Pacion
New Member
After what I saw and experienced tonight, I felt moved to write a tribute to Christopher Hawkins and Hazel Newberry. I took ballroom and latin several years ago and latin has been pretty much "my thing" from the moment my former teacher suggested that I should focus on latin as my center of gravity was closer to the ground therefore I should 'forget' about ballroom. What I saw tonight made me think that I have been silly and that I should have made more of an effort over the years to attend the events and keep both styles going.
Today was a public holiday in the UK. For the last 20 years or so, Peggy Spencer MBE has been organising "Ballroom Blitz". I am not sure how long it has been at this present location in Central London, on the Thames river. It is a free one day festival with dancing and a class or two for those present. There are usually performances to go with it. Ms Spencer also announced tonight that she was passing the baton to Nicky Miles. Today's event included Star Cabarat performances. I got there just in time for the 9pm session. To be honest, I had forgotten that Christopher Hawkins and Hazel Newberry were due to perform or that it was their last performance as the World Professional Ballroom Champions. I was vaguely aware of who they were but, my interest, has been very much directed at salsa.
CH and HN gave three performances (foxtrot, quickstep and waltz) during this session , interspaced with performances by the juveniles, teenages and one other category, which I have forgotten. After their three performances, Ms Spencer said some beautiful words and referred to them as ambassadors for the UK. CH also spoke and paid a lovely tribute to HN, their teachers, Ms Spencer and their parents. If I understood him correctly, whilst this would be their last performance as the World Champions, they would still perform from time to time. Therefore for those who haven't seen them perform live, you may still have an opportunity. Reference was also made to their 12.5 year partnership and the work and time committment involved with training, travelling, competing and performing playing havoc on personal lives and relationships.
Unfortunately I think I have mixed up the performances in my head and I didn't take written notes, but I will say this - they were so graceful and joyful with their dancing. They worked well together as a partnership and were equally strong either together or on their own. The choreography was delightful and to my eye, complimented them. Sadly I don't remember the name of the first and second songs they performed to but they just glided over the floor. The second dance (foxtrot?) had them doing little jetes in the air and it was very playful. They were smiling throughout and looked as if they were dancing for the share joy of it. From recollection, the song was arranged as a string solo (violin?).
The third dance (waltz?) was to "A time for Us" (love theme from Romeo and Juliet, 1968/1969). It started off with HN coming center stage where the spotlight was waiting for her. She proceeded to dance a few seconds by herself. I felt it was as a woman waiting for her love. CH then joined her and it was beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. I think it was the combination of the song and that it was their last 'proper' performance - I was moved to tears and I could see and hear a few others around me were also affected. HN wore a lovely aubergine dress with ruffles down the left side, no sequins, very understated. CH wore tails and looked dashing.
The floorspace was fairly big with four (?) supporting pillars. They covered the floor effortlessly and everyone had a chance to see them close. They had a standing ovation at the end which was hardly surprising. They were presented with flowers and Ms Spencer paid tribute to them. CH then spoke on behalf of himself and HN and on one occassion he became very choked. The audience applauded to show that they had their support. The dance floor was then opened by CH and HN dancing to a song that I know has the words "last dance with you" but for the life of me I can't remember the title of the song (Goggle isn't playing along with me).
I took some photos and hopefully, where I was sitting and my handle of the camera would do justice to their talent.
For those who have never seen them perform, as I said, CH suggested that they will still be performing from time to time. Therefore, if you are going to be in the vicinity, do go and see them. Their performances tonight were simply beautiful and rates amongst the few things that I have experienced that I will remember for many many years to come.
Today was a public holiday in the UK. For the last 20 years or so, Peggy Spencer MBE has been organising "Ballroom Blitz". I am not sure how long it has been at this present location in Central London, on the Thames river. It is a free one day festival with dancing and a class or two for those present. There are usually performances to go with it. Ms Spencer also announced tonight that she was passing the baton to Nicky Miles. Today's event included Star Cabarat performances. I got there just in time for the 9pm session. To be honest, I had forgotten that Christopher Hawkins and Hazel Newberry were due to perform or that it was their last performance as the World Professional Ballroom Champions. I was vaguely aware of who they were but, my interest, has been very much directed at salsa.
CH and HN gave three performances (foxtrot, quickstep and waltz) during this session , interspaced with performances by the juveniles, teenages and one other category, which I have forgotten. After their three performances, Ms Spencer said some beautiful words and referred to them as ambassadors for the UK. CH also spoke and paid a lovely tribute to HN, their teachers, Ms Spencer and their parents. If I understood him correctly, whilst this would be their last performance as the World Champions, they would still perform from time to time. Therefore for those who haven't seen them perform live, you may still have an opportunity. Reference was also made to their 12.5 year partnership and the work and time committment involved with training, travelling, competing and performing playing havoc on personal lives and relationships.
Unfortunately I think I have mixed up the performances in my head and I didn't take written notes, but I will say this - they were so graceful and joyful with their dancing. They worked well together as a partnership and were equally strong either together or on their own. The choreography was delightful and to my eye, complimented them. Sadly I don't remember the name of the first and second songs they performed to but they just glided over the floor. The second dance (foxtrot?) had them doing little jetes in the air and it was very playful. They were smiling throughout and looked as if they were dancing for the share joy of it. From recollection, the song was arranged as a string solo (violin?).
The third dance (waltz?) was to "A time for Us" (love theme from Romeo and Juliet, 1968/1969). It started off with HN coming center stage where the spotlight was waiting for her. She proceeded to dance a few seconds by herself. I felt it was as a woman waiting for her love. CH then joined her and it was beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. I think it was the combination of the song and that it was their last 'proper' performance - I was moved to tears and I could see and hear a few others around me were also affected. HN wore a lovely aubergine dress with ruffles down the left side, no sequins, very understated. CH wore tails and looked dashing.
The floorspace was fairly big with four (?) supporting pillars. They covered the floor effortlessly and everyone had a chance to see them close. They had a standing ovation at the end which was hardly surprising. They were presented with flowers and Ms Spencer paid tribute to them. CH then spoke on behalf of himself and HN and on one occassion he became very choked. The audience applauded to show that they had their support. The dance floor was then opened by CH and HN dancing to a song that I know has the words "last dance with you" but for the life of me I can't remember the title of the song (Goggle isn't playing along with me).
I took some photos and hopefully, where I was sitting and my handle of the camera would do justice to their talent.
For those who have never seen them perform, as I said, CH suggested that they will still be performing from time to time. Therefore, if you are going to be in the vicinity, do go and see them. Their performances tonight were simply beautiful and rates amongst the few things that I have experienced that I will remember for many many years to come.
