Dancing in Bournemouth 2008

Iris Findlay reports from the BDFI Congress at the UK Championships in Bournemouth

Bournemouth hosts the UK Championships every January, and dancers and spectators from countries all over the world attend each year. On the Monday of the 12th United Kingdom Congress, the box office in the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) opened at 9.30am to sell tickets for the three-day event in 2009, and by 10am most of the tickets had already been sold. The BIC is such a popular venue that guests start queuing at 6.30am to be sure of a seat.

The Ballroom Dancers’ Federation International presents the Congress (by kind permission of Dance News Special Projects Ltd), every year, and it is one of the highlights of the week. Compering the lectures this year were David Sycamore and Nicola Nordin. Alan Tornsberg commenced with “Bringing Back the Music”, where he spoke about rhythms and musicality, and how slight changes can enhance a performance. Dancing a samba with his assistant, he showed the points he had spoken of, then changed the tempo to cha cha cha – first with Latin music, then the same dance to a slow foxtrot. The quality of his work was amazing. Alan introduced Oliver Wessel-Therhorn and partner who danced a segue as it was danced in 1971. It was fascinating and funny compared to what is seen today, but performed to perfection. Alan ended the lecture by speaking of how the great Wally Laird had inspired him and he invited Wally’s partner Lorraine on to the stage to dance a rumba with him, which brought the audience to their feet. What a fabulous start to the afternoon.

“To Lead or Not to Lead, that is the Question” was the name of five times world Ballroom champion Lindsey Hillier-Tate’s lecture. Lindsey apologised at the start as she had a very bad cold and she hoped her voice would hold out. She started by explaining that dancers need many skills to dance in order to allow a safe passage around the floor. Apart from good choreography, they need good contact, flexibility and use of body weight. Christopher and Justyna Hawkins (pictured with Lindsey Hillier-Tate) demonstrated the points as she was making them: frame to balance, flexibility of body and counter-balance of body weight. They danced them incorrectly at first then corrected their mistakes to highlight the difference. All the ballroom dances were covered in a very informative way, and the lecture proved useful for dancers of all grades. Lindsey’s voice held up admirably and judging by the applause, everyone in the hall appreciated her lecture.

“Cuz I Am a Woman” by Nadia Eftedal, was a lecture encouraging a stronger role of women in

partnerships, based on the idea that women are equal partners rather than just attachments to their men. Assisting Nadia were Julia Fryer and Karen Hardy (pictured right), who came on to the stage together with garden brooms and used them as their Metro Men, dancing with and around them. Then they performed solo, and Nadia explained that rather than simply standing by your man, you should be actively dancing with your man. All in all it was a thought-provoking lecture.

The last lecture, from William Pino and Alessandra Bucciarelli (pictured below), was “Sound Motions and Emotions.” William explained there are not many art forms where you can exchange motions and emotions, music, dancing and audience. To show us what they meant they danced the same steps to three different waltzes, and each dance looked completely different. They related to each piece of music as they felt it, then danced a foxtrot in the same way. It was a fabulous, unforgettable performance, and well worthy of the standing ovation it received.

“An Audience with Doreen Freeman” was introduced by Greg Smith and John Kimmins (pictured below). Doreen spoke of her life as a young girl, how she loved going to the cinema, dancing, and her cats. When she was a teenager, she went to the British School of Dance in Regent Street. She had a successful dancing career with Victor Barrett whom she eventually married. They won the World Championships in Paris after going by metro as no taxis were available, and they judged the first Black Championship competition in South Africa. After Victor retired, Doreen danced with Victor Silvester for eight years on and off, until she fell ill with tuberculosis. When she recovered, she danced with Bob Burgess and won all the major titles including the last Star Championship held at Earls Court. Doreen won a best dress competition and Norman Hartnell wanted her to work for him when she told him she had designed and made the dress herself. Doreen married Bob Burgess and they bought the Streatham Studio. When the lease finished they bought the Grafton Ballroom in Dulwich. Her very successful career was down to complete respect and enjoyment in dancing together with her partner. She finished by dancing a tango with Massimo Giorgianni. Everyone in the audience rose to their feet in honour of a lovely lady and a wonderful Congress.

Photographs by Ron Self