Margaret and I experienced a delightful weekend of dancing in Blenheim which is a town well known for its sunshine hours and expansive grape growing , associated wine industry and friendly people. Organisers, Robin and Gaile French of the Blenheim Dance Studio, are to be congratulated on a well runevent which was a credit to them and their group of local and Nelson volunteers.
The Marlborough Girl's High School hall was well decorated with balloons, flowers, frock and shoe displays and was just the right sized venue to accommodate the dancers and audience.
Adjudicators for this occasion were Colleen Murray, Margaret Wilson, Gary Wilson (Christchurch) Gaile French, Robin French and Barry Scott (Nelson).
There was a good number of young children and adults in the partner excluded events and some promising partnerships appeared in the D grade events. An interesting battle ensued between three couples in the B & A grade standard events. At the end of the competition honours were evenly spread between Darren French & Emma Silk of Nelson, Wayne Whiley & Amanda Shaskey of Christchurch, and Chris & Andrea Woods of Christchurch. Very good dancing was presented by Chris Chambers & Anna Lukina of Nelson in the junior events. They are promising young dancers.
After the competition we all met in the Lodge for an after event party which went on into the early hours of the morning. Overall a lovely weekend was had by all. This competition is worthy of plenty of support from dancers. You will be guaranteed of a great time. Enjoy your dancing.
Regards Gary Wilson.
hr width="75%">