A “Strictly” style day of dance
By Iris Findlay with photographs by Morrison Findlay

A special presentation dance was held on Sunday, March 29 at the Leisure Centre in Slough, organised and presented by Blanche Ingle-Bateman and assisted by Susan Davis and her staff. Included in the afternoon’s entertainment were the results of exams held on March 8. By 2pm the participating children had all arrived with their parents, eager to receive their results and medals and then enjoy an afternoon of fun. General dancing set everyone in the mood before I was given the honour of presenting the awards. It seemed like a never-ending line of children receiving them in ballroom, Latin, line dancing and freestyle. Some of them had entered for more than one award and many of them received honours, highly commended and commended.
Party time followed with children and adults joining in the fun dances. Then seven competitions took place for the children who had received rosettes, with plaques to be won. All of them danced extremely well and the footwork was of a very high standard. The prize presentations were made before Mike Bannister was introduced as compére for a “Strictly Come Dancing” themed competition. First he spoke about Blanche, who coached for over 50 years with her late husband Ken. Two of the many accolades they received are the BDF Award and the Carl Alan Award. Many famous names in the dance world including Richard Gleave, Alan Fletcher and Jonathan Wilkins – currently number three in the world – were their pupils. Blanche also assisted Karen Hardy on “Strictly” when Karen danced with newsreader Bill Turnbull.

Mike then introduced Amy Bannister and Kathleen McLoughlin, who took on the roles of Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly, followed by the judges: Celine McLoughlin as Craig Revel-Horwood, Ella Sondhi as Arlene Phillips, Zac Seager as Len Goodman and Emma Manley as Bruno Tonioli. The first couple included four-year-old Andrew, the youngest dancer, with his partner Charlotte. Together they danced a very nice waltz and the judges were unbelievably polite, giving excellent comments. Jasmine and Emma followed with a very good quickstep, again receiving very complimentary remarks from the judges. Jive followed danced by Alicia with her mum – as her sister Emily had been taken ill and was unable to compete – again receiving amazing comments, much like those given to Megan and Isabella who danced cha cha cha before the final scores were given. All four couples got top marks – I think the BBC should snap these judges up quickly!

To finish off the afternoon the children in all age groups came onto the floor and demonstrated their ballroom, Latin, line dancing and freestyle. Congratulations to Blanche and her team for a lovely afternoon, it was clear that the children love what they are learning in the school, and long may it continue.