2016 Here we go!!

2016 Champs coming very soon.

Here we are. Starting to post about the 2016 Blues and Smooth Champs. Entries are already coming in and preparations are well under way for another great weekend of music, competition and dancing. Over the next few weeks I will be giving more details of the weekend including the great line up of Judges and DJ's and giving you some hints and tips to get the best from the weekend.

Lisa, Myself and the rest of the team can't wait to welcome you to another great event

To get you started I am going to list what categories are on what day to help you plan your weekend.

Saturday 13th February

Lucky Dip
Fresh Fundamentals
Smooth Blues Fusion - Juke Joint Trophy
Young Fun and Feisty
In The Zone
Valentines Trophy

Sunday 14th February

Polished and Professional
Raw and Ready
Swingin' The Blues - The Curlywurly Trophy
Smooth Sassy Sophisticated
Jack and Jill

Check out the website for more Information or call. Details below

More Information www.curlywurlyevents.com
Facebook Event https://www.facebook.com/events/1573372316239595/

More info
Email info@curlywurlyevents.com
Tel Lisa on01484 317895 or 07763 134026

Your organisers are
 Lisa Graydon - Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lisa.c.graydon?fref=ts
Chris Uren - Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dj.chrisuren

More coming soon.

Tunes

My first post written on a mobile phone so bear with me on the spelling.

Sitting in a hotel room in Luton and thinking about tunes that are suitable for the next Blues and Smooth Champs. The maim problem is there are just so many that I could play. But do they have the necessary stuff?. Are they too hard for the newer dancers? Are they toooo challenging for the top level?. Breaks or no breaks?  Well, my decisions to make and only the pressing of the play button on competitions day will give the answers.

Where are we

Thought I would update you on the progress for the Champs next year and a few bits about what Lisa and I are up too.

Lisa has just had a very successful weekend hosting Asif Malik for some workshops plus a trip down to the English Modern Jive Champs to do some judging. I know that she has already organised another visit for Asif. So keep an eye on her facebook pages. You can find her via this link. She also has a regular Monday night MJ class in Huddersfield and others in the pipeline. Plus her CurlyWurly events at the Dance Studio's continue. Again check with Lisa for details. There is a Curlywurly website at http://curlywurlyevents.com/

For me Juke Joint continues on the last Sunday of every month at the Engine Shed in Wetherby. The new timings of 6 till 10pm have not proved as successful as we had hoped, but we are continuing with them for now. We have one or two extra things in the pipeline to talk to you about soon including a WCS workshop and some special stuff as the 2016 Champs draw closer. There is also going to be a Juke Joint Blog coming soon as well. You can find more about Juke Joint via my facebook page https://www.facebook.com/dj.chrisuren or there is also a Juke Joint Group.

THE CHAMPS 2016

Progress is good and we have now confirmed our judges which will include 2 new members for next year.

We are honoured to introduce two HUGELY influential people within the modern and traditional Blues world. Many dancers accross the UK have been inspired by these two into taking their first steps into the world of blues dancing.

Welcome aboard Nigel Anderson and Nina Daines

N&N have performed extensively throughout Europe and have made numerous stage and screen appearances including the West End Shows "The Cotton Club” & “Journey through Jazz”, films such as “Swing” & “War Horse” and countless TV performances, the highlight of course being a Lindy Hop performance on “Blue Peter” (and before you ask ‘Yes’ Nina does still have her Blue Peter Badge).
Since retiring from competing in 2001, N&N have been principle judges at many of the major Blues, Jive & Swing events in the UK.s


More about the other Judges and our DJ line up next time.

Music Plus++++

Lets talk a little about some of the music that I chose to play for the Competition categories on the Saturday. Throughout I hope I managed to pick music that was suitable for the standard of dancer in any particular category. Did I get it right?. Well feedback generally would say yes. But there are still a small number of tracks I would have changed around. Now, it would be impossible to list and talk about all of the tracks so here I am going to give you some links to tunes that I played and hopefully give you a chance to get a feel for what you are likely to encounter in future Competitions.

It may be worth a listen to my Blues Spotify List as well "Just a few Blues Tunes"
But remember this is a BLUES AND SMOOTH competition so don't get toooooo hung up on blues tracks. Once again the aim is to play tracks appropriate to the standard / experience of dancers who may take part in any particular category. These are a small selection from Saturday Comps.

Mary Jane by the Mannish Boys

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLofUzxLBCU
A Blues room classic and played by me as part of Lucky Dip. A great driving beat that would allow dancers of all abilities to have a go.

