Despite initial nerves and definite awkward handshakes, within a few weeks and some extremely hard work everyone became accomplished in The Waltz, Social Foxtrot, Cha-Cha-Cha and of course the Jive. During the three months training, Friday night ballroom dancing lessons rapidly became the new high point of the week.
The co-curricular activity culminated in the highlight of the Ballroom dance calendar; a splendid event held recently at Queen Anne’s School. Sixth form boys from the Shiplake College competed against The Oratory all fabulously turned out in black tie.
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With competition numbers easily visible on the back of each boy, the time arrived to progress onto the dance floor. The first round of the Waltz proved to be challenging, yet all nerves were quickly swept away, with excitement accumulating they proceeded into the second and third round of each competition.
All couples embraced the challenge of the team competition and after a series of intense jives and graceful waltzes, the victory went to Oratory and Shiplake relinquished the cup. Rivalry did not end there, however!
In the individual competition, a fiercely competitive dance-off between Oratory and Shiplake boys, saw Alex Gray take a 1st in the Jive, Tom Foster a 1st in the Cha, Cha, Cha and Harry Emmanuel came 2nd in the Waltz. Well done to you all!
