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"The 21st Christmas Cracker Variety Show" -10th December 2004
We once again took part in the Starlight Christmas Charity Show, dancing to a variety of "Christmas themed" music. The event was held at "The Granville Theatre", Ramsgate, Kent. See the poster here

December 2004: During December 2004 we danced at Horsham & retained the Sussex Amateur Modern Trophy.

Gaye Biffen Memorial Trophies:
This event was held during November 2004, run by Avon Amateurs, who spent the day raising money for Cancer Research. We had a successful day, winning the Gaye Biffen Amateur Ballroom Memorial Trophy & the Viennese Waltz Trophy, and placing second in the amateur latin event. We were also asked to compete in the "Team Match" dancing Latin for the "Avon" team, who won the "Best Team" Trophy. Photos to come - please check back soon.

"The TS Bulldog Variety Show 3" on the 21st November 2004:
Ian & Victoria are to dance at this show. It is to be held at "The Pavilion-On-The-Sands", Broadstairs, Kent. Show commences 7.30pm. Tickets are priced £5 adults, £4 OAP's, £3 children. To book tickets, please contact Ralph Hoult on 01843 852647, or visit his shop in King Street, Ramsgate. See the poster here.
NOTE: TS Bulldog Event postponed until May 2005 - more details above.

Lord Mayor's Viennese Ball, October 2004:
During October all the glamour of the Vienna Ball Season came to the City of London for the first-ever Viennese Ball at the Mansion House. The Ball was opened in traditional style by young Austrian dancers. Guests then took to the floor, enjoying a variety of waltzes and polkas performed by the London Symphony Orchestra.
The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress were in attendance, and HE The Austrian Ambassador was Guest of Honour. This was a fundraising evening, with all proceeds going to this year’s Lord Mayor’s Appeal - ‘Music and the Arts for Everyone’.
Ian & Victoria danced their ballroom show during the orchestra break. This was met with a wonderful, warm reception from the guests. Such a fabulous ballroom -the Egyptian Hall of Mansion house really inspires you to dance your best.
For more information visit the viennese ball website here. Check back soon for some photographs.

Strictly Come Dancing, Series 2:
The second series of this show commences on Saturday the 23rd October. This time there will be 10 pro/celebrity pairings competing to become SCD 2 champion. The "behind the scenes" show will run every weekday evening at 6.30pm on BBC2. For more detailed information, please visit our SCD2 page here.

Greater London Ballroom Championships:
Late September 2004 saw us compete in the Greater London Ballroom & Latin American Championships. This fantastic competition is now in it's 40th year, run by Audrey Fowler, held near Broxbourne. The day was a success for us as we won the Greater London Amateur Ballroom Championship and placed 5th In the Latin Championship.

FLASH TV Advert: Now Showing
The new "Flash Dry Dusters" TV Advert features dancing. Showing now on TV, the advert stars Karl Howman the "Face of Flash" having a flashback (excuse the pun!) to the 70's when he was dancing in a Butlin's style dance competition. Look out for Victoria dancing with Karl & Ian dancing with some other dance faces you may recognise as our "competition". Please click to view photo's.

Isle Of Man Championships, June 2004: Toward the end of June, we competed in the Isle Of Man championships. We placed 2nd in the 3 major championships, Ballroom, Latin & 10 dance. We also placed 1st in the following 3 competitions: Open Amateur Ballroom, Open Amateur Latin, Open Viennese Waltz. We also took part in the team match of which our team also won. Click here to view photo's: Podium   Line Up.
The venue for these championships was absolutely fantastic, rarely do you get a chance to dance at such a venue. It was a real old fashioned "Opera House" that has just undergone a refurbishment, a mix of old & new, and a fantastic dance floor.

May/ June 2004: Throughout May & June we have been busy with many competitions. Including EADA ranking competitions, The Open British at Blackpool & the Torquay dance festival amongst others. Later in the month we took part in the Isle Of Man Championships (details of this can be found above). The last weekend of June saw us compete in the EADA 10 Dance selection at Bromley where we achieved 7th place and moved up to 4th place in the 10 dance chart.

Professional Wealth Management Photo Shoot: Earlier this year we were involved in a photo shoot for the "Professional Wealth Management" magazine. The magazine had commissioned the photographer Coneyl Jay to produce one year's worth of Magazine covers promoting togetherness, one of these they chose to do through ballroom dancing. Coneyl Jay took some fantastic photos of us for the magazine's front cover, please click to view photo's.

