THE DUTCH OPEN Day 4 Sunday 10th November

Tonight a truly epic Dutch Open came to a close with a hint of sadness but lots of optimism. A spectacular after-party cementing friendship and love fof dance is in full swing right now. It is almost impossible to capture the Assen atmosphere in words.

What a beautiful day we have enjoyed, it will be etched in the minds of many for a long long time. Assen normally manages to produce something special and today was no exception with several surprises

The day began at 12.00 Noon with the Under 21 Ballroom. What a very special event this would prove to be and later we will return to the event. But as the sounds of the beautiful waltz “Hymn” filled the ballroom we knew this was quality, top quality dancing and very special moments lay ahead.

The Oh BOY! the Under 16 Latin began 5 heats of beautifully costumed dancers
Oozing musicality, personality and producing the style and quality of Latin one dreams of seeing.

The strength in depth is staggering and it would be no surprise if there is little consistency in each judges markings. Under 16 Latin was a !5 couple semi and 8 couple final!

Each heat of each event was filled with super quality dancing and one had to admire the talent and ability of these future stars. What great dancers they will become if they continue seeking for knowledge and for the development of their style, performance their musicality and characterisation.

The Amateur Latin began, after yesterdays Qualification rounds, with 6 heats and there was a case for every couple to go on but we knew National Champions and winners of many events were going to leave with the heartache “cut” with only 48 being recalled. Sadly the reigning champion had suffered injury and would not be able to defend their title, and how that inspired al the Couples as each so wanted to capture the 2019 crown.They gave their heart and souls.

The ballroom was completely full and the support and applause being given was real “Assen” style and they loved it when as the nighttime session began we once more had the fun of the “light sticks” sticks”.

The WDC Super Series Professional Ballroom event might not have had the largest entry but it certainly had great dancing and the audience gave full support.

Returning to that Under 21 Ballroom it was so so spectacular and after a fabulous semi the final began and the audience was in full voice. Then as the quickstep commenced all 6 couples lined up in the centre of the ballroom and produced a short very entertaining routine that had the entire audience on their feet and they remained standing and applauding the complete dance cheering the brilliant dancing.

The Amateur and Professional finals were danced combined with first one Amateur dance then one Professional dance which gave the competitors a breather after the gruelling previous rounds and added to the spirit of the night. What fantastic applause the audience gave with fever pitch excitement. Also in true Assen tradition, the entire audience stood to applaud and give the couples added incentive during their final dance. It is a fitting way to pay tribute to the magnificent performances they have provided.

We had been promised a Mistery compere, and after the presentation of the judges with a small Assen memento our President Donnie Burns MBE was persuaded to take the mike and introduce the semi-finalists of Under 21 Ballroom. How fitting that Donnie could introduce these young dancers as he cares so passionately for our Juveniles, Juniors and Youth dancers and their future well being. He also introduced the Latin Championship Semi couples a true international field 1 each from Iceland, Denmark, England, South Africa, Poland and 2 from Italy and USA.

It is impossible to end without paying tribute to Fred Bijster and his wonderful wife Elsbeth and son Mas. .Thanks also to out Music Maestro Gerrit who had provided the most inspiring music throughout the camp and the Comp..The great announcers who keep us informed and the day running smoothly then the brilliant hard working Assen team of volunteers who start early each day and work hard after each night cleaning up and preparing for the next day. Each one of these persons deserves our thanks and our gratitude. They are an integral part of Assen and the fun. Thanks are due also to Mark,Alexander, Hannes Marcel and Marek our Scrutineers who had so efficiently handled many tens of thousands of marks. Special thanks to Arthur Murray Studios for their support of and partnership with the WDC AL.

Now we all look forward to meeting again in Dublin 5/6/7/8ecember just a few weeks away to once again unite in friendship and love of dance. Dublin is going to be another great great Championships

To conclude – to everyone who was at Assen we thank you and appreciate your attendance and wish you safe travel home whether near or far. Old friendships have been cemented and so many new ones made. The beauty of dance and Assen.

Full Results : https://dansinternationaal.nl/competition/previous-winners/results-2019?fbclid=IwAR3Zqi9TEcNKaVwxt4-WjccodOKCjkHpv7gsmIVtFQ4cCQ6iievBaytMWpc