On Saturday 8th July 2017, Brighton brought us their very first Same Sex Dance Championship held at the Mandela Hall within the University of Sussex. The competition was extremely well attended by a strong group of UK same sex competitors and the organisers were both encouraged and delighted to have couple representation from Denmark, Germany as well as Switzerland. The competition formed part of the Brighton Lesbian & Gay Sport’s Society’s (BLAGSS) Diversity Games for 2017 and what a successful addition it was to these games.
Before this competition the UK had just one competition of this level in the annual dance calendar (the very success and long standing Pink Jukebox Trophy, held each February at the Rivoli Ballroom in London), so home grown dancers were biting at the chomp to compete on home soil at the birth of this new Same Sex Championship.
Organisers, Lori & Crista Pearce-Altendorff were the backbone of this event and from a very small seed just over a year ago, delivered a very successful, exciting and engaging competition for all those involved. Their commitment and professional attitude towards this competition meant it was destined for success – we look forward to seeing this competition grow from strength to strength over the years to come!
Peter Meager, Publicity Secretary for the United Kingdom Same Sex Dance Council (UKSSDC) told us:
“We are delighted to have another UK based Same Sex Dance Competition in the calendar and this competition was supported by many of its members in the starter list. It’s a great opportunity to encourage new couples to join the competitive circuit without having to travel to an overseas championship – a massive congratulations to Lori & Crista for going above and beyond to deliver such a professional competition.”
The Championship had some amazing battles at all levels and we saw Michael Litke and Sergio Brilhante (UK) win A Class Men’s Latin, Petra Zimmerman & Caroline Privou (Germany) win A Class Women’s Standard Ballroom, John Church & Alex Lewalle (UK) win A Class Men’s Ballroom and Louise Hunt & Jo Taylor (UK) win B Class Women’s Latin. We are always delighted to be entertained by dancing of such a high standard and this weekend was no exception – it delivered on every possible level.
The next UK Same Sex Competition is a Fun Competition and will be held at the Rivoli Ballroom on Saturday 7th October 2017 – further details on how to enter are on www.funcompetition.co.uk. It’s open to everyone even at social dance level so please do come along watch or dance on the day – no planning necessary!