My family has always had this tradition for Christmas Night: while everyone else is stuffing their faces with turkey and undoubtedly stealing batteries from the remote for new toy helicopters, we used to all cuddle up with a Milo and some chocolate money and turn on the BALLROOM DANCING.
It was a love that the girls we all shared; we got to look at people floating round a dance floor, looking elegant/sexy/graceful/tanned, wishing we could be like them, and, of course, the FASHUN. I could talk about ballroom dance outfits until your ears bleed and you undoubtedly can no longer understand words other than *ooh sparkles* *gahh I love her feathers* *no love, that is too much LEOPARD*.
About five years ago (I am guessing here; time-estimation skills are not my strong point) they did something atrocious to our Christmas Night tradition: CHANNEL SEVEN CANCELLED THEIR BROADCAST OF THE DANCESPORT CHAMPIONSHIPS. The word disaster does not encapsulate the emotions we went through. One year, I am not joking, we actually sat down and watched a documentary of the Danish Crown Jewels. On Christmas night! This was NOT the feathered fake-tan spectacle that is the ballroom dancing. I cry.
Alas, something had to be done. So, this year, to get back at Channel 7 (whom I’m not sure is the actual culprit here, but I am happy to blame them), we marched ourselves off to the SA Dancesport Competition.
Time for a massive photo dump! Now, unfortunately, I took these photos on my phone (as I do with all photos) but this was at night time, in a dark basketball stadium, with the dancers dancing as they do. And even though I put my camera on ‘sport mode’ (this is a sport after all), the pictures are much less glamorous than the ladies. So sorry, y’all.
First up, we have the slightly-disturbing-older-ladies-with-impressive-abs-and-too-much-tan category:
I want to be THIS when I am older. Just have to spend the next thirty years convincing Jonno on the deep-v. And maybe also do some sit-ups.
Next is the little kiddies dancing with their brothers and sisters:
I cry from the cuteness. Also, props to this girl for dancing with the short guy in the room:
Then we got to see the lady whom I’ve titled ‘Ballroom J Lo’. I have so much love for her:
Next up is my favourite dancer of the night and my latest girl-crush. She is stylin’ in all the right ways, elegant to watch, and gracious when she gets third place:
And this is who she lost to:
Dat thigh! She may not understand the ‘thigh-gap’ trend, but as a dancer, BIG ✔.
So that’s what I do with my Sunday nights, friends. Permission to be jealous granted.
I totally agree! Ballroom dancing is so much fun to look at, it’s beautiful and elegant like you said. Your writing style is just the right amount of humorous 🙂
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Not sure my first comment was posted. Wanted to say that I agree. There’s something about ballroom dancing that’s so elegant, so sexy.
Makes me want to take classes with my husband!
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Yes sorry I have to approve comments! And I totally agree, classes would be the best 🙂
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What a fun tradition. Ballroom dancers always look sot gracefu.
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I want to come back as a ballroom dancer in my next life…..
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I love that tradition! Would love to do this just for the sensational outfits.
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I love ballroom dancing! I have danced most of my life (i.e., ballet, tap, jazz) but just recently tried my hand or should I say feet at ballroom dancing. I took only 10 lessons but had a blast. I am also addicted to Dancing with the Stars. Thanks for sharing.
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It’s so much fun! I learnt the basics when I was in school but haven’t tried since!:)
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I’ve never really watched any ballroom dancing, but I have some family members who are really into it (they dance themselves). Maybe I’ll have to go watch them sometime! Thanks for sharing your family’s tradition!
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It’s so much fun to watch, I’d definitely recommend going!
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I love this! I want my son to be a dancer from all the dancing with the stars that I watch, lol. Its so beautiful and also great exercise! thanks for sharing 🙂
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