11th Annual "Red Rose Day Variety Show" : During April we danced in this charity variety event, celebrating St Georges Day. The show was at the Granville Theatre, Ramsgate. All money raised went to the St Georges Church Appeal Fund & the Ramsgate & Broadstairs Sea Cadets. See the poster here.

EADA Showcase, March 2004: On the 13th March we danced in the popular EADA showcase. The event, which was held at Warsash, near Southampton was a real success, raising over £1,000 for the EADA Training Scheme.
The EADA showcase consists of both Ballroom & Latin American demonstrations from individual couples, as well as a team match. There is also the chance for the audience to dance with the amateurs in the show.

Come Dancing returns to TV: Recent news articles confirm that the popular TV show "Come Dancing" is to return to our screens in May. The new presenter will be Bruce Forsyth, accompanied by Tess Daly. The show will be titled "Strictly Come Dancing". The main programme will be showing on BBC1, saturday night prime time, with a shorter programme showing every night of the week on BBC3.
The show will take the following format: each week the eight couples (made up of one celebrity & one "professional" dancer) will dance a different dance under competition rules. There will be a professional judge to offer opinions on the couples, but also the public will be involved in voting for their favourite couple.
The celebrities/Dance Pro's have been matched as follows:

• Martin Offiah & Erin Boag
• Lesley Garrett & Anton Du Beke
• David Dickinson & Camilla Dallerup
• Verona Joseph & Paul Killick
• Jason Wood & Kylie Jones
• Natasha Kaplinsky & Brendan Cole
• Christopher Parker & Hanna Karttunen
• Claire Sweeney & John Byrnes

January/ February 2004: During January we competed at the UK Championships in Bournemouth, also the Bill & Sylvia Mitchell Tribute day held at Leatherhead, where we won both the Amateur Ballroom & Latin Events.
The first weekend of February saw us competing at Weston Super Mare in the IDSF Open Standard competition, we missed the final by one place an so were placed 7th. 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. Later in February we are off to Ireland to compete in the Irish IDSF competitions.

Xmas News: 20th Annual "Christmas Cracker Variety Show" On the December 5th  took part in this show at the Granville Theatre, Ramsgate. All money raised on the evening is donated to charity. See the poster here.

September & October 2003: September and October have been very busy dance wise. Late September we danced in The Greater London Championships at Broxbourne. We placed 2nd in both the Ballroom & Latin events, and won the Greater London 10 Dance Rosebowl. Early October we competed at Watford at the "Choice - Fashion & Dance" event. We placed 4th in the Amateur Ballroom competition and also danced in the EADA Amateur Latin American National Selection event.
Also since July we have been training very hard every Saturday at Egham with the EADA scheme, preparing for the International and the Closed British later this year.

Gala Variety Charity Show: On the 13th September 2003, we took part in the variety charity show at the Royal Hippodrome Theatre, Eastbourne. All money raised went to St. Wilfred's Hospice, Eastbourne. For more details click here.

Imperial Championships, EADA Amateur 10 Dance Selection: These championships were held at Watford on the 24th August. We placed 6th in the 10 dance competition, after making the finals in 3 ballroom dances and 2 latin dances. Full results can be found here.

South East of England Championship: During January we attended these championships held at Leatherhead. We won the Modern title and were runners up in the Latin event.

EADA Showcase: In June we took part in the EADA showcase at Egham, dancing a show Quickstep, and dancing latin in the team match. August 2003 Dance Today Magazine carried an article on the event. Article No longer available to view.

Black & White Photographs - Top Hat & Tails: Late last year we were involved in a photo shoot. The photographer Glen Burrows had been commissioned by "Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines" to produce a series of 4 Black & White photographs with the theme "Top Hat & Tails" to be placed on one of it's new radiance class liners coming in the future, either "Serenade of the Seas" coming in November 2003 or "Jewel of the Seas" coming in November 2004. View Photo's.

BBC 2 Comedy Drama - "Happiness": Mid May 2002 we worked as extras on the 'Paul Whitehouse' BBC sitcom 'Happiness'. The programme features a ballroom dancing club, to which the star 'Johnny Vegas' attends in an attempt to dance and meet women. The first series, shown in 2001 won Johnny a Royal Television Society Best Newcomer Award.
The second series consists of 6 programmes and begins on the 14th January 2003, on BBC2 at 10.00pm.

