74th Blackpool Sequence Dance Festival Highlights UK’s Top Choreographers in Original Sequence Dance Competition

Eugene Barber and Lorraine Heron
David Bullen
Eugene Barber and Lorraine Heron

74th Blackpool Sequence Dance Festival Highlights UK’s Top Choreographers in Original Sequence Dance Competition

The 74th Blackpool Sequence Dance Festival recently took place in the iconic Winter Gardens Ballroom, showcasing the highly anticipated and prestigious Original Sequence Dance Competitions. The adjudicators—Sue Burroughs, Iverna Corcoran, Darren Park, Mark Paton, Andrew Pigg, Jackie Sanderson, and Anne Watkins—faced the challenging task of evaluating nearly 60 performances, each featuring an original 16-bar routine utilising ballroom, Latin, or classical sequence technique. They focused on both originality and technical execution to select just three outstanding routines.

This year’s event attracted a record number of entries, the highest in nearly a decade, thanks in part to a new experimental rule from the British Dance Council that allows professionals to partner with non-qualified dancers over the age of 16.

The day kicked off with lively social dancing led by Barry and Jan Greenall, accompanied by live music from Elizabeth Harrison, while the recorded competition music was expertly handled by Malcolm McLean. Festival Chairman Howard Cookson officially opened the proceedings, marking the start of the much-anticipated dance competition.

The Original Classical Sequence Dance event featured 18 couples showcasing their talents across various rhythms. Twelve pairs were recalled to the semi-final round, with six advancing to the final. The finalists included:

• Lewis Frobisher partnered with Bethany Rushby – Timeless Tango

• Kelly Sloan & Ellen Harrison – Shearwater Saunter

• Fabio & Amy D’Angelo, performing on behalf of David Bullen – Napoli Blues

• Eugene Barber & Lorraine Heron – Tango Sentosa

• Maureen Smith & Freja Smith – Carolean Waltz

• Duncan & Hannah Trever – Tango Tanqueray

In a competition characterised by exceptional choreography, David Bullen’s Napoli Blues, performed by Fabio and Amy, claimed first place, marking a triumphant return to the festival for the second consecutive year.

Next was the Original Latin Sequence Dance competition, featuring 17 unique entries. Eleven dances made the semi-final, and six couples advanced to the final round, with Eugene Barber and Lorraine Heron claiming top honours with their Indigo Jive. This win was particularly historic, as it marked only the third time a sequence jive has triumphed in the competition’s history. Other finalists included:

• Lewis Frobisher partnered with Bethany Rushby – Millo Roma Cha Cha Cha

• Liam Pywell partnered with Charlotte Carruthers – Notting Hill Rumba

• Duncan & Hannah Trever – Jameson Jive

• Fabio & Amy D’Angelo, performing on behalf of David Bullen – Valencia Cha Cha Cha

• Youlie Mouzafiarova & David Pullinger – Chica Bachata

The final new dance competition of the day, the Original Modern Sequence Dance event, showcased the strongest choreography. Out of 17 entries, the competition was narrowed down to eleven, and then six impressive routines for the final, including:

• Jayne Burnett partnered by Janette Fletcher – Tartan Tango

• Lewis Frobisher partnered by Bethany Rushby – West Yorkshire Waltz

• Duncan & Hannah Trever – Finlandia Foxtrot

• Fabio & Amy D’Angelo, performing on behalf of David Bullen – Tango Vercacci

• Eugene Barber & Lorraine Heron – Orchid Foxtrot

• Liam Pywell partnered by Charlotte Carruthers – Bayswater Waltz

Eugene Barber and Lorraine Heron proudly secured a notable double victory, with their Orchid Foxtrot taking first place.

Special recognition is also due to all competitors who participated in this iconic event. Notable performances and routines came from Kay Fairgrieve partnered by Jeff Moore, Paul & Caroline Dellar, Lissia Giles partnered by Kaylee Giles, David & Eileen Sharp, John & Ann Rainey, Michael Hodgson & Deborah Jones, Luke Shepherd partnered by Julie Pearson, and Gwen Cole partnered by Walter Nelson-Aylott.

Thank you to festival organiser Natalie Hayes and the Blackpool Entertainment Company Ltd team for their exceptional work in supporting and organising the event. Looking ahead, the festival will celebrate its 75th anniversary from 18-20 October 2025, with hopes of attracting even more professionals to compete next year.

Additionally, the three prize-winning dance scripts are available for purchase from Brockbank Lane at www.bblane.co.uk

The next inventive dance competition, the Ada Unsworth Memorial event, is scheduled for Sunday, 10 November, closing date for entries 1st November. Look forward to seeing you there. For entry information and more details, visit www.martinbird.net website.

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