The Dutch Open Day 1. Thursday 7th November

With so many dancers already in 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 2019 Camp and introduced all the Coaches and lecturers the competitrs responded aith such applause and enthusiasm it was very obvious these dancers were eagerly anticipating taking to the competition floor.

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 in 2019 43 countries have dancers participating showing what a truly International recognised even our beloved Assen has become, and with very good reason.

It was precisely 12.00 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 2019 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 lights went on and the floor looking like a jewel box the first of 3 heats of Amateur 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 heats, semis and finals. There were so many magnificent costumes and grooming and the competitors and their parents have to be congratulated.

Under 10 Latin, Under 14 Ballroom, Rising Stars in Amateur Ballroom and Professional and Latin Over 30/0/50/60and Over 50 Latin, were todays main events and all were so special and deserving of the generous applause. Assessing each event were mouth-watering panels of dance legends
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.

One has to make special comment on
1). the 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.
2) the under 14 ballroom – these young dancers just seem to get better and better presenting beautiful and near-perfect performance with great musicality.
3). the under 21 Latin with 86 couples collecting their numbers and brilliant round after round dancing producing a super 7 couple oh so exciting final.Every couple had their supporters. . In the first round there was no one couple not showing us quality Latin.
4). the Rising Stars Ballroom and again WOW! This was a true top quality evenly contested Championship. To judge must have been both a nightmare and heartbreaking.

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..