Swing Patrol Performance Ball 2016
Last years performance ball was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. Doing the “two ladies” routine with team Waterloo and the “one jump ahead” Aladdin routine were simply awesome!
This year my main focus has been working on my solo jazz so inevitably I was going to give Cat and Kibble’s routine a try. Both teachers have such different but fascinating styles so it was very interesting taking part. Both Teachers clearly put a lot of time and effort in the routine as every single move matched the music from the bird wings to the heel clicks and the many kick-ball changes!
If this wasn’t already difficult enough; I made it even harder for myself missing a few classes at the start due to “job transitions” (long story). However, I must thank the inspiring and amazing Lydia Francis who not only helped me the routine but went out of her way to improve my styling and rhythm. Admittedly this is skill a work in progress for me but with her help; my routine performance wasn’t too bad. I also have to give a huge shout out to all the solo team as everyone really gave it their all. You could tell everyone had been doing extra practice and wanted to kick ass. I spent a bit of extra time with the level 1’s the day before the performance ball going over a few things and it surprised me how knowledgeable and determined they all were to nail this thing. Well done guys!
Although I spent most of my spare time working on the solo routine dancing in front of my mirror in Dad’s garage; I still couldn’t say no to round 2 of team Waterloo. I was not surprised that Robyn and Judith had chosen Abba’s “Waterloo”, it simply makes too much sense not to. Just 3 months after my “Mama Mia” performance at Campy Savoy and I find myself doing ANOTHER Abba routine! Last year I made every class without fail but only made half the classes this time around (again…job transition), however thanks to extra sessions with Holly and my hard working dance partner Cathryn; we did pretty well. As expected, everyone in the team was so enthusiastic and fun to be around. Making friends and sharing this wonderful experience is what this whole thing is about.
There were some excellent routines from the other Swing Patrol classes. Most notably; Jeff And Robyn’s routine to Sia was brilliantly choreographed and the black and white costumes/wigs were excellent! Also, well done to team ninja crabs (my buddies from Xpress your Swing)! I had a feeling those guys would do a ton of awesome stuff. Very few people can match their energy so it was great to see their “Air Patrol” performance at the end. If I had time I would of done the same as Matt Seddon last year and taken part in at least 8 routines…one day when I can clone myself!
