circulation since 1945 and has some real "legends" engraved on the plinth and we are both honoured to join this list of champions.
We were also successful in the Amateur Latin, winning the Hugh Fowler Challenge Trophy. The day was well organised and there was good music and compering throughout the day. Photographs to follow...

Music Music Music - Summer Season Show - Every Tuesday Evening in August 2007:
Ian & Victoria will perform a Fred & Ginger themed ballroom & latin cabaret/show for the summer Season of "Music, Music, Music" at The Pavilion theatre, Westgate On Sea. The show starts at 7.30 pm and will run every Tuesday in August.
For more information, or to book tickets, please call the Box Office on 01843 835611.

The Albany Charity - Dance Show - 9th July 2007:
Ian & Victoria performed a ballroom & latin cabaret/show for the Albany Charity fund. The event will took place at the Wintergardens, Margate on Monday 9th July.
The Albany fund is a Licensed Taxi Drivers fund for children with special needs. Over 120 licensed taxi cabs join together in a convoy bringing children to the seaside for a special day out. All money raised goes to schools and homes to purchase anything that local councils cannot provide for these special children.
For more information on the charity, please visit the Albany Charity Fund Website Here.

14th Annual "Red Rose Day Variety Show"- 23rd April 2007:
To Celebrate St Georges Day 2007, Starlite Entertainers Productions presented a fantastic Charity Variety show. Ian & Victoria performed a variety of themed dances for the show, which was held at the Granville Theatre, Ramsgate on Monday 23rd April at 7.30pm. All the proceeds made on the night were donated to charity. See the poster here.

The Isis Care Centre - Grand Opening - 20th April 2007:
Ian & Victoria performed a ballroom & latin cabaret to mark the Grand Opening of the Isis Care Centre, Oxford on the 20th April. The new care home has a fantastic sprung maple dance floor as one of it's features. Guests and residents were invited to attend and enjoy the celebrations. For more details, please visit "The Order Of St John Care Trust" Website Here.

The Swing Dance Company - 7th April 2007:
Ian & Victoria provided a "fairytale" ballroom & Latin cabaret for "The Swing Dance Company". They hold an annual ball over the Easter weekend, this year the theme was "Fairy Tale". Many of the teachers and students dressed up and everybody looked fantastic. There was a brilliant live band the Ding Dong Daddio's playing throughout the evening and it was fantastic to watch the teachers Snow White & the 7 dwarfs swing style cabaret. For more details, please visit the Swing Dance Company's Website Here.

Ramsgate Carnival Association - March 2007:
Ian & Victoria provided a show for the Ramsgate Carnival Association's Annual Carnival Queen Selection Ball, at the Oddfellows Hall, Ramsgate. They donated their services for free to help out this local association. The evening involved the selection of the 2007 Ramsgate Carnival Queen & Princesses - Ian & Victoria would like to wish all the girls selected for the 2007 season the best of luck.

January - February 2007:
During January we took part in the UK championships in Bournemouth, dancing in the two Rising Star Amateur events, as well as the UK Amateur Ballroom Championship.
In February we made the trip across to Ireland to Dance in the "Celtic Classic", our best ballroom result of this competition being a semi final placing in the International A Class, and a quarter final placing in the corresponding Latin American event.

TLH (Torquay Leisure Hotels) Show - February 2007:
Early February we danced at the Torquay Leisure Hotel's Chatsworth Ballroom in the "Toorak Hotel". A fabulous "Learn to Dance" break was being run by Gerald & Margaret Thompson. We performed a variety of Ballroom & Latin dances, some as basics, so the guests could see what they had been learning over the week, and other as "show" style dances. The whole week was a great success with many of the guests booking straight away for next year. Our thanks go to 2 great friends, Gerald & Margaret and to the two fantastic photographers Clive Smith and Roger Allen.
Below are a couple of photographs taken during the show:
             
For additional photographs taken during the event - please visit the Gallery here.

