The Pink Jukebox Trophy 2006

The Pink Jukebox Trophy is the London Ballroom and Latin American Dancing Championships for same sex couples. The 10th year anniversary was held at the Rivoli Ballroom yesterday, 18th February 2006. Couples from all over the UK (London, Telford, Chatham, Reading, Sidcup, Norwich, Dorking, Melden) to all over the world (Germany, Hungary, USA, Netherlands, Austria, Denmark) came to the Rivoli to compete.

There were 4 events. Men's Latin, Men's Ballroom, Woman's Latin, Woman's Ballroom. Each event was split into 4 categories (A, B, C, D) A being the best competitors and D for beginners. C and D categories dance only 3 dances (Latin - Cha, Jive, Rumba) (Ballroom - Waltz, Tango, Quickstep), B category is a 4 dance competition with Samba and the Foxtrot, and A category is a 5 dance competition with the Paso Doble and Vienesse Waltz.

Me, Sum, Alison, Jo and Kat decided to compete. We had put ourselves down for the D category not knowing what to expect at the competition. It would also be the first time I was going to dance with a man as follower in a proper same sex competition. With only 3 practices and 3 routines for each Ballroom and Latin categories, we were cock-sure we would only make it to C at most. Personally I feared that because of Sum's pushiness, we might end up in B Ballroom. We would have been in so much trouble because I've never properly led a foxtrot, let alone follow one!

Anyway, the day started with the Men's Latin and Woman's Ballroom. We danced in the 1st Preliminary Round. Sat down. Waited, and found out that we had been bumped up from D into B Category. Rushed over to the scrutineers. "WE DONT HAVE A SAMBA! WE'VE ONLY HAD 3 PRACTICES!!! GGGAAAHHH!!!". But they assured us that it wasn't a confirmed move as the judges may still move us back into C after the second round. Afer the 2nd Preliminary Round, they scrutineer came up to us and said "We're really sorry, but it was the judges unanimous decision that you stay in B". GAH! So I had to come up with an emergency routine as our 4th dance. Taught Sum a quick routine, practiced it a little and then we were in a 5 couples Finals.

After the Cha was the Samba, but suddenly Sum had cramps in his calves *idiot doesn't warm up with stretches*. Anyway, after MORE then 20 seconds of music had been playing, Sum realised they weren't going to stop for him. Couples were whizzing past us. The show had to go on. We HAD to dance. So we just kept dancing. We eventually came in 5th in the B Category Men's Latin. Can't say I am dissapointed though. I made a finals in the B Category in my first competition!

In the Men's Ballroom though, I really messed up in the 1st Preliminary Round. I really really screwed up my routines. For some reason I couldn't put it together, and dancing with Sum is NOT easy. He drags his partner around and he has atrocious floor-craft. I was already given a word of caution from his previous partner Alison. He also can be so pushy and he was really annoying and frustrating me at points. What a twat! ANYWAY, after we sorted out the routines properly and danced in the 2nd Prelims, the judges decided to keep us in C, which was a huge relief for me. We came in 2nd eventually.

People were cheering for us though. Tons of people came up to us to talk to us. Some felt we should have been in B Ballroom, but we told them we were quite happy where we are. Some thought we should have won C. Throughout the day we had people coming up to us asking us where we were from. Many good comments and wishes. A lot of random cheers from supporters from all corners of the room. We were getting so much attention as the newbies *and I think also cause we were the only 'Orientals' competing. One guy asked me to dance with him during the general dances. Made me dance a Sway and a Waltz with him. He was actually quite good. People liked our energy and style I guess... though for some reason, everytime I did a three step spin into Paso points in the Samba, I'd end up right in front of a camera. Still, the attention we were given was overwhelming.

When they announced the prizes for C Men's Ballroom, they came to second place and the emcee said, "In second place, and in their very first competition, couple number 63 from London!" At first people were just clapping half heartedly.. but when me and Sum walked out onto the floor, suddenly there was a 'thunderous' applause. I was feeling quite shy and 'paiseh' when I walked across the floor in front of everyone, but at the same time it felt great. People liked us. It was somewhat the same during the B Men's Latin when we came in 5th. People still cheered us on. It was all very sweet of them. My coach later told me that she got a call from someone she knew at the competition. She said that we had left quite an impression at the competition. :-D

At the end of the whole prize presentation, they extended a special thank you to a special couple who had been dancing together for years and years. They mentioned the had been 10 dance champions somewhere before and asked them to get back on the floor. They had special mention because they were announcing their break up in partnership and this would be their last competition together. When they graced the floor, there was a standing ovation. Then they asked them to dance their final Waltz together. When the music came one of the guys stood there with his hands to his face, in tears. And then, their final Waltz. It was even better then what I remembered from earlier when they were competing in A Ballroom. It was a beautiful way to end the event.

By the way, is it me, or are my blogs getting longer and longer? hhmmm...