Dance exam

We supported our friend at their dance exam.  I made a box card to celebrate their achievement.

Dies used: Sizzix thinlits plus, Card, Diorama Gatefold #660845;  the dancers are from the Xcut Build a Scene Ballroom #XCU503125 and a star punch.

Christmas for dancers

As my regular readers know, I am a keen amateur ballroom and Latin dancer. As a result of my hobby , I have a lot of “dancey” friends, so it only seems right to have a dance themed Christmas card.

I used a number of dies from different sets to create this card:

Dancers: Xcut Build a Scene Ballroom #XCU503125; Shape cut into card blank: Sizzix thinlits plus, Card, Diorama Gatefold #660845; Leaves:  Christmas tree set, brand unknown.

Exam time

Back in May, DH and I took our ballroom & Latin dance exam – top class 1.
It was an amazing evening, our mark’s were high and we were  2nd in our year group.
I arranged a trophy for DH, to remind him of the exam but I needed a box for it:
I also made him a card . . . .

Dancing Stars

Last weekend my DS and his dance partner took their Bronze Dancing Exam.  It was very exciting for DH and me to go and watch (and offer support).  It really was a wonderful evening and they both passed with fantastic marks.  To put the icing on the cake, they were also the best 1st years overall in ballroom and Latin.

I used as much bronze as I could, cardstock & backing paper.  The backing paper was cut using my Sizzix frames die #3 (657939) and embossed with my Crafts Too Hearts Embossing Folder.  The stamp is from the Dirk & Dientje range and was coloured with Copics.

I hope some of their success is passed on to us:  DH and I have our Gold Star Dance exam next weekend – fingers crossed.

The exam

Just over a week ago we took our silver dance exam.  We had to dance 4 ballroom and 4 Latin: waltz, quickstep, swing fox & tango; cha,cha,cha, rumba, salsa & jive.  A little fanfare please – we PASSED.  Our marks were comparable to last years, although this years exam was more difficult as we now know more steps.  We equalled or bettered last years marks and I was overwhelmed (and very pleased) to see we had three 9- between us.
With the exam out of the way and with lessons not starting again until September we can now look forward to a summer of dancing (see previous post) – I can’t wait.
Thanks again to DH for being a great dancing partner and we are both looking forward to starting our third year, especially as we will be learning the Paso Doble. 

I'd also like to thank everybody for their kind messages of support & congratulations - they were much appreciated.  Also a big thank you to our son and our fellow students, who were absolutely fantastic supporters on the night - you are a nice bunch x x x x

Last dance

This week we had our last dancing lesson for the season.  As it was the last lesson, we were all asked to take along some food.  I decided to make some muffins.



We had a lovely evening and we are already looking forward to when we start again in September, as third years.  That’s not to say that we won’t be dancing before then – we have our exam (soon), various dance cafés during July & August, free dancing evenings in June, technique lessons in June and the opening ball in September.  So really, we don’t stop dancing at all!

I also decided to make a card for our lovely dancing teacher – he has to put up with a lot from us (or should I say me), so I thought it would be nice to say thanks.



Based on the Union Jack (long standing joke as we’re the only Brits in the class!), I made my flag base from unusual colours.  I then embossed it using the Cuttlebug folder – “thanks”.  The letters were cut from purple card using my Sizzix alphabet decorative strip – “Wingo Zingo”.

Well, best get on as I have an engagement, anniversary card and 2 birthday cards to make, plus I want to use my craft robo oh, and I’ve just remembered that I need to make a father’s day card, as well as making new stock for the shop – what fun!

In the meantime  - happy crafting!

End of the dancing season

Two weeks ago we finished our dancing lessons for year 1.  We have had a fantastic time learning all the dances and we can't wait for the season to begin again in September.  All in all we had 30 lessons and learnt the: waltz, quickstep, swing fox, tango, cha,cha,cha, rumba, salsa, jive and the Viennese Waltz.

We’ve also been to the black & white ball and the Christmas ball along with a number of dance cafés throughout the year.

On Saturday we took our bronze dance exam.  We had to dance four ballroom and four Latin dances (every dance we had learnt except the Viennese Waltz).  I am very pleased to be able to say . . . . . WE PASSED!!  We were marked independently and we each scored 8.5 for all the dances, with DH getting 8.5 for his cha,cha,cha (I got an 8+) and we both got an 8+ for the jive.  (NB marks were out of 10).  Not bad eh? 

Thank you DH for being a wonderful dancing partner and I can’t wait for year 2 to begin – can you?

A joint hobby

DH and I have taken up ballroom and Latin American dancing. We go to classes once a week for 75 minutes to trip the light fantastic. Last Saturday we had our first ball. The theme for the ball was black & white. We had a great time and it was lovely to be able to have the chance to have a go at the dances that we have been learning. We are already looking forward to the next ball in December.

We both learnt to dance years ago when we were kids. DH learnt both ballroom & Latin American and I only did ballroom. We have been amazed by how much we remember from the first time.

This is the first time that we have both danced together properly! So far we have learnt the basics for the waltz, quickstep, swing fox, cha,cha,cha and last week we started learning the rumba! As you've probably guessed we are devoted Strictly Fans, woe betide anybody who disturbs us when its on!!

On that note, I shall now introduce you to another of my fish (in the small tank) – Anton du Plec!! (groan!!)

Sorry - I couldn’t resist adding another fish picture.

In true Strictly fashion, until the next time . . . . . keep dancing!!!