Finest Lovin' Man by Bonnie Raitt

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irC1dKEpa00
Another Classic played for the "In The Zone" category (Effectively Intermediate Dancers). A little bit more of a challenge.

I'll Be Your Baby Tonight by Curtis Stigers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzMAb6XaAFM
One of the Tunes I chose for the Juke Joint Trophy. Unashamedly Smooth, it's part of what the Juke Joint is about. Going from Blues through all sorts of music that you can dance to and perhaps ending up here..

Blues 2.0 by Fruitland Jackson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wno2v17XhfI
Picked as the last Competition track of the day. Played for the Polished and Pro. It did what it was meant to do. A REAL CHALLENGE. And in my humble opinion it prompted some of the most amazing dancing of the day. I am not sure some of the competitors thought so.

In a future Blog I will talk about some of the Sunday Music and pretty soon more information about next years line up.

 

Catching the Blues and Smooth Bug

Now I know many of you who came along to the Champs "Caught The Blues and Smooth Bug". We have already announced that our next Champs will be on the 12th to the 14th of February 2016. But that's a long way away. So here are a couple of suggestions for Blues Comps and Events that you should consider looking at. In Date order.

European Blues Invasion runs from the 19th and 21st June https://www.facebook.com/events/344748909058412/ You will find a considerable number of your fellow competitors attending plus a large smattering of your Judges

Ceroc Brean Sands is a weekender from 9th to the 11th October that features the European Neo Blues Champs. A full weekender for you. https://www.facebook.com/events/330276097157469/

Crystal Blues https://www.facebook.com/events/331420280372303/ takes place at the end of October and is Run by Sara White. An annual event you will almost certainly find people you know attending.

I look forward to seeing you at some of these. So go out and enjoy your Blues and as I find more events and Classes for you to think about I will post them here.

The Valentines Trophy

Let's be honest. When Lisa first suggested that we get a load of clubs to host a qualifying round of a competition I was sceptical. The concept of a group of club organisers actually cooperating was alien to what I know from experience. BUT. Once again I was proved wrong. Well a lot of the time proved wrong, as there were some who said "Yes" and then did not take part. Sad really, as it turned out to be one of the most successful things we did. And we now have clubs approaching us. Result I would say.

The concept is quite simple really. You hold a competition for your dancers, with the audience deciding who goes through. The winning couple get a full weekend pass and free entry into the final of the Valentines Trophy. As part of the deal you help promote the various rounds that are going on. In return other clubs promote yours.

Clubs that took part this time ..

Supper Dance (Dawn Gennery)

Jive Junction (Lynn Smith)

Want 2 Dance (Andy and Lin Jobin)

Northern Jive (Ken ByWater)

Jive Infusion (Janice Kenyon)

Oxford Blues (Coralie Green / Robert and Anna Jeffries)

Juke Joint

CurlyWurly

 

So 8 clubs this year and after discussion we will be increasing places available

 

If you want to know any more about getting your club involved then contact us. Me via facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dj.chrisuren 

or |Lisa Via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.c.graydon

Good, Bad, Ugly part 1. Great Goalkeeping by the team.

This was going to be part one of the 'Good , Bad and Ugly' of the Champs weekend after our review meeting today. But that's been overtaken by the decision to do it all again. So first put 12th to the 14th February 2016 in your diary as a provisional date for next year. That's all I am saying about next year at the moment, because there are things to be said about this years first.

We always said that we would run the event to the best of our ability and then review to see how we did. Then more importantly what the people who came thought of our efforts. Our confidence about next year was buoyed by your reactions and the very positive feedback we have received. However not all was rosy in the garden. So a few of those to be talked about here. Now there is no way I can cover everything in one Blog post so I will break it down over a couple of posts.

Slightly off. We were not particularly happy with the sound in the main room and also the bleed into the second room. And some of you commented on this. Next year. 4 corner speakers and the  provision of greater sound proofing for the second room. I know that some didn't feel the second room worked for them, but an overwhelming number liked it and it's slightly 'off the wall' nature.

Ugly. Registration on the Saturday started off very poorly and a magnificent save by Jess, Sue and Linda from the team kept us afloat. And I mean a save of epic proportions. They stayed cool and professional. This, all importantly, allowed us to keep to time. One of our priorities.

Good. The general Vibe of the whole event seemed to work. You cannot plan for that. It's the setup, crew and the people who make it that way. If we could have bottled the general atmosphere we would be billionaires.

