I was very happy to be invited back to the dance social hosted by Sue, and of course, said yes immediately.
The premise remained the same; we would singer while the dancers danced, and I chose to sing the waltz again, as I feel the style and music suits my voice better.
I chose two new waltz songs to learn, and I began to pick songs for the interval, and once I had decided which ones I wanted to sing, I buckled down and practised. I was really looking forward to returning, as I had so much fun last time.
The premise remained the same; we would singer while the dancers danced, and I chose to sing the waltz again, as I feel the style and music suits my voice better.
I chose two new waltz songs to learn, and I began to pick songs for the interval, and once I had decided which ones I wanted to sing, I buckled down and practised. I was really looking forward to returning, as I had so much fun last time.
This event was to be held in St. Nicholas church in Bedhampton, and so, when the day finally arrived, I put on my new black sequin dress with a matching wrap, curled my hair, and my Grandad and I travelled to the church. As we arrived outside the small but beautiful church, the other dancers were arriving, so we headed inside. Once again, a little table was reserved for the entertainers and their families, which I think is a really nice touch, so we quickly got the camera set up, and I went backstage to meet Sue and Becki, who was also going to sing.
Sue then informed me that I was going to open the show, which was a complete shocker! I was quite nervous about that, but there was no time to worry as the show was about to begin!
We got to use Becki's gorgeous vintage microphone again, and this time we placed it at the front of the dance floor, which meant that we didn't have to climb the steps onto the stage every time we sang, and that made me happy, as it meant that I didn't have to attempt to climb stairs in my full length ballgown! That would have been a sight.
I stepped up to the microphone, and launched into my first song, “Moon River,” which already is a beautiful song, and perfect to waltz to. Unfortunately, the version I used was very short, so by the time most people got up to dance, it had finished. However, when the song was over, I did jokingly thank them for dancing, which got a chuckle. I recognised more than a few of them from the last social I performed at; it was great to see familiar faces.
Sue then informed me that I was going to open the show, which was a complete shocker! I was quite nervous about that, but there was no time to worry as the show was about to begin!
We got to use Becki's gorgeous vintage microphone again, and this time we placed it at the front of the dance floor, which meant that we didn't have to climb the steps onto the stage every time we sang, and that made me happy, as it meant that I didn't have to attempt to climb stairs in my full length ballgown! That would have been a sight.
I stepped up to the microphone, and launched into my first song, “Moon River,” which already is a beautiful song, and perfect to waltz to. Unfortunately, the version I used was very short, so by the time most people got up to dance, it had finished. However, when the song was over, I did jokingly thank them for dancing, which got a chuckle. I recognised more than a few of them from the last social I performed at; it was great to see familiar faces.
After a few sequence dances, it was time for me to get back up and sing. I was supposed to a special waltz version of “Edelweiss,” but we none of us had the backing track, which was a shame, as I love the song, but as I was going to sing “Fascination” anyway, we just decided to go ahead with that. As this song is a little bit longer, the dancers were able to dance for a bit more than they were with “Moon River.”
After that, my job was over, at least until the interval, so I was able to sit with my Grandad and watch the dancers. They must work so hard to get the proper technique because all of them are wonderful.
They did another Charleston, and naturally I got up to dance it! It is the only dance I know, so when I hear the music, I am definitely, going to join in. My Grandad managed to get a video of it!
After my little bit of dancing, I returned to my seat and continued to watch the rest of the dancers. I had thought ahead this time and brought my own fan, which was a lifesaver, especially after doing some dancing!
Soon enough, it was time for the interval, and I took to the stage once again. I had decided to sing my usual repertoire as the dancers usually wanted a break at this time, and wanted to sit and listen. The first song I performed was “Pie Jesu.” It felt very appropriate and humbling to sing it in a church, surrounded by sacred and spiritual artwork. The audience seemed to like the song, and gave me a round of applause, and then I introduced my next song, “O Mio Babbino Caro.” Before I sang, I told everyone what the song was about; a girl who is pleading with her father to let her marry the one she loves, or else she will throw herself into the river; that part got a little chuckle, and they laughed even harder when I said “whoever said teenagers were over-dramatic?”
I got a nice big round of applause for that song as well, and then I introduced my final song, “Time To Say Goodbye.” I joked that I didn't know any songs in English, which got another laugh, before getting into my last song. Whenever I am singing, I always put this song at the end of my set, if possible; I feel like it's a very nice piece to end with, and it feels like I am bidding them farewell.
Once again, the audience liked the song, and gave me a big round of applause, and I thanked them for listening, and returned to my seat, as Becki took my place and began her set, which included “Beauty and the Beast.”
That was my job done for the night, and now I could relax.
When the show was over, my Grandad took some pictures of me in front of the stage curtains, which were a beautiful red velvet. You can find more of them in the gallery, but I couldn't resist taking a quick selfie!
I will be back at Susie Q next week for their movie themed night! It's going to be a lot of fun; we get to dress up!
Until next time
Lauren xx
Until next time
Lauren xx