Peter and Abi win York Come Dancing

Winning couple's encore

In a dazzling recreation of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, Dancesport President Luke Malkin accompanied by his ‘Tess’ Fionna Todd played host and, after a shaky start, asserted their roles well. Impressive video footage of contestants preparing for the performance contributed to the competition and provoked much laughter from the audience.

The event was a great success for RAG, raising £1,298.25 through bucket collections with two teams reaping in over £200 respectively. The portering campaign was also advertised when Jane Grenville, Pro-Vice Chancellor lost a glove, with a Judge Tom Flynn commenting “you could ask a porter!”

In second place, Lewis Bretts, YUSU Democracy and Services Officer and Emily Sargeant performed a beautiful waltz to Jack Johnson’s ‘Better Together’. Judges compared Bretts, who was dressed in a full black suit, to Fred Astaire, with Judge Joel insisting it was his “most favourite piece to watch”. A few problems with footwork counted against the couple, but this was counterbalanced by an incredible over-shoulder lift which left the audience gasping in awe. Ranked joint third by the judges, public support pushed them into second.

The third place went to campus showman Ed Lewis-Smith and Sarah Cook who performed a fabulous tango to Moulin Rouge’s ‘Roxanne’. Largely expected to emerge winners of the competition, Ed and Sarah received the highest scores from the judges for their “impeccable footwork” and Ed’s intimidating “Tango Face”. Judge Joel said theirs was “the best dance of the night”. However, the contestants failed to raise enough money for RAG to secure first place.

Favourites among many students, Steve Miller, Head of Doorsafe, and Rosie Portas came in fourth dancing the cha-cha to ‘Let’s Get Loud’. Rosie was last year’s York Come Dancing winner Tom Flynn’s partner, and with Tom judging this year’s competition, was under pressure to repeat her success. Miller warned the audience that if they didn’t vote for him they’d be banned from all future campus events. The couple danced well, with Miller mouthing the counts throughout and impressing the audience with what Flynn described as “shivelling his phalanges” or shimmying. Ranked fifth by the judges, the large support for Miller undoubtedly contributed to their placing fourth.

Tim Ngwena, YUSU President, danced with Harriet Waghorn, perhaps Dancesport’s strongest female dancer. Performing a samba to the mask, Tim was dressed in a yellow suit which was complimented by Judge Flynn. The pair produced an impressive performance and were ranked second by judges but dropped to fifth after insufficient fundraising.

Ngwena and Waghorn's 'The Mask'

In sixth place were Gruffudd Jones, Mr. York, and Abigail Fenton. The couple, who opened the competition, danced a striking American Smooth to ‘Orange Coloured Sky’. Gruffudd was pinned as a potential winner due to his involvement in Fusion, but was placed fifth along with Miller by the judges.

The seventh place went to Zoe Stones, RAG President and Philip Sellars. The couple danced a Waltz, with Zoe clinging to her partner for life, chin resolutely pointed to the ceiling. Zoe brushed criticism aside claiming “it’s all about raising money for RAG”. Ranked eighth by the judges, the couple scraped forwards a place thanks to RAG donations.

Eighth place was awarded to Anna Bucks, YUM chair, and Nathan Burles Dancesport Treasurer. The couple danced a sexy Rumba but Bucks had problems with her timing and Judge Sarah criticised her bent legs. Judge Flynn, however, declared that their performance was “smouldering”. Awarded ninth position by the judges, the couple also were pushed up in the competition by RAG donations.

Jason Rose, campus commentator and Claire Cornock entered in ninth position with their Viennese Waltz. After a hesitant interview was displayed in which Jason said he didn’t care how he scored, the couple surprised the audience by dancing beautifully to ‘Iris’ by the Goo Goo Dolls. Jason had his eyes closed at moments and the pair moved seamlessly around the dance floor. Judge Flynn congratulated them for their “swirly whirlyness” and they were ranked seventh by the judges. However, due to inadequate fundraising, the couple dropped to ninth place.

Ollie Hutchings and Sarah Naylor were awarded tenth place for their Quickstep to ‘Spider Man’. After a false start by Ollie, the couple danced well but were out of sync according to Judge Joel. Indeed, Ollie nearly dropped Sarah after their lift. The pair had been rehearsing since 9am that morning, and Ollie commented that “I have had more fun in my life!” The pair were indeed entertaining to watch and were ranked joint ninth by the judges along with Anna Bucks.

Last place was awarded to Emily Scott, YorkSport President, and Richard Barker. The pair danced the Paso Doble with sexy floor work and impressive energy. Despite Rich’s talent on the dance floor, Emily looked awkward and clenched her jaw throughout. Emily later told the judges “we could have done it better” with Rich blaming his performance on his bladder: “I really needed a wee!” Ranked last by the judges, the couple didn’t benefit from their fundraising.

Performances from Dancesport also featured along with a dance by Luke Malkin, host, and Jane Grenville. It was a great opportunity for RAG to raise money and for Dancesport to recruit.

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