Blackpool Ballroom Dance Competition

We met the Russian couple in lavender on the train.

 On our Thursday Preparation Day this week we went with Elder and Sis. Hales to the International Ballroom Dance Competition in Blackpool.  It was a ten-day event with over 200 couples from around the world competing in the traditional ballroom dances: Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep and Tango.  The  Latin Dances were the following day.
      We arrived to watch the first round  at 11 a.m. to find that there were only full-day tickets for  31£ or about $50. At that price we decided to stay for the major events in the evening, with a lovely little break of hitting charity shops to browse. (Charity Shops are our favorite shopping here.  That can be a blog on it's own.)

The competition was held in the beautiful ballroom of the Winter Gardens in the heart of Blackpool, close to the Blackpool Tower  and only two blocks from the boardwalk which runs along the ocean.


   The costumes were spectacular.  Everything possible to feel and look elegant and dazzling was in place. The hair was especially amazing.  Each girl had her's done by a hairdresser, frozen with laquer, and jewels or accessories to match  her gown glued in. Walking through the Exhibition Halls with all the Ballroom Dance products to purchase was an experience in itself. You could pick up a dress for a mere $4,000!