The Champs May 4th 2008 @ The Troxy - Page 6

**Minnie M** · 5th-May-2008, 02:33 PM

Poor Mini Mac - that is horrible and leaves a nasty taste to the evening - I found a Playboy watch upstairs - gave it to Lost Property - give the Troxy a ring someone might have handed your stuff in (fingers crossed)

I also heard that Amir's car was broken into

nebula · 5th-May-2008, 02:33 PM

Oh, poor mini Mac!

I left all my stuff by the table downstairs, and kept getting odd looks, as it was a huge suitcase that I kept pulling things out! I was SOOOO glad I brought some extra stuff with me, as never imagined would get so far (

quarter finals in Intermediates and semi in Lucky Dip

- I know I am gloating, but hey, it was my first time!

)
Thanks to everybody who cheered me up, especially the Norwich crowd, who kept saying that I should be in the final - THANKS (but really, with THAT competition - not!). Huge

Thank Yous to my lovely partners - Ian in the Intermediates (I know we've only practiced twice since deciding to enter, and the result has proven that we CAN do it!), and Michael in Lucky Dip - you were fab, keep going!
The Open was fantastic to watch, and the Bond team cabaret deserved the standing ovation it got to the full - what a performance!
Fabulous day, nerve-racking, of course, but still brilliant.

**Minnie M** · 5th-May-2008, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minnie M

.......and well done to James for getting placed too

James ?? sorry - senior moment meant to say Jamie

**Twirly** · 5th-May-2008, 02:47 PM

Sorry to hear about your missing stuff Mini Mac - check in with the organisers and see if it's turned up. Could have been that some stuff just slipped out, or someone picked some things up by mistake. It was very dark and cramped up in those seats and I kept dropping and losing things. Lovely to finally meet you though.

Well I had a good time yesterday - and am shattered today! Beo seems to have rediscovered some of his dancing mojo

and I've finally managed to get him into some proper dancing shoes which made a lot of difference

Had some lovely dances with you sweetie

Met several other lovely forumites too, including Little Black Dress and her husband whom I had a really fun dance with - hope to see you both again soon. And good as ever to catch up with those I've met before.

Thanks to Minnie I wound up tangoing, in flat shoes, with a complete stranger, having done just two tango lessons

He was very nice about my paltry attempts...

I love watching the competitions. I don't have a good eye for who is dancing particularly well or not, but am always impressed with those who have the guts to get up and compete. Well done to Caz in particular - you looked like you were having a real ball up there!

I do have some gripes though. Firstly, why was the music so loud? It was distorting. It simply isn't necessary to have it that loud.

If there's anyone from Ceroc management reading this - next year, get the over-zealous security guys to lay off. Dancers tend to be a civilised, well-behaved crowd. There is absolutely no need to tell everyone who pauses for more than 5 seconds on the stairs to move! And not necessarily very politely either. We're not a bunch of football hooligans. Last year lots of people stood on the stairs to get a good view of the competitions, and it didn't cause a problem at all - people moved if you asked them to. Doubtless they'll argue health and safety, but I didn't find there to be an issue last year.

Last one was the state of the loos upstairs. I don't think they were cleaned all day. Even the ones downstairs who had someone in attendance ran out of loo roll at times.

But altogether a very good day - well done to all those who competed (whether you won or not) and to those who organised it all as well - quite a feat

Mini Mac · 5th-May-2008, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minnie M

Poor Mini Mac - that is horrible and leaves a nasty taste to the evening - I found a Playboy watch upstairs - gave it to Lost Property - give the Troxy a ring someone might have handed your stuff in (fingers crossed)

I also heard that Amir's car was broken into

i did and they said they would let me know if they found it.

dads put a block on it so nobody can use it, the good news is it hasnt been used ater midnight. (id used it through out the day) so maybe nobody has stolen it...

poor amir, i know that happened a lot last year,

**robd** · 5th-May-2008, 03:06 PM

I only went for the evening and am quite pleased about that in retrospect.