1940's Show - January 2007:
In January we took part in a 1940's theme holiday. The whole hotel was fully "themed" to 1940's style with a cinema showing old movies, "mess halls" for food, classic indoor "games" such as coconut shy's, and plenty of "WW2 - We Want You!!" posters. For the "dance hall" night, our remit was "Strictly Come Dancing goes 1940's". We danced 3 ballroom & 3 Latin American dances to original 1940's music, with hair and makeup to match the era - the only modern twist was the costumes. The whole week went fantastically well, and the organisers were pleased that most of the guest's didn't want to go home at the end!!!.

23rd Christmas Cracker Variety Show: - Friday December 15th 2006:
Starlite Entertainers Productions presented their 23rd Christmas Cracker Charity Variety Show at the Granville Theatre, Ramsgate on Friday the 15th December 2006. We danced 4 Latin American style numbers in the show, with a Christmas theme. All proceeds from the night went to charity.
See the poster here

"How Music Works", Now showing on Channel 4:
Channel 4's new series "How Music Works" begins on Saturday 18th November at 8.25pm and will run for 4 weeks with a different theme each week. We will feature in the fourth programme airing on 9th December at around 8.25pm on channel 4 (times subject to schedule change).
Take a look at the Channel 4 website "How Music Works" where we are highlighted in the "Featured performers" section.

39th International Tanzturnier, Germany - October 2006:
In late October we represented England at the 39th International Tanzturnier in Germany. This involved 14 different couples, each representing different countries competing in both ballroom & Latin American competitions. We were both very honoured to find that we were the very first English couple to ever dance at this competition, which was in it's 39th year. It was a phenomenal evening with a fantastically decorated hall and a wonderful demonstration from Franco Formica & Oxana Lebedew. We achieved 10th placing in both the Ballroom & Latin American competitions. More importantly we established some good friends and would like to thank all involved for their wonderful hospitality.
See the photographs:
             
For additional photographs taken during the event - please visit the Gallery here.

Welsh & Welsh Border Counties Championships, October 2006:
Early October we danced at the Welsh Border Counties championships in Chepstow. We won both the Ballroom & Latin American Championship titles. Below is a photograph from the day:
             
Welsh Border Counties Ballroom               Welsh Amateur Ballroom Champions 2006.
& Latin American Champions 2006.

Late October we took another trip back to Wales, this time to Cardiff, to dance in the Welsh Open Championships. This time, we won the Welsh Open Amateur Ballroom championship and were runners up in the Latin American Championship. There was a large entry and some very good couples competing on the day, so we were very pleased with this result. For Photo - see above or see the photogallery.

Charity Work & Shows, October 2006:
During October we took part in 2 very exciting projects, the first was the VIP opening night of a brand new Nightclub, "Talk" in Herne Bay, Kent. The night begun with a champagne reception and welcome, people were shown around, and the versatility of the building was highlighted. We danced a Latin American show on the huge dance floor to a very packed and enthusiastic audience. For photographs of the club and more info click here.
The second was a charity show for "Oasis", a women's refuge. Their Annual fund raising ball was themed crystal and casino, with a gorgeously decorated room, with a gambling casino on the side. We donated our time and danced a latin american show in between dinner courses. We also offered to be "auctioned" to dance a rumba with the winning bidder. I am happy to announce that Ian raised £150 - with 2 ladies fighting over who had actually won the bid!! Victoria pipped Ian (thanks go to Frank Thorley who outbid everybody else) with a £250 bid. So together we helped raise £400 - a very nice figure. For Oasis's website click here.

International Dance Gala, Austria - August 2006:
In early August we represented England at the International Dance Gala in Austria. This involved 11 different couples, each representing different countries dancing both ballroom & Latin American for 3 evenings of dance competitions at different locations in Austria & Germany.
The first Night was at the Altes Kurhaus in Bad Reichenhall, Germany. We placed 7th in ballroom and 8th in the Latin American competition.
The second evening was held in a beautiful Austrian Spa village in the mountains at the Kursaal, Bad Hofgastein, Austria. We placed 7th in ballroom and 8th in the Latin American competition.
The third and final evening was held at the Stadthalle, Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria. We placed 7th in ballroom and 8th in the Latin American competition.
Over the three days we ended up finally in 7th place.
We had a most fantastic time and met some lovely people who we will stay in touch with for a long time to come.
See the photograph of all the couples here. For more photographs taken during the event - please visit the Gallery here.

