THE LONDON BALL - Anne Gleave

Anne Gleave with Richard Gleave OBE Ascot, Wimbledon, Henley, Glastonbury, and finishing the season beautifully, Friday night at The London Ball! These are the quintessential musts for aficionados and specialists of these National Treasures. Friday night at The London Ball is extraordinary and one of the rare occasions when our profession relaxes, stirring the nostalgia, and generating the indescribable magic of the past. We are back to our roots. The roots of Ballroom Dancing. In the magnificent ballrooms of London in the 1920's our pioneers, were improvising, leading, following, feeling the magnificent music with lots of different partners and just having fun! THIS is THE LONDON BALL! Dancing history was made in the "one night only" Duel between Bryan Watson and Carmen and Andrew Sinkinson and Charlotte Jorgensen. Bryan Watson and Carmen Andrew Sinkinson and Charlotte Jorgensen It was sensational!  I shed a tear for the magnificence of Andrew and Charlotte. The choreographic and musical integrity of Andrew with the graceful posture and beauty of Charlotte, not only moved me, but it touched the very heart of ballroom dancing. Bryan and Carmen's interpretation of the Cha Cha Cha and Jive was supreme, for they looked as if they had just won the British Open Championships! Their quality of balance and timing was simply breathtaking. Super Duper Duper Class! Fortunately, for all those who could not witness this remarkable contest, I believe it has been recorded by DSI, and will no doubt be available very soon! It is becoming a valuable tradition that Pro-Am demonstrations grace the Friday Night Ball. It was an opportunity for us to acknowledge, appreciate and enjoy, some charming, uplifting and inspiring displays of Ballroom Dancing. One of the ladies participating expressed her joy at how dancing had changed her life. Aren't we all so lucky! The following day the support from the Professional and Amateur competitors was tremendous and a testament to the dedication, love and respect Hans, Bryan, Carmen, Andrew and Irina have for their art, the wonderful dancers who grace it, and the respect they have for their fellow professionals. The Empress Orchestra was sensational, a sprung floor, magnificent venue and thoughtfully selected World Class adjudicators, are the competitors dream. The London Ball is the very epitome of Dance, and it's integrity has met and always will meet, every Dancers' need. By Anne Gleave