Unclassified. A lot of local dancers came to the event with a "suck it and see" attitude along with some who desperately wanted to take part, but had no partners. I make no apologies for pushing people into taking part and doing our best to find partners at the last minute. Some of those partnerships won medals. I bet most of them come back to compete next year with partners.

I know many of you want me to talk about the music played for comps and I will get around to that. But it's a pretty big job and I want to ensure it is right. The Blog will continue on a weekly basis to keep you updated.

Quick reminder that this Sunday is my Juke Joint event at the Engine Shed. 6 till 10. Hope to see some of you there.

Sunday Winners

Sunday Results

Well another day of competition is over and it was pretty spectacular. A quick post of Sunday results. More to come about the weekend and particularly details of the competition music.

In The Zone

1st Ed Greenwood and Beth Caygill
2nd Roach Tyler and Judy Tyler
3rd Neil Wiffen and Ann Harrison

Raw and Ready

1st Melvin Young and Lynn Davis
2nd Nick Shore and Hannah Lonsdale
3rd Jo Hart and Ann Harrison

Smooth Fusion Blues (The Juke Joint Trophy)

1st Nick Shore and Hannah Lonsdale
2ndMark Oxley and Sarah Oxley
3rd Ann Harrison and Jennifer Cowling

Swinging The Blues (CurlyWurly Trophy)

1st Robert Jeffreys and Anna Jeffreys
2nd Nick Shore and Hannah Lonsdale
3rd Joe Rosa and Zuzanna Lalanne

Jack and Jill (Spotlight Dances)

1st Melvin Young and Chloe Hunt
2nd Robert Docherty and Hannah Lonsdale
3rd Joe Rosa and Lynn Davis

It's been great weekend and congratulations to all who attended. And if you placed then extra special well done.

More to come next week.

And The Winners Are..

What a day. 6 categories of the champs down and 5 more to come tomorrow. As promised I will post details of the music played for the competitions, but first it seems only correct to "BIG UP" the successful dancers. So here we have the results of today excitement.

Lucky Dip

1st Robert Jeffreys and Teresa Chapman
2nd Nick Shore and Sarah Lovett
3rd Rob Docherty and Hannah Lonsdale

Young Pups

And some not so "Young Pups

1st Robert Jeffreys and Anna Jeffreys
2nd Hannah Lonsdale and Chloe Hunt
3rd Mathew Brooke and Rebecca Green

Old Dogs New Tricks

1st Nick Shore and Ann Harrison
2nd Joe Hart and Michelle Black
3rd John Firth and Jennifer Cowling

Fresh Fundamentals

1st Paul Ray and Sarah Lovatt
2nd Stuart Jacobs and Alison Albury
3rd Joe Hart and Laura Webb

Polished and Professional

1st Robert Jeffreys and Anna Jeffreys
2nd Jo Hart and Sarah Innes
3rd Nick Shore and Hannah Lonsdale

The Valentine Trophy

1st Mark Oxley and Sarah Oxley
2nd Robery Docherty and Magdelena Bukala-Docherty
3rd Joe Rosa and Zuzanna Lalanne

I hope I have all your names correct. Well done to you all. It was an amazing day of competition. Now bring on Sunday.

The Finger is on the Starting Gun

In less than 24 hours we will open the doors to the venue for the Pre Champs freestyle. Just about everything we can think of is ready. But. Well, we have never done anything like this before so who knows what the next 3 days will bring. We have put together a great team of local dancers together to help us. The venue are right behind us. The judges are ready and waiting and heavy on discussion on a forum you cannot see here. But I know they are looking forward to the task ahead. Having looked through the entry list we have some amazing dancers from far and wide. They range from the new to the Blues and Smooth dance styles up to some very experienced dancers. All in the same room.

There are medals to be won and some very interesting.. well,l I am not calling them trophies. Wait till you get one handed to you. They are different.

So at 8pm tomorrow we open the doors for a freestyle evening of great tunes in 2 rooms. Then Saturday at 10.30 you get your numbers and at 11pm it begins. The full competition schedule is available on a previous blog. I have the music for your competitions sorted. Well I think I have!!!!! Saturday night freestyle and Sunday more competitions culminating in a Jack and Jill and the a BIG chill down on Sunday night.

Lisa and I really hope you enjoy yourselves. Come along to have fun and enjoy the weekend. The next blog will be Saturday night when I can tell you about the first days competitions and all it's winners. Nervous. No not me. I have always had this facial twitch.

