Background
Ten new dancers from Dance Energy calling themselves New Forest Fusion arrived in Nottingham on 10th June 2023. We had decided to enter the ‘Come and Try’ section of the KFA (Keep Fit Association) National Championships. We consist of a varied group from Karen Jane’s class for adult women and men who are learning to dance. There are many others in Karen’s class, but these ten brave souls were keen for a new adventure in their lives and this event provided the challenge. Having a category where people new to performing can do so without being in the main competition gave everyone the courage to go for it. This article shares our experience and insights of this amazing opportunity.
The Training
Training for the event was over the previous four months. It was difficult as none of us have danced in a team before and most of us are new to dancing, but we agreed it was well worth it. Not all of us attending danced and there was the option to be involved without performing. Our team support champion Val was gamely immersed all along, providing encouragement and working on formation management during rehearsals. On the day, she was also an integral part of the team especially as things did not go quite to plan.
Then there was the fantastic poem which Frances Clare had especially written, it is included below and reflects the sentiment of our experience.
The Big Day
The whole day (rehearsals in the morning, performing in the afternoon) was very efficiently organised. Excitement, nerves, fear – all seemed too evident in our team. Despite all this, everyone felt it was a wonderful experience, full of friendship and a lot of laughter – we left on a high that lasted well into the following week.
There was an unfortunate incident – one of the dancers tripped on the way to the Albert Hall (right outside the police station!). Karen had to step into her costume (literally) and dance with the team as there was no time to reset. The team really enjoyed seeing their teacher now having to get everything right – we await the video evidence to check!
The injured dancer insisted (of course) on staying and watching the proceedings and will have the opportunity to perform at the next event in September. The chair of the KFA despite dealing with the days’ events found time to rescue the injured dancer and arrange transport back to the hotel. This says everything about the inclusive, caring nature of the KFA.
Thanks from all of us in Ringwood, Hampshire for an amazing experience.
Written by the “injured dancer” – Catherine Parker
