It’s May, and that means – it’s Blackpool Time! Competitors who plan to attend this year’s festival have been practicing to the music of Empress Orchestra for at least a month now. Most couples who have high expectations for themselves and their hopeful results have gone to UK for some final coaching tips and, of course, getting acclimatized to the unpredictable English weather. If this year is your year for trying new things and Blackpool is on your list of your “Dream Places” to visit, be sure to check out our write up on Stuff To Know Before Going to Blackpool. You’re welcome.
I think every dancer, who stepped onto a competitive dance floor have had a dream to dance at (or, at least visit) Blackpool Dance Festival – the Jewel of Competitive Ballroom Dancing. I was no exception. My first dance teacher gave me a VHS of year of 2000 “Millenium” Pro Latin in Blackpool, which planted a great seed in my head. I promised myself that one day I will visit this magical place. And, I sure kept that promise.
Life, however, presented me this opportunity in a slightly different way, than to most dancers I know. During my Amateur and Professional competitive years, even with strong desires to attend this marvellous event, things just didn’t fall into place. The actual competitive dancing on the Blackpool floor had never happened me. But, it was probably for better.
Frankly, every single dancer I had spoken to, had one common thing to say – “Most of the time, you go to Blackpool with a goal to fight for a placement. And it sure will be a tough fight. All other desires come later.”
Honestly, I’m glad I experienced Blackpool the way I did. I know my mind was in the right place to memorize all exotic details of this place, so may this video be a humorous representation of what I remember. It was truly a dream come true, and it was well worth the wait.
Author: Egor Shalvarov
Photography: Egorich.ca DanceSport
Exclusively for Dance Comp Review