Topic: Review: Portishead LeRoc "Glad Rags Ball", 29th May 2010

[John Gimber: Webmaster]

Well well well, what a stunning night I had.

It was a black tie event, and I'm pleased to say that all made an excellent effort (ladies and gents - although the ladies were certainly easier on the eye than some of the men!).  Suffice to say the ladies looked exquisite as ever, and I really wish there were more dances like this where they got to shine more.  I loved Lizzie's black number, Julie's elegant navy/black ball dress, Jackie's flame red dress and Heather's emerald green satin(?) dress.  The colours and styles were fantastic, though as ever with such things... the dresses are nothing without the ladies filling them with style and verve.  Hats off to the lady in the purple dress - it was exceptionally floaty, and watching her reminded me of Marilyn Monroe! 

The music was a nice blend all evening - a different DJ was used than normal, but the floor was full for pretty much the whole night (with one or two exceptions - Dancing By The Pool by Dire Straits did clear it a bit, but this was quickly remedied with some more mainstream music).

The venue as ever was impeccably presented, decorated tables, nice bar, nice floor, nice sound system, and nice clean loos (always important).  The other thing I like about this venue is the balcony which you can walk onto where there is extra seating now, so cool-off and chatting is quite possible in the bar area or outside, depending on your preference (or depending on the rain).

During the evening there were was a Dance With A Stranger competition which I helped to judge.  This was my first judging gig, and I have to say that it made me feel like a complete git having to knock people out.  Thankfully nobody beat me up, and when we did the marking I got 2 of the top 3 winners correct, so was quite happy with that.  There were only 4 tracks for the competition, split into two bouts about an hour apart, so minimal impact on the dancers.

I can't remember the names of the winners, though I guess Portishead (or somebody) will post them on shortly.

Alex & (?) came in first place though.

There was also a raffle, which went as quickly as possible, but with some 30ish prizes there's only so fast you can go!  Hey ho.  Lots of nice prizes.

A lot of money was raised for charity I think, as the hall was nicely filled with dancers, and the numbers on the raffle tickets indicated that LOTS of tickets were sold during the night.

One other mention - the ladies were dancing fantastically well all night, and I had some terrific bops.  Thank you ladies, you made my evening, especially Sue (who always manages to keep up with me), and Lynn, who dances so smoothly that sometimes I feel like I have been dancing with her all my life.  That lady is such a light follower that dancing with her is a treat).

As ever, Portishead LeRoc put on a fantastic evening, and it was a shame we had to leave before midnight.  However, as my son got up at 5.45am today I'm pleased that I at least got 4 hours of sleep!  Any less and I would have been a vegetable all day.

The next dance is on the 7th August 2010, and frankly I can't wait.  I'm hoping for another black tie dance, but I hear the theme for that night is still up for grabs.

Thanks for a good night, keep up the good work!

John.

[philsmove]

Great ?
Good ?
OK ?
Not good ?
Awful ?

Were is the the "Absolutely Fantastic" option ?

John, what can I add to your excellent review ?
other than

Amy's sexy gold number
Claire's beautiful whizzy gown
Jill's gorgeous  outfit
Carol's  shimmery sparkly dress

A big thank to everyone involved

[John Gimber: Webmaster]

Absolutely fantastic added as requested!

[Claire]

I agree, it was a great night and I really enjoyed the music especially the couple of fast tracks I danced to - I can't remember what they were only that I had to move fast!

As the lady in the purple dress I thank you John for your comment.  I have to admit that the dress was rather more floaty than I realised and it took me (and a few others) by surprise but it felt great to dance in!

Well done to all for organising it.  Lets hope lots was raised for the Hospice.

See you at the next one!

[Karen Mary]

The music was a nice blend all evening - a different DJ was used than normal, but the floor was full for pretty much the whole night (with one or two exceptions - Dancing By The Pool by Dire Straits did clear it a bit, but this was quickly remedied with some more mainstream music).

Only it wasn't Dire Straits (some strange cover version) - If it had been Dire Straits I would have been the first on the floor to that one!

A great night that we really enjoyed.  Thanks very much to the Portishead Team for organising it 

[Alex]

What more can I say , John  ,you have said it all , what a night , Excellent music , posh frocks , the lot , Well Mr Smooth , I saw you dance with Linda and I am sure you float , I agree that It felt like you had been dancing together forever , it looked really smooth then she had to come back to me , never mind it was nice to win Dance with a Stranger ...with a Stranger to me .. Kate she has not been dancing that long and was very nervous , but she did really well and I am very pleased for her , it was a nice work out as The Blackpool Competition is next  up for us next weekend  , all of our thanks go out to The Portishead gang who organised a great night out , and worked very hard to make it a success  , like you said John ..looking forward to the next one already..

Alex

[Heather@Portishead]

Glad you all had a great time - we did, too!

We raised £710 for the Children's Hospice South West, so a big thank you to everyone who came along to support this event. 

Winners of the DWAS were Alex and Kate, so well done to them. Pics will be up on our website in the next few days - I'll let everyone know when they're available.

Next dance is 7 August, and our second charity dance of the year is on 13 November, when Bring Down the House will be playing for us again - put the date in your diary now, as it will be a fab night!

Thanks again to all the dancers who came along, to DJ Mike for giving his services for free in aid of the Charity, to Timpsons who provided the DWAS trophies, and to the companies and individuals who donated raffle prizes to help us raise loads of dosh!

Heather and Maurice

[John Gimber: Webmaster]

Here are the photos from Big Image:

http://www.bigimagephotos.co.uk/photocart/index.php?do=photocart&viewGallery=2272

[John Gimber: Webmaster]

Claire, here's a nice one of your floaty purple dress:

http://www.bigimagephotos.co.uk/photocart/index.php?do=photocart&viewImage=146959

[Claire]

Thanks John - there are some great photos here.  Took me a while to work my way through as there are so many but a lovely reminder of a fun night!

[Heather@Portishead]

Hope you've enjoyed browsing through the great photos taken on the night - thanks for including the link to the main photo site, John. However, if you're going to order any, can I encourage you to send your requests through to Liz who took the photos on the night, as she will make a donation to the Children's Hospice South West (our charity for the night) for every photo bought.

So enjoy a great memento and donate to the charity at the same time, without it costing you a penny more - can't get better than that!!

Her email is liz.gayther@bigimagephotos.co.uk

Thanks!

Heather

[John Gimber: Webmaster]

Yes, I just link to her site - please buy from Liz, I have nothing to do with the photos. 

My best photos usually involve people with heads chopped off the top etc... 

So do you have an ad for the next dance yet Heather?