The Dutch Open Day 1.  Thursday 8th November

With over 300 dancers already in Assen for the Dance Camp the build up the atmosphere the “Assen Ambiance” had already begun and when Donnie Burns MBE brought to a close the 2018 Camp and introduced all the Coaches and lecturers the connection was so clear and how those dancers were eagerly anticipating taking to the competition floor.  
This has been a glorious autumn day and from early morning more and more competitors have been arriving at De Bonte Wever and one can sense the “butterflies” the anticipation preparing for the start. 
The heartbreak of our wonderful competitive dance is that from the first round some will be leaving each event but they should take heart knowing that they too played a major role in making this a great event. Today may not be your day but you all have the talent and your day will come.  The very greatest stars have at some time in their life experienced that same disappointment but self-belief and hard work can turn that around as for sure you have the talent.  To test yourself against the best in the world must be one of the most satisfying moments for young dancers and even one recall can be more rewarding than winning a titles back home against the same couples time after time. 
The programme shows us that  51 countries have ouples participating  showing what a truly International recognised even our beloved Assen has become, and with very good reason.

It was precisely 12.30 when The “Assen”  music rang out and we heard from Announcer  Hans van de Hoef “4 days of fabulous dancing to come Welcome to Holland. Welcome to the Dutch Open 2018 everyone”.  The top class adjudicating panel, and each one had experienced first hand what it means to compete at the highest level, was introduced and  to the beautiful sound of the Waltz the first of 3 heats ogAmateur Ballroom Rising Stars began “Assen”. this year. 

Thursday, the supposed quiet day!  If the audience excitement, enthusiasm and appreciation was any indication we are in for a fabulous Championships.  There is little surprise however at the applause generated given the standard of dancing that was presented.   Every event was Quality with a capital “Q” with very exciting finals. 
The Plaza Ballroom is so stunning with the all the black decor and the dance floor lit with stunning lighting and it is reminiscent of an exclusive jewellery store with black velvet as the background to display the priceless jewels.  How our jewels, our dancers, sparkled on that beautifully lit floor. Such beautiful costumes and colours.  

 Under 10 Latin, Under 14 Ballroom, Rising Stars or Amateur Ballroom and Professional Latin, the Under 21 Latin, and the 3 Senior groupings, Over 30, Over 40 and Over 50 Latin, were todays events and all were so special and deserving of the generous applause. Assessing each event were mouth-watering panels of dance legends and there is little doubt that it is only Assen and Paris where so many greats assemble to give their total dedication to adjudicating. There were also featured Pro-Am and Student teacher Championships plus a Professional Ballroom Showdance. There was great and inspiring music all day and this must have been appreciated by the couples.  
Special mention must be made of two events. The first Under 10 Latin. These are children 8 and 9 years of age and how proud their parents must be. There is talent in abundance and their musical qualities are outstanding but then there are the movements, legs, feet, bodies, arms and even facial expressions.  You can only wonder as to the standards they will achieve if they continue with this love for dance. The second the Under 2 Latin.  This was going to be intriguing as many established finalists and semi finalists have now progressed to Amateur and there is an influx of former Juniors and what an impact they are going to have.  Each round was special in its own way and it was one of the events – fabulous to watch but heartbreaking to dance. The first round commenced with 6 heats of scintillating Cha Cha and it was immediately apparent we were in for a great experience. 
The first day has truly set the scene and everyone connected can be so very proud of our fabulous world of freedom and of Competitive Dance at its finest.  Friday Day 2 is scheduled as a 9.00 a.m. start and already the goosebumps are rising at the thought of all that lies ahead.  It is a privilege to be a member of the audience at something so special, so personal, so heartwarmingly friendly..
Full Results :  https://dansinternationaal.nl/index.php/2014-01-29-13-07-58/results/dans-2018