I had a great time!
I had no idea what to expect but was pleasantly surprised. Friday night had a very buzzy atmosphere, it almost felt like a large house party.
I stayed at the Holiday Inn, which was less than 5 minutes drive away. Angelique had negotiated a special rate, £99 for three nights, inc. a continental breakfast, which I thought was really good!
Jordan and Tatiana really were a perfect example of how a professional couple should be. They were totally approachable, friendly and gracious but at the same time, they commanded respect and were able to get us all organized and keep the workshop flowing but still having time to answer individual questions, whilst keeping it fun!
The gender imbalance didn't have too much of an adverse effect on me during the workshops, as they kept us moving and separated the sexes every now and then.
As for the evening freestyles, Friday was good for me but Saturday I felt my own dancing wasn't up to much, so I lost the confidence to ask anyone and being that there were lots and lots of ladies over, I think I only danced about 3 times BUT, on the other hand, I had a great time socializing and had the pleasure of getting to know some people much better! (Peter and Amy, Love you... even if you do drive a 'turdmobile'
)
And I LOVED the cabaret! My heart was in my mouth for some of it though.. especially when Tatiana slid into the stone wall... (I later found out, she had knee pads on!
)
Sunday, J and T upped the level in the classes and I found them really interesting. I love the bit where they explained how keeping the dance 'quiet' allowed the small accents to show up, whereas couples who come out and dance flat out, throwing every move in, find it hard to highlight anything... the analogy they used was, its like someone wearing every piece of jewellery they own, you wont notice any individual piece.
Also, Tatiana encouraged us to develop our own style, she said personally she hardly used any shoulder rolls or anything above the waist but doing so isn't wrong, its just 'her style'
Sunday night was good, I loved the impromptu Line dance display (I want to learn that
)
And I was lucky enough to have the very last dance of the weekend with Jordan!
I think Angelique was very brave to organize this event.
I've known her for quite some time now (before she danced) and I know she's never been shy of hard work but they only brought the pub 8 months ago and she has been running it on her own, whilst trying to looking after three children as well, as her husband has been in Afghanistan on duty, returning only last week.
She's fully aware that there were small teething problems and she's open to feedback and suggestions. Its been a huge learning curve for her.
I think one of the main problems as ever, is getting people to commit early. I know as late as last week, she still wasn't sure what size marquee she was going to need but she had to bite the bullet and make a decision.
And as for gender balancing, I know she's adamant she wants to try find a solution to this for next time. (she's thinking hard!)
Well done hun!
Here's a small selection of pics