Well done to all those who were placed and especially Mr & Mrs Fitz for the advanced as they proved Candyman doesn't have to be danced to at 100 MPH. Vicki danced superbly in the Open final - Tom needs to hang on to her and it was nice to see Russell Saxby and Lindsay (sp?) from Scotland place in the Lucky Dip - she's a funky wee dancer

Thought the evening was kept moving along nicely. Agree with comments re excessive volume of some of the music. Nice flooring throughout though felt v weird dancing in the Marble room (I didn't go in there last year).

Less impressed with the bar prices - £4 for a bottle of bud

that's a shocking mark up. Was the water a reasonable price? Also not impressed with the reintroduction of attendants into the toilets - I just want to go in, do what I need to do, wash my hands and get out not be hassled every time into paying for a splash of cologne.

Astro · 5th-May-2008, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robd

I only went for the evening and am quite pleased about that in retrospect.

Me too, as it was very hot, no ventilation.

Quote:

Nice flooring throughout

Don't agree Rob. There were gaps in the floor, which kept catching on my shoes, and made spinning a bit dangerous.

**Beowulf** · 5th-May-2008, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robd

£4 for a bottle of bud

that's a shocking mark up. Was the water a reasonable price?

no

£2 for a bottle of generic water. £2.50 for a J2O. Still at least they did offer free water outside the dance floor in the front vestibule. They would provide plastic cups and/or fill water bottles on request.

**Minnie M** · 5th-May-2008, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twirly

Thanks to Minnie I wound up tangoing, in flat shoes, with a complete stranger, having done just two tango lessons He was very nice about my paltry attempts...

Really sorry should introduced you first - that was Warren you danced with, he is the chap who organised the Tango Boot Camp in Brighton last weekend. He is a really really nice chap and a lovely dancer.

CJ · 5th-May-2008, 05:01 PM

Just a quickie to congratulate the winners... particularly the Fitz Boy!!!!!!!!

Apologies if I wasn't my personable self yesterday: there were a LOT of people I missed re thank you's and goodbyes. Honorable mentions go to Mike and to Rachel..

Thanks, too, to Yil and Lily: purely for being Yli and Lily.

Terpsichorea · 5th-May-2008, 05:12 PM

Congrats to RubyRed and Blueshoes, I thought they danced with great energy and connection. This was my first comp so I was chuffed to make it to the semis in the Intermediates. On the negative side, the venue was like a sauna and the security staff were definitely over-zealous.

**fletch** · 5th-May-2008, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mini Mac

please help me guys i have been so foolish and fear that all these objects have been stolen...

thank you

love

very sad mini mac xx:

all our stuff was together, I didn't think it was left unattended?

I'v just finished unpacking, I hoped I might have got something of yours by mistake but I havn't good luck. xx

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mini Mac

thats exactly what i thought!

i don't like the area that the troxy is in at all and the staff in the green jackets are downright unfriendly

it takes a lot for me to say they were unfriendly, but they were horrid

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minnie M

I also heard that Amir's car was broken into

woodface's car was broken into last year

*Lee Bartholomew* · 5th-May-2008, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minnie M

I also heard that Amir's car was broken into

He can take consolation in the fact that that only happens to the really good dancers.

**Caz** · 5th-May-2008, 06:51 PM

Hi everyone! Well this was my first outing to the Champs in London and I have to say that I had the best day ever! Got to see lots of friends who I haven't seen since ? Camber ? and I got to the final in Lucky Dip! Woohoo!

I couldn't believe I got past the first round, then as my number kept appearing on the next heat I was getting giddier and giddier, semi final and I thought that was it but to get to the final really made my day! Have to say a big thank you to my partner, Glen from Essex ? James Bond cabaret team (huge congrats to them for winning the Team Cabaret - very well deserved

) for helping us to get that far and for making me smile and laugh all the way thru it! This was my first competition event, and yeah, I know it isn't really a "competition competition" but it gave me such a buzz.. I now know why people compete... the adrenaline is amazing! Have to apologise to anyone who found me wandering round in a daze pre-final as I was literally in a state of shock! Only thing was once it was over and the adrenaline had worn off I felt like I had been hit by a bus.. leaving early was gratefully received but am sad that I didn't get to dance with everyone I wanted to.