Charity Event News: "Christmas Cracker Variety Show" On December 6th 2002 we took part in this show at the Granville Theatre, Ramsgate, 7pm. This is a free christmas show for all Ramsgate OAP's, with any money raised being donated to charity.

"Malta Dancesport Championships": This took place on the 19th & 20th October. Both the Amateur Ballroom & Latin competitions were "IDSF Open". We danced on a lovely floor in an old WW2 converted aircraft hangar. The atmosphere was great and we met some absolutely fantastic people from the MDA. Results wise we made the quarter finals in the IDSF Ballroom competition. Links to full results will be published soon. I am also informed that there may be some coverage of the competition available to view on Dancescape.tv.

September & October 2002.: We competed in three EADA events this month. Two Standard ranking competitions, one at Bournemouth and one at Birmingham. Also an EADA 10 Dance ranking competition held at Grays.
Late September we attended the IDSF ranking weekend at Heathrow, with an IDSF International Open Latin competition on Saturday the 28th and an IDSF International Open Standard competition on Sunday the 29th. The results of these competitions can be found on the following links: Saturday - Latin    Sunday - Ballroom
After all of these competitions, preparations were on for the Golden Jubilee International Championships. Saturday mornings back to Egham, and EADA training. After the international we were straight off to Malta (see above).

"The Royal Harbour of Ramsgate Golden Jubilee Tattoo": This took place on the 18th August from noon to sunset at Ramsgate Harbour. It was a lovely hot sunny day, and after inspecting what was to be the "parade ground" where we were to dance, it was decided that we should demonstrate inside a marquee instead. The day went well with various entertainment and celebrations for the Jubilee year.

Welsh Open & IDSF Modern: On the 28th July 2002 we attended the Welsh Open Championships at Cardiff. Even though it was said to be the hottest day of the year so far, it was cool inside for the dancers with air conditioning. We danced in the Welsh open Ballroom Championship and came 2nd. Also we danced in the IDSF open Modern world ranking event and were placed 5th. (Full results of the IDSF event will follow shortly).

"Telemark" Cabaret: On the 20th July 2002 we spent the day at "Telemark Dance Studio", Ramsgate. The studio is closing after many years, and this was a "social get together" for all pupils, past & present. (Note: teaching will still continue throughout Thanet at hired halls.)
We have both attended this studio since we very first started to dance, and we are very happy to have been asked to perform 2 cabarets for this event. A 5 Dance latin demonstration in the afternoon for the children & parents, and our 5 Dance Ballroom Cabaret in the Evening for the adults party.
Both Ian & I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jo and Sharon for all their help and support over the years, and wish them well for their teaching in the future. You will have our continued support.
Photographs from this event can be found in the gallery.

UK Closed Championships: Mid July sees us back from the 2002 UK Closed Championships at Bournemouth. We danced the 10-Dance on Friday, and the Amateur Ballroom on Saturday. Unfortunately we had to withdraw from the Latin Championship on the Sunday due to illness.

"Midsummer Madness" Cabaret: We performed a 5 dance Ballroom Cabaret for Oakhill Dance Promotions "Midsummer Madness" social dance. This event was packed and we danced to a great reception.

Golden Jubilee Cabaret: The 15th June saw us perform our 5 Dance Ballroom cabaret at the "Great Hall, Bromley Civic Centre" in celebration of the Queens Golden Jubilee. The evening featured Tony Evans and his Orchestra. Hopefully photographs will follow soon...

St. Georges Day Red Rose Charity Variety Show : Taking place at the Granville Theatre, Ramsgate. On the 23rd of April at 7.30pm. We are to perform two spots in the show. Please come along, recognise St George's Day and support local charities. Tickets can be purchased from Ralph Hoult in Ramsgate or purchase tickets on the night.

February 2002: February 3rd - Avon Amateurs EADA Ballroom Ranking competition at Bristol. We make the quarter finals in the EADA competition, and place 6th in the final of the Amateur Ballroom competition from an initial entry of 20.
February 9th - Egham Sports Centre, the Middlesex Championships. We place 5th in the Amateur Ballroom championship.
February 21st-24th Celtic Classic, Ireland. IDSF International Open Modern & Latin competitions. For a full listing of results please see this website & follow links to the Irish Open.