The Starting Line

We are at the starting line. Prepared as it is possible to be for something we have never done before. After much thinking, action and occasional setback it is just a few days away. Below is the schedule for the 2 days of competition and it is our intention to stick as closely to this as is humanly possible. Come along and take part, but most of all enjoy yourselves. We will have made mistakes and no doubt have a few issues on the days. But we will do our best to make it a great event. However, it is you the dancers that will make it because that's what it is all about. Come along. Enjoy the music and competition, but above all dance your hearts out.

https://www.facebook.com/download/948494251836320/CopyofBluesChampsProvcomptimetable.pdf  for a PDF Link.

The all important schedule.

Saturday

10.30 doors open

11.00 Lucky Dip Partnering

11 15 Lucky Dip 1a

11.20 Lucky Dip 1b

11.25 Freestyle

11.50 Young Pups Song 1

11.55 Old Dogs Song 1

12.00 Freestyle

12.30 Fresh Fundamentals Song 1

12.35 Polished & Pro Song 1

12.40 Freestyle

13.10 Lucky Dip 2a

13.15 Lucky Dip 2b

13.20 Freestyle

13.50 Young Pups Song 2

13.55 Old Dogs Song 2

14.00 Freestyle

14.30 Valentines Trophy Song 1 & 2

14.40 Freestyle

15.10 Lucky Dip Semi

15.15 Fresh Fundamentals  Song 2

15.20 Polished & Pro Song 2

15.25 Freestyle

15.50 Young Pups Song 3

15.55 Old Dogs Song 3

16.00 Freestyle

16.30 Lucky Dip Final 2 songs

16.40 Freestyle

17.00 Fresh Fundamentals Song 3

17.05 Polished & Pro Song 3

17.10 Valentines Song 3

17.15 Freestyle

17.45 Presentation

18.00 Music until the evening

20.00 The Big Saturday Freestyle

Sunday

10.30 open

11.30 In The Zone Song 1

11.35 Smooth Fusion Song 1

11.40 Freestyle

12.10 Raw & Ready Song 1

12.15 Swingin' the Blues Song 1

12.20 Freestyle

12.50 In The Zone Song 2

12.55 Smooth Fusion Song 2

13.00 Freestyle

13.30 Raw & Ready Song 2

13.35 Swingin' the Blues Song 2

13.40 Freestyle

14.10 In The Zone Song 33

14.15 Smooth Fusion Song 3

14.20 Freestyle

14.50 Raw & Ready Song 3

14.55 Swingin' The Blues Song 3

15.00 Freestyle

15.45 Presentations

16.00 Freestyle

16.30 Jack & Jill

16.45 Final presentations etc

20.00 The Sunday Chill Down

 

And then I will go home and have a VERY STIFF DRINK.

 

 

Who's To Judge

So who will be judging your dancing?

Who are these people who are going to judge your efforts and hopefully help you win a trophy and one of these medals. They were, I can assure you, carefully chosen after a great deal of debate to cover a large range of dance. And they are coming from near, far and wide. Some you will know and some you wont.

They all have several things in common. Vast experience and a great love of dancing just as a start. But most of all they have agreed to come along and make this a great event.

Andy McGregor

Andy is not a stranger to competition Judging.. Many of you will know him as the host of the English Modern Jive Championships.He has 10 years of the circuit under his belt and he will be our lead judge for this event. Check out http://rocsters.blogspot.co.uk/ for some details of Andy's activities.

Aaron Fluff Saunders

Teaching in and around the London area. Fluff has an International reputation for his passion for the Blues. Check out the website at http://www.bluesshift.co.uk/ for some more about Aaron's activities. To quote from his website "Blues dancing is about exploring the music and expressing what you hear."

Velody

Teaching in and around the Manchester area and regularly touring internationally with her band.Velody eats, sleeps and sings the Blues. She also fronts the popular Basement Blues monthly dance event. Check out her website. http://velody.co.uk/

Nath 'Stokebloke' and Essie Jo

The Midlands most popular Blues and Tango events organisers and teachers. Both are seasoned Judges for Blues competitions and bring a wealth of experience and talent. Check out their website http://www.stokies.org/

Frank 'Blueshoes' and Faye

Frank and Faye teach regularly around the Manchester area and focus mainly on Modern Expressive blues. They are often invited to teach at weekenders throughout the UK, and are champions in the Blues competitions world in their own right. Frank and Faye have a Facebook group to let you know what they are up to. https://www.facebook.com/groups/737031976352904/

Asif Malik

Starting off in the world of Modern Jive in 1996, Asif has been dancing and teaching Blues &Swing (Lindy Hop) since 2001. He had the honout of taking part in the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympics.

