Current Top 5: Dances

Considering dancing has been such a big part of my life since my toddler years, it seems only right that I give it some blogging action. I thought i'd give a mention to a few of my current favourites, courtesy of YouTube. So, let's go. My Top 5 Favourite Dances as of July 2014. In no particular order ;)

#1

Burn the Floor - Weather Storm

Narrowing down a favourite dance from the sensational Burn the Floor was near impossible; every single number the company perform is insane. So, although this is atrociously cheating of me, I've linked five below. Highlights for me include Magalenha, Ballroom Blitz, Proud Mary and Halo. If I had to pick one though, it would be Weather Storm. Such an expressive, moving and interesting dance. Its safe to say I would very much enjoy dancing the female part in this. Nothing to do with the gorgeously fit male, partially naked dancers. I promise... ;)

Weather Storm

Ballroom Blitz

Magalenha

A showcase of a few of the dances

Olivier Awards 2013

Side note - If Burn the Floor ever comes near you, I cannot express how amazing it is. If you love dance to any degree, you'll be completely awe-inspired by what you see. (That rhymed. Get in!)

#2

Karen Hauer and Kevin Clifton - 'Roxanne' Paso Doble

This. Was. Freaking. Incredible. I saw this the other week at their show in Grimsby (which was fabulous), and I would probably go as far to say that this was one of the best dances I have ever witnessed. Once you manage to see beyond the fact that both look utterly stunning in their vibrant red costumes, you're completely enraptured by a piece of dance that you don't just watch, you experience. These two are amazing whatever dance they do, but this has to be my favourite I've ever seen of theirs. Passionate, atmospheric and ridiculously exciting. It was so good it actually made me sweat. Weird I know.

There's not currently a video of this dance online for me to link up (cry), but should one ever appear, i'll hook y'up real good.

#3

Adam Garcia and Dancers Inc. - 'Moves Like Jagger' Move It Performance 2012

This is one of those that yes, looks good on video, but I think my view of it is slightly rose-tinted by the memory of actually being there. Front row and er'thang. Also, I may be a little biased by my love of tap. And Adam Garcia. Oh, and Dancers inc. But still, its a cracker.

Watch a video here.

#4

Paolo Bosco and Joanne Clifton - World Championships Final 2013, Show Dance

Bloomin' eck. These two. They are the best ballroom dancers in the world. And that's not just my opinion, last December they won the World Championships with this dance. A modern day Fred and Ginger for sure.

Watch a video here.

#5

'Young Hearts Run Free' Samba

Now, this ones a bit different. I love the actual dance, but what makes it worthy of a space on this list is the atmosphere it creates. Since this was a special occasion for the SCD bunch (Blackpool Tower Ballroom being the Mecca of Ballroom dancing), it kind of brings on a lump-in-your-throat-it's-so-good feeling. Along with the usual professionals, there were children, adult social dancers, guest professionals and a few familiar faces from past series. The whole carnival atmosphere really got to me, seeing the sheer joy on everyone's faces, all doing what they love - dancing. I'm obsessed. The definition of fabulous.

Watch a video here.

I know as soon as I publish this, about 2864563 other dances will come flooding into my mind that I wish i'd put on here (ie. Hayley and Drew SYTYCD Contemporary, anything Carlos Acosta and quite frankly, Stavros Flatley), and that's without even delving into my favourite dances I've performed myself. But fear not, i'll be back with an updated version in July 2015.

PS. Here's me, age 7, dressed as a flower for a dancing show. #chic

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Up at the O2

In my previous post I mentioned my experience of climbing London's O2 Arena. I'd been wanting to do this for ages but I didn't really fancy doing it in the freezing, rainy winter months. So at 9am on a sunny-ish, July morning, I tubed it to the Dome and prepared myself for the climb.

   Once you've arrived and checked in, you enter 'Base Camp' with your group of about 15 others, where you start to question whether you are about to climb a 52 metre building or scale an Alpine Mountain. My advice? Embrace it. And if you're a little height-nervous, don't let this bit put you off!

 

I was totally up for getting suited and booted in a full-on boiler suit, but it was a very warm day so I had to settle for the very attractive vest. They give you appropriate shoes too, so don't worry about having to sport your hiking boots for the rest of the day.

Once you've been briefed on safety, got harnessed up and posed numerous times for professional photographs, its time to begin the climb.

You're attached to the safety rope, and gradually edge your way up the raised walkway, trying desperately to resist the gusts of winds which attempt to send you flying. The walkway is designed to mimic the feeling of climbing on the actual roof. Bouncy and rubbery.
 

 

Its a shame you're not allowed to bounce. Its so tempting. You feel as though you're essentially climbing a huge trampoline. I guess the idea of being catapulted over Canary Wharf was enough to worry Health and Safety. Shame.

 

 

It takes about 20 minutes to reach the top, but you're given plenty of breaks on the way up to admire the views. Once you're released onto the viewing platform, it's quite spectacular. Beyond the many wires and yellow posts which help give the building its iconic look, you can see for MILES.