Had a fab weekend. Thank you to everyone who supported me especially Fletch, little Joe, Ellie, Mini Mac, Zara etc etc. Love you all

Have to say also thanx to LYD and Sophie for looking after me when my legs had turned to jelly!!!

Huge congrats to RubyRed and Blueshoes.. You were amazing.

Congrats to Vicky and Tom for winning the Open and to Vicky and Jamie for getting placed in Ceroc X

Great to see Aurion and Little Black Dress.. Shame you didn't make it as far as you could have done but was fab to see you both again, and thank you to Aurion for my dances.

Great to meet Beowulf too at the Champs...

Head now a shed so much rest but I will defo be at the Champs next year... getting the buzz now....

**Caz** · 5th-May-2008, 06:55 PM

Quick complaint about the event.. bar prices were extortionate... £2 for a glass of coke quite clearly from a 2L bottle of coke.... and the heat was unbearable at points.... numerous times I had to get air for fear of passing out. The marble room was much cooler tho I have to say....

**Cruella** · 5th-May-2008, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twirly

I do have some gripes though. Firstly, why was the music so loud? It was distorting. It simply isn't necessary to have it that loud.

There were quite a few people complaining about the loudness of the music, it wasn't just that it was loud, it seemed like there was a massive amount of bass, it vibrated right through you (some people enjoy that i'm sure)

Quote:

If there's anyone from Ceroc management reading this - next year, get the over-zealous security guys to lay off. Dancers tend to be a civilised, well-behaved crowd. There is absolutely no need to tell everyone who pauses for more than 5 seconds on the stairs to move! And not necessarily very politely either. We're not a bunch of football hooligans. Last year lots of people stood on the stairs to get a good view of the competitions, and it didn't cause a problem at all - people moved if you asked them to. Doubtless they'll argue health and safety, but I didn't find there to be an issue last year.

The security guys started off quite politely on our side of the venue, I guess they were just getting rather bored of repeating themselves after a while.

But it did seem a shame that the view was far more restricted for a lot of people due to the stairs being taken away as a viewing point. The whole idea of a competition is to be able to watch the competitors!
Sorry I only said a quick 'Hi' Twirly but I was on my way out when you stopped me and was totally shattered, I didn't even realise Beo was with you, so sorry to him too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Astro

Me too, as it was very hot, no ventilation. Don't agree Rob. There were gaps in the floor, which kept catching on my shoes, and made spinning a bit dangerous.

I don't think the people wearing flatter shoes would have a problem with the floor but when I put on heels in the evening I kept catching them on the joins. I saw two couples fall over during the day. Also, Did many of you see the poor guy lose his trousers in the lucky dip?

Maybe it was due to the excessive heat and he was trying to cool down.

**ElaineB** · 5th-May-2008, 07:26 PM

Congratulations to Matt and Rachel who were moved up out of the intermediates into the advanced and came second. Rachel has only been dancing a short while, so they did really, really well!

Also pleased to report that Matt, Jenni and Little Danny won double trouble.......again! You Guys really are the Masters at this!

Jenny and Humphrey danced their way to the semi's of the Open and bearing in mind that this is a very new partnership, I think great things are on the cards!

I also heard that Jenny and Little Danny put on a very good display in the Showcase and I think came fourth? I wasn't there, so have heard this from someone else.

Elaine

View Poll Results: Are you going to The Champs?
I'm competing	21	29.58%
I need a partner	2	2.82%
I'm having a pop at The Lucky Dip (DWAS)	15	21.13%
I'm going to spectate	14	19.72%
It's not my scene, man	6	8.45%
I can't make it	7	9.86%
I'm going there to dance as much as I can!	16	22.54%
I haven't decided yet	5	7.04%
Working there	1	1.41%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 71. You may not vote on this poll \| Withdraw Vote

5th-May-2008, 02:33 PM	#101 (permalink)
Minnie M Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Hove Actually Posts: 6,666 Rep Power: 5 Reputation Total: 1996	Re: The Champs May 4th 2008 @ The Troxy Poor Mini Mac - that is horrible and leaves a nasty taste to the evening - I found a Playboy watch upstairs - gave it to Lost Property - give the Troxy a ring someone might have handed your stuff in (fingers crossed) I also heard that Amir's car was broken into __________________ --ooOoo-- Age is a question of mind over matter, if you don't mind, it doesn't matter Leroy (Satchel) Paige (1906-1982) Mickey Mouse's girlfriend, Minnie, made her film debut, along with Mickey, in "Steamboat Willie" on November 18, 1928. That date is recognized as her official birthday.

