04/12/2008 00:00
TW
0
By Frank Leavers THE Pickles Dance Studio in Magalluf was packed to the rafters last Saturday night as four nervous competitors took to the floor to take part in Majorca's own, “Not So Strictly Come Dancing” competition. Ian Pickles and Anne Mawson the professionals at the studio have organised, on a regular basis, “Strictly” competitions here on the island. Last month it was the turn of Calvia Councillor Kate Mentink, Phil Saint from Pirates Adventure, Adriana Dobroczek from Flavours bar-café in Magalluf, and last but not least Jason Swales, Director of Angloinfo.com, to be put through their dance paces.

After only a months practice the competitors were expected to master two dances, the Cha-Cha-Cha and the Waltz. Laura Penn and Richie Prior introduced the dancers, and as the tension mounted the competitors were clearly nervous, and amid wild cheers from the audience, made up of friends, family, and dance enthusiasts, performed this Latin dance with gusto.

Next up was the Waltz, and all the dancers seemed more comfortable with this classic ballroom dance. Kate Mentink was a revelation as she swept elegantly, and with great control, across the floor with Ian Pickles, to be rewarded with a standing ovation as she curtsied to the excited crowd.