November 2nd – Lecture and Workshop Day
This Lecture Day led by Sean Smullen, provided an inspiring and technique-rich experience for all dancers. Sean delivered a series of focused workshops that blended precision, musicality, and enjoyment, making the day both highly practical and motivational. The morning session, for professionals, centred on Waltz technique drills, where Sean broke down posture, foot pressure and swing action with clarity. Dancers worked through controlled preparation steps, rise and fall exercises and rotation drills that helped refine balance and flow, whilst maintaining a well-structured ballroom hold. He taught a Foxtrot amalgamation which was smooth and stylish and linked key figures, while allowing dancers to explore body flight and continuity. In the Latin American session, Sean discussed the importance of maintaining grounded foot usage, continuous pressure, and accurate hip action. He taught his ‘paper technique’, challenging dancers to refine precision and timing of Rumba and Samba Walks.
The afternoon saw Sean switch his attention to mostly younger amateur dancers, bringing infectious energy and humour to the session. He focused on Jive fundamentals, particularly how to create a light, springy feeling through correct use of the knees and ankles. His child-friendly explanations made complex technique feel achievable and the group responded with enthusiasm and confidence.
Across all sessions, Sean’s expertise, warmth, and clear passion created a superb learning atmosphere. Dancers left with strengthened technique, renewed motivation and practical drills they can continue to develop for a long time.
November 16th – Medallist of the Year Qualifier Event
Wow, what a day this was! We were joined by many eager dance schools from near and far, and the atmosphere was buzzing. The competitors were exceptionally presented with sparkling costumes and performed their wonderful routines to the fabulous music provided by Mark Webb. A super high standard of dance was displayed throughout the day and gave our adjudicators, Nick Kelly, Trudi Shepherd and Zoey Jacobs an extremely difficult job. Everyone tried their best and competed to secure their place at the Grand Finals in Blackpool next year, with the day being kept on track superbly by our own Chairperson, Jacqueline Naylor. It was a truly fun and successful day, with grateful thanks to the teachers, their dancers and supporters, along with everyone who helped in the set-up and smooth running of the day.
2026 Events for your Diary
Saturday 7th March – Our 120th Year Anniversary Dance with a Cabaret by the fabulous Mark Chilcote and Maddie Ingoldsby, and a buffet. The venue is The Post Mill Centre, South Normanton, Derbyshire, DE55 2EJ. Early Bird tickets are selling fast, this will be a wonderful celebration of the NATD. Please let us know as soon as possible if you would like tickets, as numbers are limited. Please note, no returns.
Sunday 26th April – The North Midland Ballroom Social Competition Day at Kirkby Leisure Centre, Kirkby in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 7DJ. Events for Juveniles, Juniors and Adults including Ballroom, Latin American and Sequence danced individually, solo and as a couple. Also included is our special Roy and Dorothy Moxon Rose Bowl Trophy event, which is for mixed age couples dancing the Bossa Nova 23. Another enjoyable event not to be missed.
Sunday 10th May – The North Midland Ballroom Area Lecture and Workshop Day – details to confirmed.
Sunday 1st November – The North Midland Ballroom Area AGM, Lecture and Workshop Day – details to be confirmed.
Sunday 15th November – The North Midland Ballroom Area Medallist of the Year 2027 Qualifier Competition – details to be confirmed
We would like to thank everyone who helps us make these events so successful; we really do appreciate all the help and support you give us. We will continue to do our best to organise events which are fun and useful. Please do not hesitate to contact us with your ideas and comments.
Jacqueline Naylor – Area Chair
Laura Colson – Area Secretary