So there we are. 8 people to judge 11 catagories over 2 days of competition.

Can't wait.

The Final Countdown

 

"It's Getting damned close"

Second to last meeting today to look at entries and figures and it's all OK. Just the inevitable last few entries that will come in over the next week or so that will have to be slotted in. Guys being a bit slow as always, but they will come around. I mean there are beautiful women waiting to be danced with. Several categories close to full and Lucky dip with a fabulous selection of dancers of all abilities really taking shape

 

I have spent this evening reviewing lots and lots of music. Still a few tunes to be chosen for the competitions, but I have in my mind what I want for each category. And I have this Saturday to test a few of them out in the second room at Snickers. 5 hours of Blues music of all kinds to play. t  https://www.facebook.com/events/1565680143646787/

 

 

I am pretty sure we are going to have 3 nights and 2 days of great competition and freestyle dancing.

 

If your still sitting on the fence then don't miss out. Check out the details of the event at http://curlywurlyevents.com/blues-.php. You will kick yourself if you miss out on the first one. If you want more info then you can always get more info From Lisa on text: 07763 134026
email: curlywurlysunday@virginmedia.com

 

 

Freestyle, Freestyle and more Freestyle

"The one thing that can solve most of our problems is dancing."

James Brown

Freestyle at the Blues and Smooth Champs.

When Lisa and I first met to talk about the Champs we discussed other events that we had visited. And we also took advice from dancers. And the two big subjects were. Music and Freestyle time.

 

Music is being discussed elsewhere and will no doubt be judged during and after the event. Freestyle was easy. Provide as much as we could around the competitions. Why.... Well it serves two purposes. Firstly It gives the non competitors a more interesting day. They are nearly all dancers and will want to dance. Secondly it provides the Competitors time to draw breath, change, chill or just chew some more nails down between events. This is particularly important for those entering ultiple Categories, as many are,

 

So. A three day event.

Firstly to let you know that all of the evening are available as Stand Alone freestyles, but it would be best if you can book in advance. Door entry may be limited, but keep and eye on Facebook for updates

Friday Night

Just a great evening of Freestyle in the "Curlywurly / Juke Joint" style and  tradition. 8pm till around 1am with 2 rooms of music and a host of DJ's including some of your Judges.

 

Room 2 will be our expressions room. Where the DJs can "Dare to Be Different". Expect anything. I have a couple of wicked Blues / Tango tunes to air.

 

Saturday

Interspersed between the competition dancing there will be frequent and fairly long freestyle sessions. A chance to dance, and for competitors, time to master that last move. Music from Curlywurly Dave and a selection of Guest DJs

 

After the presentations at about 6pm the evening freestyle will be as per Friday with the second room opening from around 8pm after our Judges Master classes.

 

Sunday

Very much like Saturday. Daytime Competition interspersed with extended Freestyle sessions and one again a 2 room evening freestyle.

 

Check out the website http://curlywurlyevents.com/blues-.php to book or get some more details.

 

Something we hope for everybody. We look forward to seeing you there.

 

Chris Uren and CurlyWurly Lisa

Sex, Drugs and Blues Music.

The Competition Music

"What will the competition music be?" is without a doubt one of the most common questions put to me. So here are a few clues to help you think about what awaits you. Firstly, Blues Music can be a controversial subject and a very personal thing. As I am picking around 95% of the Competition tunes what I like and listen to is very relevant. So you might want to check out my Spotify listing 

 

Just a few Blues Tunes

 

This is by no means a comprehensive list of the blues I like, but it is varied and goes from very loose and easy blues to what I call "In Yer Face and Off The Wall". As mentioned in my previous blog, the music will be relevant to the category. So the "Fresh Fundementals" comp for new dancers will feature Blues music with a definable beat and a reasonable pace. "Polished and Professional" dancers should expect to be challenged. "Raw and Ready" will be just that.

 

If you want to talk to me more about music go to my facebook and message me or email dj.chrisu@yahoo.co.uk.



  

So lets give you some specific examples drawn from You Tube to help you think about your competition practice if you are perhaps new to blues or me as a DJ. The music might have breaks, but then again it might not. As an average dancer my advice is "Feel the music and go with the flow".

 

Keb Mo and "I'm On You Side"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3c_8GYQjL8

A tune of this kind with a good driving beat, but clearly Blues, could be used in Fresh Fundementals, Lucky Dip, Valentines Trophy, and Smooth Fusion Blues (The Juke Joint Trophy).

