A Visit to the UK Dance Championships

A wonderful day spent at the UK Dance Championships. So much to see and take in. It was great to see the celebration of colour moving across the dance floor. A great relief for us moving into dance from the bridal industry which is predominantly a pale tonal range.

There was the usual critical analysis of designs and fashions, what works and what does not, what flatters and what does not, the “oh my goodness what were they thinking” and the “I am so annoyed I did not design that” moment. There is definitely a movement in colour trends, obviously influenced by the new colours that have been added to the Swarovski elements collection.

It was lovely to see this wide cross section of people from across the world celebrating this art and dance form. The lovely little nods to the their cultures and traditions not only in the designs and colour choices of their outfits but also,their way of dealing with other competitors and spectators.

For instance, the choice of many of the Asian competitors to use silks and fabric painting which so akin to the area’s cultural history. If there is any hint to culture of a competitor and their choice of outfit to show their personality on the dance floor, it must be their use of primary colours. We have to say that we are so looking forward to applying this new refined insight into design for dancers from all over the world.

Needless, we loved watching Stefan Mctighe and Emma Marie Sweatland in their first amateur competition. From a designer’s point of view it was good to see the designs working in context and speaking personally, there are so many ideas and concepts floating in my head I am heading straight for the sketch pad and pencil.