Films: During 2001 we worked as extras on a film. The film, "Iris" was shot in May in and around Oxford. It stars Kate Winslet as young Iris & Dame Judy Dench as the older Iris. For a review and more information on the film click here.
Iris is now showing throughout The UK - already set from success in America (see article below), Iris premiered in London on the 13th January. Jim Broadbent won a golden Globe Award as Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film, and Judi Dench recently won a BAFTA for Best Actress.
Jim Broadbent wins oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Iris.
Trailer - No Longer available.

December 2001: December 16th - We retain the Sussex Amateur Modern Trophy at Billingshurst. Picture. Also we place a very close 2nd in the Amateur Latin event.
December 9th - Metropolitan Championships, Egham. We place 6th in the Amateur Modern after an entry of 19 couples. Also we place first in the Open Viennese Waltz and gain some points in the EADA Chart ranking 10 Dance Competition.

Charity Event News: On the 8th of December we took part in the "Christmas Cracker Variety Show" at the Granville Theatre, Ramsgate. This was a free christmas show for all Ramsgate OAP's.
On November 25th, we took part in "The Night of a Thousand Dancing Feet - Variety Show" at The Wintergardens, Margate. The challenge was to have 1,000 dancing feet pass across the stage for charity. We are pleased to report that in fact 1,018 dancing feet passed across the stage and raised a large sum of money for charity. (Please check back for actual figure soon). All proceeds from this event went 50/50 to Children in Need & Demelza House.
On the 23rd September we took part in the "Starlite 20th Anniversary Variety Show" at the Theatre Royal, Margate. All proceeds on the day were split between local charities. £400 was raised for the "Disability Activity Group" and £200 for "The Theatres Trust".

October 2001: October 14th - Fashion & Dance, Watford. We place 3rd in the Amateur Modern competition and 6th in the Amateur Latin. Victoria received runner up spot in the Fashion & Dance 'Best Ballroom Dress' competition.
October 21st, Birmingham. Runners up in the Pat Clements Open Foxtrot Trophy. EADA Modern Selection heat.

September 2001: Early September we competed at Miami in the United States Dancesport Championships. The Modern results can be found on the USDSC website (No Longer Available). The latin championship was also an IDSF International Open Ranking event. The results can be found on the IDSF website.

TV Drama: During 2001 we also worked on the TV Drama, "The Cazalets". The programme is based around a family - The Cazalets and is set in the late 30's early 40's. The photographs below are taken from Part 2 shown on 29th June. For more photographs please go to the Photogallery.

May 2001: Early May saw the return of the Garden Coast Dance Festival at Folkestone. 2 wonderful demonstrations started the weekend off, Latin on Friday night by Mark Lunn & Louise Lidbury, and Modern on the Saturday night by Christopher Hawkins & Hazel Newberry. Saturday night also included a small number of 'lounge clothes' competitions. New this year was the Ron Heliwell Memorial Trophy for Foxtrot & Rumba, what a wonderful man & what a wonderful trophy. We were extremely pleased to win this competition. Sunday at the main competition day, we came 5th in the Amateur Modern, and won the Amateur Latin event.
Sunday the 13th we travelled to Didcot where the Midland Counties Championships were being held. We won the Amateur Modern title and came 2nd in the Amateur Latin event.
Late May, the United Kingdom Amateur 10 Dance Championships were held at the Tower Ballroom, Birmingham. We placed 6th overall in the 10 dance championship and came 5th in the Amateur Modern Competition. Full results can be found here.

February 2001: Leatherhead (18th) Ian & Victoria won both Amateur events. The modern report was featured in edition 1709 of Dance News. This event also included the two EADA Basic trophies, both of which we won, making the day extremely successful.

Ian & Victoria win the U/35 Pre Championship Modern Title
At Champions of Tomorrow, Blackpool on the 6th January 2001.

Blackpool 2001 Winners U/35 Pre-Championship Modern

Prize Presentation with John Byrnes & Jane Lyttleton

On the 6th January 2001 the Wintergardens, Blackpool saw the annual gathering to the grand finals of the "Champions of Tomorrow" competition. Ian & Victoria qualified in the U/35 Pre-Championship class and after competing in 4 rounds (including the semi and final) they were announced the winners. The photographs above show the presentation of the trophies.