5th-May-2008, 02:33 PM	#102 (permalink)
nebula Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Norfolk Posts: 274 Rep Power: 1 Reputation Total: 59	Re: The Champs May 4th 2008 @ The Troxy Oh, poor mini Mac! I left all my stuff by the table downstairs, and kept getting odd looks, as it was a huge suitcase that I kept pulling things out! I was SOOOO glad I brought some extra stuff with me, as never imagined would get so far ( quarter finals in Intermediates and semi in Lucky Dip - I know I am gloating, but hey, it was my first time! ) Thanks to everybody who cheered me up, especially the Norwich crowd, who kept saying that I should be in the final - THANKS (but really, with THAT competition - not!). Huge Thank Yous to my lovely partners - Ian in the Intermediates (I know we've only practiced twice since deciding to enter, and the result has proven that we CAN do it!), and Michael in Lucky Dip - you were fab, keep going! The Open was fantastic to watch, and the Bond team cabaret deserved the standing ovation it got to the full - what a performance! Fabulous day, nerve-racking, of course, but still brilliant.

5th-May-2008, 02:47 PM	#104 (permalink)
Twirly Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: SE London Posts: 3,351 Rep Power: 2 Reputation Total: 1135	Re: The Champs May 4th 2008 @ The Troxy Sorry to hear about your missing stuff Mini Mac - check in with the organisers and see if it's turned up. Could have been that some stuff just slipped out, or someone picked some things up by mistake. It was very dark and cramped up in those seats and I kept dropping and losing things. Lovely to finally meet you though. Well I had a good time yesterday - and am shattered today! Beo seems to have rediscovered some of his dancing mojo and I've finally managed to get him into some proper dancing shoes which made a lot of difference Had some lovely dances with you sweetie Met several other lovely forumites too, including Little Black Dress and her husband whom I had a really fun dance with - hope to see you both again soon. And good as ever to catch up with those I've met before. Thanks to Minnie I wound up tangoing, in flat shoes, with a complete stranger, having done just two tango lessons He was very nice about my paltry attempts... I love watching the competitions. I don't have a good eye for who is dancing particularly well or not, but am always impressed with those who have the guts to get up and compete. Well done to Caz in particular - you looked like you were having a real ball up there! I do have some gripes though. Firstly, why was the music so loud? It was distorting. It simply isn't necessary to have it that loud. If there's anyone from Ceroc management reading this - next year, get the over-zealous security guys to lay off. Dancers tend to be a civilised, well-behaved crowd. There is absolutely no need to tell everyone who pauses for more than 5 seconds on the stairs to move! And not necessarily very politely either. We're not a bunch of football hooligans. Last year lots of people stood on the stairs to get a good view of the competitions, and it didn't cause a problem at all - people moved if you asked them to. Doubtless they'll argue health and safety, but I didn't find there to be an issue last year. Last one was the state of the loos upstairs. I don't think they were cleaned all day. Even the ones downstairs who had someone in attendance ran out of loo roll at times. But altogether a very good day - well done to all those who competed (whether you won or not) and to those who organised it all as well - quite a feat __________________ Life is a journey. Death is the destination. So you’d better make sure it’s one hell of a journey!