 

Etta James and "The Blues is my Business"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=copLTgjtcsg

Pretty well as above.

 

Big Mama Thornton and "Bumble Bee Blues"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLcyvgvkGLs

A tune like this could well be used for In The Zone and Old Dogs New Tricks. The Interpretation is in her singing.

 

Buster Benton and "Can't wait to see my Baby's Face"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7q3SMKL0ig

How about this Funky backbeat for you Young Pups.

 

Big Rude Jake "7th Avenue"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueOHg7UQMYg

Who knows where you might get something like this.

 

But above all keep your Blues FUN

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUSWPHo9CRo  Cabbage Head

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tow5LIl0Blo My Baby Don't wear no Panties

 

 

Listen to the Spotify list and check out these few tune examples. But be assured that the music you get will be relevant to the category you have entered.


If you want to talk to me more about music go to my facebook and message me or email dj.chrisu@yahoo.co.uk.


The Competition Catagories.

What's Happening When

 

The weekend will start with a pre Comp freestyle on the Friday Night from 8pm till we get Chucked out. Your comp and freestyle DJs plus some special guests including some of your Judges taking to the decks. Also for the first time there will be a second room called "Expressions" expect the music in there to be a little more challenging. As for the main dance area expect. Curlywurly, Juke Joint and Supper Dance music. Just what you would get at any of the Great Yorkshire Sunday Venues

So to the Competition Catagories

On the Saturday the following will be contested to a conclusion and Presentation on late Saturday Afternoon.

 

 

 

Lucky Dip - Well exactly what you would expect. Partner you up, Give you a couple of Practise tunes then off you go. Who you get in the "Move around numbers game" is random. Great fun for dancers of any ability and I always hear people at their first champs "I wish I had at least done Lucky Dip" There will be as many rounds as it takes to get you down to a final selection. The music will start with easy style Blues and progress. Winners progress to Jack and Jill on Sunday.

Polished and Professional - What it says. The best pro and highly experienced dancers dancing to 3 songs of challenging, but varied Blues Tunes, spread over the day. This will be a feast of the best for the audience. Presentation late Saturday Afternoon. Winners progress to Jack and Jill on Sunday.

Old Dogs / New Tricks over 45s - The only criteria is you will be over 45. Music will be varied Blues Tunes. Presentation Late Saturday Afternoon. Winners progress to the Jack and Jill on Sunday.

Smooth Fusion Blues - My personal Baby. Competing for the Juke Joint Trophy. You will dance your own thing, perhaps fusing MJ/ Tango/ WCS and Ballroom styles. Expect varied, but danceable music. Just like you would find at Juke Joint. Presentation on Late Saturday afternoon. Winners progress to Jack and Jill on Sunday.

Valentines Trophy - Heats all held at events all over the country with the audience voting for their winners. The finalists will now be put in front of our panel of top judges. We already have an amazing selection of dancers from the heats already held. Presentation Late Saturday Afternoon with winners progressing to the Jack and Jill on the Sunday.

Young Pups (Under 25s) - Under 25? Then come along and do your thing. Funk it up - Smooth it down. Music to let you do just that. Presentation Late Saturday Afternoon with winners progressing to the Jack and Jill on the Sunday.

Sunday

Fresh Fundementals - Dancers new to dancing the Blues (Less than 6 months). Have a go for the up and coming dancers of the future. Music will be very danceable blues. Our judges know you are new. Presentation Sunday afternoon with winners progressing to Jack and Jill.

In The Zone - A category for dancers who are confident at social Amateur level. Varied music, but what you would hear at CurlyWurly or Juke Joint. There are lots and lots of regular dancers out there who could compete in this category. Presentation Sunday afternoon with winners progressing to Jack and Jill.

Swingin' The Blues - CurlyWurly Lisa's baby. Competing for the CurlyWurly Trophy. Using traditional Blues technique and Swing and Lindy / Juke and Drag. Music. Well even I don't know that as it will be chosen by Lisa. Presentation Sunday afternoon with winners progressing to Jack and Jill.

Raw and Ready - Going back to the Roots of Blues Music. Any style goes, but expect the music to challenge you.

Jack and Jill - After the Sunday presentation we will take all winners and mix them up. Lets see what you can do. This will be an extra special finale with the audience rooting for their favorites whilst the Judges do their thing.

So that's the catagories and an idea of the days they take plece on. More to come soon inc more of Freestyle sessions and Judges.

Chris Uren