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On the eve of the British National & WDC World Latin Championships and having just set the stage at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, I just wanted to wish all the competitors luck in their respective events. I hope that you dance to your true potential, achieve the targets you have set for yourselves and have fun in the process!

Best wishes,

Ashley Frohlick

Many congratulations to all that took part in yesterday’s Inventive Competition, especially the finalists and winners.

Thanks to everyone that took the time and trouble to congratulate the Orchestra on the music and quality of our recent album ‘Always & Forever’, I’m delighted that you love the album whether you dance or listen to it and that the time spent designing the cover (which doesn’t break when you open it) has not been wasted.

It was a significantly poignant moment for me when Robert and Louise Aldred decided to use my waltz, ‘Always & Forever’, as music for their dance the ‘Clearwater Waltz’, those that know me fairly well will understand why, and I’m delighted for them that it was placed first in the Modern Section.

Best wishes,

Ashley Frohlick

Well not long to go now before the start of another exciting Blackpool Sequence Dance Festival. There is plenty on offer for those of you wishing to dance socially as this festival is not all about competition.

The floor leading is always excellent with the likes of Steven Shaw and Helen Blackburn and also many past “Blackpool” Champions leading their own prize-winning dances. It’s probably the most relaxed of all the dance festivals with a warm and friendly atmosphere and it also has great music from Larry Green at the organ and of course ourselves.

If you haven’t been before or haven’t made it for a while, there is still time to book your tickets from the Dance Festival website (located on our ‘LINKS’ page).

I look forward to seeing you there (come and say hello)!

Best wishes,

Ashley Frohlick

Just to let children and parents know that from 2010, the Blackpool Junior Dance Festival will be moving from Blackpool Tower to the Winter Gardens.

There are several reasons for the move: A larger dance floor, easier access, tighter security, better facilities for the dancers, adjudicators and orchestra and also for those selling merchandise. This coupled with the fact that the building can be dedicated to the JDF and not shared with the general public during the Easter holidays makes it a more suitable venue.

The “Jungle Jims” experience has changed somewhat over recent years. Each child now has to be accompanied by an adult and they are only allowed in there for one hour, without makeup! (that includes the girls). The space and layout is better for this kind of event and for dancers and spectators there should be more on offer at the Winter Gardens from 2010.

If you have any comments or questions that you wish to leave on this or any of the subjects on our Blog, please feel free to do so.

Best wishes,

Ashley Frohlick

Well I’ve finally managed to put fingers to keyboard and write something on the blog page, please feel free to join in whenever you like.

It’s been another hugely successful Blackpool Dance Festival and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. I consider myself very fortunate to able to stand in front of such a magnificent orchestra, listening to some great music and watching some of the world’s best dancers battle it out from the best seat in the house.

The orchestra’s music has once again received some wonderful comments from judges, competitors and spectators alike and I would like to thank everyone who took the time to share their thoughts with the members of the orchestra and myself. It really does make a difference!

The new album ‘Always & Forever’ has been a huge hit with Ballroom and Latin dancers as well as members of the general public and I would like to thank all that have bought a copy of the CD, I hope it brings you years of happiness.

Best wishes,

Ashley Frohlick