5th-May-2008, 03:06 PM	#106 (permalink)
robd Basically lazy Join Date: May 2005 Location: Nr Cambridge Posts: 2,504 Rep Power: 3 Reputation Total: 1577	Re: The Champs May 4th 2008 @ The Troxy I only went for the evening and am quite pleased about that in retrospect. Well done to all those who were placed and especially Mr & Mrs Fitz for the advanced as they proved Candyman doesn't have to be danced to at 100 MPH. Vicki danced superbly in the Open final - Tom needs to hang on to her and it was nice to see Russell Saxby and Lindsay (sp?) from Scotland place in the Lucky Dip - she's a funky wee dancer Thought the evening was kept moving along nicely. Agree with comments re excessive volume of some of the music. Nice flooring throughout though felt v weird dancing in the Marble room (I didn't go in there last year). Less impressed with the bar prices - £4 for a bottle of bud that's a shocking mark up. Was the water a reasonable price? Also not impressed with the reintroduction of attendants into the toilets - I just want to go in, do what I need to do, wash my hands and get out not be hassled every time into paying for a splash of cologne.

5th-May-2008, 05:01 PM	#110 (permalink)
CJ Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Fife. Posts: 4,983 Rep Power: 6 Reputation Total: 1744	Re: The Champs May 4th 2008 @ The Troxy Just a quickie to congratulate the winners... particularly the Fitz Boy!!!!!!!! Apologies if I wasn't my personable self yesterday: there were a LOT of people I missed re thank you's and goodbyes. Honorable mentions go to Mike and to Rachel.. Thanks, too, to Yil and Lily: purely for being Yli and Lily. __________________ Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. www.readitandweep.net Risk more than others think safe; dream more than others think practical; care more than others think wise; desire more than others think possible.. ... then the Universe is yours.

5th-May-2008, 05:12 PM	#111 (permalink)
Terpsichorea Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Leeds Posts: 420 Rep Power: 1 Reputation Total: 121	Re: The Champs May 4th 2008 @ The Troxy Congrats to RubyRed and Blueshoes, I thought they danced with great energy and connection. This was my first comp so I was chuffed to make it to the semis in the Intermediates. On the negative side, the venue was like a sauna and the security staff were definitely over-zealous.

5th-May-2008, 06:51 PM	#114 (permalink)
Caz Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Doncaster Posts: 1,612 Rep Power: 1 Reputation Total: 268	Re: The Champs May 4th 2008 @ The Troxy Hi everyone! Well this was my first outing to the Champs in London and I have to say that I had the best day ever! Got to see lots of friends who I haven't seen since ? Camber ? and I got to the final in Lucky Dip! Woohoo! I couldn't believe I got past the first round, then as my number kept appearing on the next heat I was getting giddier and giddier, semi final and I thought that was it but to get to the final really made my day! Have to say a big thank you to my partner, Glen from Essex ? James Bond cabaret team (huge congrats to them for winning the Team Cabaret - very well deserved ) for helping us to get that far and for making me smile and laugh all the way thru it! This was my first competition event, and yeah, I know it isn't really a "competition competition" but it gave me such a buzz.. I now know why people compete... the adrenaline is amazing! Have to apologise to anyone who found me wandering round in a daze pre-final as I was literally in a state of shock! Only thing was once it was over and the adrenaline had worn off I felt like I had been hit by a bus.. leaving early was gratefully received but am sad that I didn't get to dance with everyone I wanted to. Had a fab weekend. Thank you to everyone who supported me especially Fletch, little Joe, Ellie, Mini Mac, Zara etc etc. Love you all Have to say also thanx to LYD and Sophie for looking after me when my legs had turned to jelly!!! Huge congrats to RubyRed and Blueshoes.. You were amazing. Congrats to Vicky and Tom for winning the Open and to Vicky and Jamie for getting placed in Ceroc X Great to see Aurion and Little Black Dress.. Shame you didn't make it as far as you could have done but was fab to see you both again, and thank you to Aurion for my dances. Great to meet Beowulf too at the Champs... Head now a shed so much rest but I will defo be at the Champs next year... getting the buzz now....

5th-May-2008, 06:55 PM	#115 (permalink)
Caz Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Doncaster Posts: 1,612 Rep Power: 1 Reputation Total: 268	Re: The Champs May 4th 2008 @ The Troxy Quick complaint about the event.. bar prices were extortionate... £2 for a glass of coke quite clearly from a 2L bottle of coke.... and the heat was unbearable at points.... numerous times I had to get air for fear of passing out. The marble room was much cooler tho I have to say....