In their weekly Friday afternoon activities slot, many Sixth Formers have been taking ballroom dancing lessons. The last few months have been spent attempting to master various disciplines, in preparation for a grand ballroom dancing ball at Queen Anne’s School. The big day arrived on Saturday 7 February, and the boys did Shiplake proud by returning home with widespread respect, gleeful satisfaction and a shiny trophy.
After progressing well in training, many of the boys approached the competition with quiet confidence. After all, they had the advantage of some kind help from female volunteers in Gilson House, which made practice sessions far more beneficial. The only cause for trepidation was whether the students could transfer their skills and rhythm from the familiar surroundings of the College sports hall to the more imposing and pressurised competition venue.
Each year, Orchard matron Mrs Julie Knight takes on the prestigious role of ballroom coordinator and oversees the boys’ transition from two left feet to Strictly Come Dancing pedigree. An even more important duty for Mrs Knight is to ensure the young gentlemen scrub up appropriately for the big night, with many choosing to don tuxedos and bow ties. Quality of appearance can influence judges almost as much as the dancing itself, but as ever the Shiplake cohort turned out in smart fashion.
Having arrived at Queen Anne’s School, it soon became apparent that the Shiplake team had plenty of dancing substance to accompany their style. Sam Ryder-Smith was the pick of the bunch, claiming victory in the Waltz and Jive competitions, with Jason Chan and Tom Foster earning silver to make it a Shiplake 1-2 in both. Ryder-Smith nearly completed a personal hat-trick in the Social Foxtrot, but ended up having to settle for second place. Harry Berkley came first in the Cha Cha Cha, closely followed by fellow Shiplake pupils Liam Peachey and Jonny Meadows. Credit must also go to Freddie Ellis and Louis Jarvis for reaching the latter stages of their competitions.
With a whole host of personal glory already confirmed, it was certain to go down as a night to remember for Shiplake ballroom dancing. However, the best was yet to come as Foster, Ryder-Smith, Peachey and Berkley were joined by Daniel Deakin for the team contest. The quintet embraced the challenge, and impressed judges sufficiently to claim a rather impressive prize; the Sharon Vickers Schools’ Challenge Competition Trophy.
A delighted Mrs Knight commented: ‘Not only did the boys dance to a very high standard but they did themselves and Shiplake proud. I cannot congratulate them enough for both their behaviour and dancing, which was by far the best we've seen in years. The evening was capped by a brilliant speech by Jordan Gibson and James Hargreaves. A great time had by all!’
More photos from the evening can be viewed in our Media Gallery. To download individual images, please click here.