"How Music Works", Channel 4 TV Shoot:
During June we took part in some filming for Channel 4's new series of "How Music Works". Along with 3 other couples we choreographed and danced to Strauss's Waltz "Roses from the South". The idea was to show how the baseline of Strauss's music allows the dancers to "re-set" their feet at certain points during the music.
The programme is due to air in late November 2006 - check back for full confirmation on dates and times.
Click to see a photograph from the day here. Photo shows from L - R: Anthony Price, Zoe Price, Kristi Boyce, Ian Sharpe, Victoria Lawrence, Alexander Shindila, Katie Gleason, Warren Boyce.

"Simply - Come Dancing" - Saturday 10th June 06 @ The Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone:
A fantastic evening of live music and dance with East Kent's Premier Dance Band, along with cabaret dances from Ian & Victoria. See the poster here.

13th Annual "Red Rose Day Variety Show":
To Celebrate St Georges Day, Starlite Entertainers Production presented a this fantastic Charity Variety show. The show was held at the Granville Theatre, Ramsgate on Sunday 23rd April. We danced a variety of numbers in the show, with all the proceeds made on the night being donated to charity. See the poster here.
Photographs from the show are now in the Demonstrations Gallery.

Beverly Big Band Valentines Dance - Saturday February 11th 2006:
East Kent's premier dance orchestra, The Beverly Big played live for a fantastic "Romance" themed evening of dance. We danced a variety of "romance" themed dances to the live Big Band, along with a few of our own cabaret dances.
See the poster here. The dance was held at the Westgate Hall, Canterbury, Kent. For more information on "The Beverly Big Band" or to find out about forthcoming events, please contact Christine on 01227 712355.

December 2005 - February 2006:
In February we competed at the Celtic Classic in Ireland. We ended a respectable 14th place in the "A Class" Ballroom and 16th place in the "A Class" Latin. We also danced in the IDSF world ranking Ballroom competition. All in all a very successful weekend, we look forward to visiting Ireland again very soon.
We had a very busy January, preparing for and competing at the UK championships in Bournemouth. Also during January we competed at Horndean, winning 2 fantastic trophies for both Amateur Ballroom & Latin American events.
During an extremely hectic festive season, December saw us retain the Sussex Amateur Ballroom Trophy for the 8th time.

22nd Christmas Cracker Variety Show - Friday December 9th 2005:
Starlite Entertainers Productions presented their 22nd Christmas Cracker Charity Variety Show. The show was held at the Granville Theatre, Ramsgate on Friday the 9th December 2005. We danced 4 Latin American style numbers in the show, with a Christmas theme. All proceeds from the night went to charity. See the poster here

"Test The Nation" - Saturday October 8th 2005:
Early October we took part in the BBC's live Saturday night show "Test the Nation" with Ann Robinson & Philip Schofield. Participating in the live studio "Ballroom Dancers" group. The programme theme was "Test the Nation: Know your English".
The programme aired in 2 parts, the first part being the actual test, the second part the "results show". The studio groups chosen were: "Ballroom Dancers", "Surgeons", "BBC Local Radio Presenters", "Receptionists", "Uni Fresher's" and "Greengrocers". Along with the celebrities for the night!
As a group we managed a creditable 4th place with an average score of 46 (beating the national average), beating the Receptionists, Greengrocers & Fresher's. If you would like to try the test online, please visit the BBC Test The Nation website.

