FEB 28th - Opening day review

It was great to be back. So many friendly faces that we haven’t seen for four months, however there were some good friends missing as Bunn Leisure had not been granted to open the park a day early to allow owners to stay overnight in their caravans. So we will have to wait another week to see those people. Another teething problem we had was that the internal décor had some bits missing as the replacements hadn’t been delivered yet (but they will be up next week) and for the first time in 10 years a company was charged with the task of cleaning every floor surface throughout not only the Viking but the entire Bunn Leisure Complex. Unfortunately they left our dance floor just a little too slippery in places. However they are coming back this week to rectify the fault.

Julie kicked off the first dance session of the year by teaching the following dances to a very full floor which included 4 Viking Squirrels - Photos to follow!!! (don't worry they weren't the ones with big fuffy tails)

LONG SHOT was up first. A dance by Maria Hunnings Hunt to Long shot by Bailie and The Boys. It’s a beginners dance that is similar level to The Lemon Tree and even got a cheer from the dance floor after Julie showed them how easy it was….they were relieved to have an easy start to the year….

Next was RODEO BLUES by Kate Sala which is a new beginners dance to a great song called ‘Sea of Cowboy Hats’ by Chely Right. Julie chose ‘I like it I Love it’ by Tim McGraw which is a prefect training track / split floor for this dance, before dancing it to the correct track. Another hit with the dancers.

DREAMBOAT by Robbie McGowan Hickie to ‘I See a Boat on the River’ by Boney M. It’s a great fun bouncy dance that will be filling floor for some time. Julie even had the dancers joining in with the ‘waves’….

NO MORE CLOUDY DAYS by Alan Birchall was up next to the song of the same name by The Eagles. It’s a beautiful dance that is gaining popularity around the country.

MAKE MY DAY to Perhaps, Parhaps, Parhaps by the girl thingycat Dolls is going to be an instant hit on our dance floor thanks to the perfect choreography of Francien Sittrop.

The final dance of the afternoon was RESPECT YOURSELF, a dance to challenge the higher intermediate dancers. The music is by the Weather Girls and the dance was penned by Frankie Cull.

6 dances in one afternoon and something for everyone filled the 3 hours.

A break for dinner (thanks Paul) and with the band set up, the doors opened for live music for the first time in 2009. Julie started off by recapping some of the popular teaches in the first hour, then from 7.30 it was the dancers requests. It was great to see some of the favourites from last year were still filling the floor.

The first band for 2009 were the Texas Tornados. They are one of the most down to earth bands on the circuit. Both, in touch with the dancers, and with the most up to date country tracks. These three talented guys kicked off our season in style, belting out dance after dance, song after song and insisting on staying on stage and giving the dancers and listeners more even though it was well after midnight! Songs included, High Time, a cracking slowed down version of Just to see you Smile, which She Believes fitted to, Cabo San Lucas, Whole Lotta Leaving, Walk with Me, Rollin’ with the Flow and a great rock and roll medly ending with At The Hop, which the dancers danced Baby Blues to.

All in all it was a great night, it was great to be back, great to see old friends and great that there’s 38 more weeks until we have to shut our doors for the winter months once again.

It’s Little Rock next week. Hope you can make it

Andy