 

It was a relatively clear day when we went luckily, but I reckon even on a cloudy one it would still be worth it. I could see the Olympic Park, Thames Barrier, London City Airport, Greenwich, Canary Wharf and all it's pals and funnily enough in the distance, the Crystal Palace mast which is not far from my old house. Also, peaking through the buildings of the Docklands are the Shard and City Hall. I gave BoJo a wave of course ;) 
 

 

Our knowledgeable, enthusiastic guide told us about how there are plans to build Europe's second largest urban beach by the O2. Doesn't paddling in the Thames sound tempting...

I managed to quickly skim read the information they provide on your 360 degree view at the top, but we were whisked away to begin our descent after about 5 or 10 minutes as the next group were hot on our heels.

 

Landmarks such as the Gherkin, BT Tower and London Eye don't grace the skyline until you're on your way down the other side, so unfortunately you can't get pictures of this. If this is what you're after, take the Jubilee line to The Shard or the London Eye.
 

On the way out you're funnelled through a shop bursting with branded memorabilia which is all very tempting at the time. You're faced with the, in my case, ghastly posed photos of your ascent, but at £15 per print I decided to give them a miss. I managed to escape  just having bought a mug and badge (complete tourist I know), and a personalised certificate which I am very proud of ;)

 

I think the main emphasis of 'Up at the O2'  is on the actual climb rather than the view from the top. More of a climbing activity rather than a viewing experience. But nevertheless I would recommend it to anyone, no matter how old you are.

Bare in mind however that it's certainly a climb. The first section of the ascent is blumin steep and quite hard work, especially when the wind is not on your side. But after this, it levels off and becomes very entertaining and fun. I would 100% recommend.

 

If you have climbed the O2 and have any tales to tell, I'd love to hear them! Also if you are thinking of doing it and have any questions about the experience, I'd be more than happy to try and answer them.
 

Read about the rest of my weekend here.

 

Visit the O2 website here.
 

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A Weekend in London

In my early days, London was my home. Even after we'd moved up north, every weekend would be spent cruising up and down the M1 to visit my family. However, once my grandparents also joined the Northern crew, our visits became monthly. Something I am quite thankful for, as never spending weekends up here was a right pain! 

 Reminiscing aside, I thought I'd quickly mention how I spent last weekend. It was a good'un!

Loose Women

We'd managed to bag some tickets for this a couple of weeks ago. Since uni finished and being home allows the luxury of watching live TV, I've watched quite my fair share of the programme. It's kind of my guilty pleasure. Don't judge me.

It was a fun couple of hours, from me photo-bombing their live link to This Morning, to waving past Hilary Clinton's 5-car-FBI-filled convoy as she left the studios. 

 

 

Bill's

Man I love this place. I personally like the ones in Brighton and Lewes best, but the Wellington Street installation of the restaurant takes a solid third place. If one opened in Sheffield, I'd be a very happy, poor and probably chubby student. I'd recommend my favourite dishes, but it's hard not to list the entire menu. Nachos, flatbread, halloumi, crispy lemon squid, avocado salad and that's just the starters! Main course wise, I love the halloumi burgers, and every desert on the list. Every. Single. One.

Oh and don't get me started on their breakfasts. Obsessed.

 

 

Houses of Parliament

Not gonna lie, this part of the day was a bit of a strain. I'm not saying a tour of probably the most influential building in Britain isn't interesting, but I'd done it before and I was completely knackered after a long, hot day. Despite this, it was a cool way to spend a couple of hours, mooching around the houses of Commons and Lords and rubbing shoulders with MPs.

 

 

 

Climbing the O2

I think I'm going to do a separate post on this, as there is quite a bit to say. In an attempt to sum it up in three words, I'd say amazing, fun and windy. 

 

 

Whole Foods Market

This place is like the mothership of healthy eating. Whilst the market in Kensington would probably be my one of choice, the Piccadilly Circus store is a close competitor. We always make the effort to visit this last, just before our journey home, in order to stock up as much as possible without things going manky. Nice.

These were just a few of my highlights. Other fun things included a cheeky trip to Pinkberry, watching the Tour de France on a big screen in Trafalgar Square, and the best ever hot chocolate courtesy of Hotel Chocolat. Despite monthly visits for the past decade, we're forever finding new places to go and things to do. I love that place!

Oh and I had my first experience with a paparazzi haha!

"When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life."

 

 

 

 

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Tour de Yorkshire!

Having watched my parents obsess over the Tour de France each year for as long as I can remember, the prospect of the legendary race passing through Yorkshire was a very exciting one.

 

 

After a 45 minute drive and an hours walk (uphill. cry.) we made it to the route, and managed to bag a good viewing spot.

 

It wasn't long until the advertising floats started whizzing past, flinging freebies left right and centre and blasting out music to make the crowds even more excited. I love anything like this!

 

 

 

 

And how freaking cool do the Gendarmerie look on their motorbikes?

 

 

About 6 helicopters all flying in formation preceded the cyclists. It felt like a scene from Apocalypse Now! Very cool and exciting.

 

 

When the cyclists eventually arrived, it was all over in about 3 seconds, but it was so totally worth it. The atmosphere amongst Yorkshire folk was insane, and something I'll remember for a very long time!

 

 

 

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