Greater London Championships - September 2005:
Late September 2005 saw us compete in the Greater London Ballroom & Latin American Championships. The day was a success for us as we won the Greater London Amateur Latin Championship and were runners up in the Ballroom Championship. We also won the Amateur 10 Dance Rosebowl for being the highest placed amateur couple over all 10 dances.

July 2005:
During July we competed at a variety of competitions. Early July we danced at the UK Closed Championships in Bournemouth in both Ballroom, Latin & 10 dance competitions, placing 7th in 10 dance.
The weekend of the 15th saw us competing in the Isle Of Man Championships. We placed 2nd in the 3 major championships, Ballroom, Latin & 10 dance. We also placed 1st in the Open Viennese Waltz and the team we danced for in the team match also won.
The last 2 weeks of July we competed in the IDSF World Ranking competitions in Penticton, Canada. We placed 8th In the Amateur Ballroom and 7th in the Amateur Latin (missing the final by only one mark). We also danced our Quickstep Cabaret for the Final nights Showcase. For full IDSF results please see: Ballroom results & Latin results.

Leukaemia Busters - Venetian Masquerade Ball - Saturday June 11th 2005:
We danced a Ballroom cabaret at the Leukaemia Busters Venetian Masquerade Ball on the 11th June. The event was held at the Southampton Guildhall, which was transformed into the romantic and enchanting city of Venice for the evening. The evening commenced at the Southampton City Art Gallery with a champagne reception, then onto the Guildhall for a 4 course Italian themed meal, followed by a variety of themed entertainment.
We are happy to announce that the evening raised around £27,000 for Leukaemia Busters -fantastic & what a fantastic night had by all. For further information on the cause, please click here to visit their website.

NATD Centenary Dinner Dance - Saturday May 21st 2005:
We danced our brand new Comedy Cabaret at this prestigious Dinner Dance. It was a fantastic evening with Ross Mitchell playing live music. Our cabaret had the audience in stitches!!!

Beverly Big Band Cabaret - Saturday May 14th 2005:
We danced our 5 Dance Ballroom Cabaret at the "Beverly Big Band's" 10th Anniversary May Ball on the 14th May. The event was held at the Westgate Hall, in Canterbury, Kent. The evening was a phenomenal success and what a fantastic crowd to dance for - very warm and friendly, obviously dance lovers. See the poster here. For more information on the Beverly Big Band, please contact Christine on 01227 7123552.

Forthcoming Charity Show's - April & May 2005:
During April & May we danced in 2 local charity events. The first was on the 15/16th April at "The Pavilion", Sea Road, Westgate-On-Sea, Kent. This show was in aid of "St Saviours Church Tower" restoration appeal.
The second was "The TS Bulldog Variety Show 3" on the evening of Friday 13th May at "The Pavilion-On-The-Sands", Broadstairs, Kent. See the poster here. Both shows were a success raising large sum's of money for the respective charities. Watch out for more charity events coming soon, or contact Ralph Hoult on 01843 852647.

"Winter Variety Spectacular Show" -12th February 2005:
We danced in this charity show, in aid of the Alzheimer's Society, held at "The Theatre Royal", Margate, Kent during February. Dancing a variety of Latin American themed dances. See the poster here

January 2005:
During January we competed at the UK Championships in Bournemouth. We also danced at Weston Super Mare in both the EADA & IDSF Open Standard competitions, we made the semi final of the world ranking competition and were placed 9th. For full IDSF results please see here. On the same day we also danced in the "Open Basic Foxtrot Dancer Of The Year", which we won - retaining the title from last year.

Gordon Giltrap DVD Shoot:
During December 2004 we were invited to dance for a new DVD being released by "Gordon Giltrap". The DVD is a media edition of his new album "Drifter". On this album is a fantastic Viennese Waltz track called "Mrs Singers Waltz".
We were recorded dancing to the track, which will be edited into the DVD with Gordon playing the Guitar. For more information on Gordon Giltrap, please visit his website here.
To see photographs taken on the day by photographer "Sue Holton" please see the Sue Holton Gallery in our photograph collection.

For Older News, please go to the News Archive.