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Black or White?
There is no Other Color!
The Bill and Bobbie Irvine Awards were celebrated May 13th 2006 , at the Hilton London Park Lane, England and from the moment you walked into the ballroom it was clear to all that the memory of Bobbie was very alive.
Beautiful flower arrangements and candelabras decorated every table, simple but impressive backdrops, gigantic video screens surrounded the room and even the black and white checker board dance floor- all spoke of Bobbie. Every detail including the thousands of lights that covered the walls creating an impressive starlight effect, all of it from top to bottom screamed "Bobbie!" The organizers and their backers Arthur Murray International and Specialist International, spared no expense in quality and beauty to immortalize this lady of dance and her partner in dance and life, Bill Irvine MBE, who was present.
Everyone that knew Bobbie was aware that her favorite color was black. In fact when asked she would often say that "there is no other color" and yes, on this evening there was no other color and her presence was felt to the point that even the most beautiful ladies who danced in black costumes during the competition were at times totally eclipsed by the beauty of the ballroom and its decor. This, of course, was a little unfortunate for their performances but having had the pleasure of meeting Bobbie, I know that this simple, naughty effect might have even been amusing to her. Bobbie Irvine MBE had wit, charisma and best of all a gift that perhaps might never be replaced, the ability to unify the world of dance from social dancing to competitive dancing and the unmistakable idea that everyone had a place at her table.
Saturday night was the "big night" when it came to dancing. All the amateur and professional events were well attended, although as Mr. Maxwell (The Chairman and Compere) put it, "it was not easy to bring all parties together to make this competition a reality." Judging by Mr. Maxwell's speech that evening there seems to have been some problems between the British Council and the IDSF. It is ironic that an argument of this kind would occur at the Bill and Bobbie Irvine awards. You can read my thoughts on this matter in my article entitled "Blasphemy."
Although all events Saturday were of good caliber the one with the must punch for me was the Professinal Latin, won this evening by former World Amateur Champions, Ricardo Cocchi and Joanne Wilkinson from Italy. I'm not sure why this event was my favorite, but maybe the title of my article, "Fresh Blood," will give you a clue. Click on it if you want to know. The Professional Standard was the closing event this evening for obvious reasons and it was moving when Bill Irvine stepped on to the floor at the end of this final. Most of the top English couples attended, including Timothy Howson and Joanne Bolton who won, unchallenged in my opinion. You can also read more of my opinion on this by clicking on the article "Lack of respect."
Of the two controversial IDSF Honorary "Grand Slams" run, the Standard for me was must exciting. Domenico Soale and Gioia Cerasoli from Italy won all dances but this certainly was not my favorite couple this evening. You can find out who was on top of my list by clicking on "The Black Swan." The Latin had some excitement. There are many couples gone from this final so it was nice to see the remaining all reaching for the trophy. Peter Stokkebroe and Kristina Juel took first but was it clear? Read what I thought in my article, "Murky Waters."
This fine tribute to Bill and Bobbie began almost a week early with a very important faction of dance, the social scene. Arthur Murray International, world leaders in social dance instruction and who had very close historical ties with Bill and Bobbie decided to produce a "London Dance-A-Rama" in tribute to this first couple of dance. It began May 8th and culminated of course with the Bill and Bobbie Irvine Awards Saturday Night May 13th. This was perhaps the must rich, glamorous, and sophisticated Pro/Am affair I have ever attended. To read more on what when on during this Dance-A-Rama including some of the most special outings, click on my article, "The Traitor's Gate."
As you can see this week-long celebration of the Bill and Bobbie Irvine awards was terrific and yes there were a few awards presented to justify the name. Bill himself who by the way looked terrific and in great spirits, presented the awards. One to Tommy Shaughnessy and another one to Margarite Hanlon and John Ford for their contributions to DanceSport.
Everyone attended the gala and the ballroom was filled to the rim and everywhere you looked there were personalities from the DanceSport world. This was a major accomplishment and a feather in the cap for the organizers, John Kimmins of Arthur Murray International, and Gary Day and Gary Edwards from Specialist International who not only brought everyone to the Bill and Bobbie's table but managed to produce a first class event to boot and one that I think would have made Bobbie proud.
Finally after experiencing everything first hand I totally agree with Bobbie - it's either Black or White because, " There is no other color!"