Month: December 2018

Highlights of 2018

We’ve had a terrific year at Strictly Wheels both at home and internationally, so we though we’d look back at some of the Highlights of 2018.

February

Our dancers got to showcase Para Dance at the Forever Manchester Birthday Awards and to say thank you to local funders who have supported our group.

April

Debutante couple, Lloyd and Goz take to the floor at the largest open international competition – the Dutch Open in Cuijk, Netherlands.  They danced Debutante both days of the competition and took home Silver medals in a tough field.

May

Mainhatten Cup in Frankfurt saw Gary and Paula take to the floor for the first time this season following time out for injury.  Lloyd and Goz competed in Debutante again taking a Silver medal.

June

Gary and Paula headed to Poland where they danced Freestyle to gain 4th place and 6th place in Latin Combi.

July

Gary leaped off a 300ft crane to do a Bungee Jump helping to raise over £300 for our charity.

Gay Games Gold

August

Gary and Paula took part in the 10th Gay Games in Paris at their first integrated dance competition to feature wheelchair dance.  They wowed the crowd and the judges taking home the Gold Medal.

They were also welcomed as guests on the Radio 4 Saturday Show following their success.

September

We were thrilled to demo Para Dance at Timestep Community Dance Gala Dinner in Yorkshire and the Associated Board of Dance Annual Gala in Walsall.

Paula was shortlisted for Achievement in Disability Sport at the Manchester Sports Awards.

October

The UK National Championships saw every member of Strictly Wheels’ medal in their categories.  A total of 3 Gold, 2 Silver and 2 Bronze were brought home to the club.  Highlights were the Freestyles by Lloyd, Goz and Kay – the first time our dancers have done Freestyle in UK Competition.

November

Tower Ballroom Blackpool

Gary and Paula headed back to Poland to the European Championships, debuting their new “LaLaLand” freestyle they just missed out on Bronze medal placing 4th.  They had a good result at this level in Latin placing 5th.   

Final World Rankings saw them 7th in Freestyle and 8th in Latin – their first ever top 10 World Ranking.

They competed at the Malta Open Championships taking double Gold in Latin and Freestyle.

Lloyd and Goz also brought home a Silver Medal in Debutante Latin and Bronze in Debutante Ballroom.

December

A wonderful treat to end the year with all our members  heading to Blackpool to dance at the renowned and beautiful Tower Ballroom.