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.
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
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.