The end of July saw the DPA Summer Festival of Dance at the Bournemouth International Centre. This event was over 4 days from Thursday to Sunday. A great team of dancers, supporters and friends from The Regency Dance Centre attended.
This weekend wasn’t an ordinary weekend, (how can it be with us lot) but two of Kim’s pupils were also tying the knot, Lisa Shoebridge and Andrew Sigsworth. It is for this reason that celebrations started in earnest before the weekend with a joint stag/hen night in a super Italian Restaurant organised by Stacey. This night set the precedence of what was about to come. Lisa and Andrew received some beautiful gifts from those unable to attend Bournemouth.
The Thursday arrived quickly and with cars fully loaded ( dresses in the car this time), off we set. We arrived at the delightful Lampeter hotel, briefly unpacked then hit the bar.
On Thursday, the dancing was invitation only for those who made the top 12 in the National League charts from the past year. Andrew Dunn and Sian Steadman danced along with others who attend the Regency Functions. It was late evening for their particular event so food was the order of the afternoon at Weatherspoons. Once tums were full it was over to the BIC to support the dancers. The standard was excellent in all categories and a pleasure to watch.
It was early doors for the dancers on Friday morning, however, this was the wedding day for Andrew and Lisa. The weather was rather dismal but spirits were high and the sun shone long enough to get the bride into the lovely venue and out for photographs. Once all formalities were complete the heavens opened, by this time the wedding party were once again in Weatherspoons eating and drinking. In the evening the staff at the Lampeter Hotel sectioned off some of the dining room and prepared an excellent wedding meal. Eighteen people shared this time with the now Lisa and Andrew Sigsworth. A superb end to a superb day.
Saturday was the third day of dancing and the professionals and top level amateurs hit the floor, they were unbelievable, mind-blowing was how we described them. The evening was a dinner dance organised by the Dance Promotors Association with a live band. The Regency Dance Centre’s crowd had 2 tables booked, therefore the company was excellent along with the food and wine.
Sunday’s dancing for our bunch was in the afternoon enabling Andrew and Sian to catch up on some sleep. These guys had danced every day so a few hours rest was certainly welcomed. Once again the support for each other was overwhelming and the atmosphere was certainly buzzing. The day ended all too soon and it was time to head back to the hotel to pack for the journey home.
The weekend was full of variety and not once was there time to do nothing. There was something to do, see or watch at all times and the company was the best. It was another successful trip for The Regency Dance Centre and a huge thank you to Chris and Kim Dunn for organising this wonderful weekend.