At long last, movie night at Susie Q – Shall We Dance had arrived. As an avid movie lover, I was really looking forward to the event. Just as before, we would sing while the dancers danced, only this time the songs would be from the movies, and I has also decided to sing movie songs for the interval.
As I had some new songs to learn, I got practising. I couldn't wait to get back up on stage and sing again.
Everyone was to dress in their Hollywood best, and you could even dress up as your favourite movie star! I originally wanted to go as Shirley Temple, as she is one of my idols, but I couldn't find a dress in time! Can you imagine some operatic versions of Shirley's classic songs? It might be on the cards in the future.
So, as I couldn't go as Shirley, I instead opted for a classic Hollywood look, and wore my amazing new black and white dress, with diamonds down the front. This was the perfect event to wear this dress, and I was so excited. I added my long, white gloves, a diamond bracelet, diamond necklace, diamond earrings, and diamond hair accessories, and I was good to go. With all that sparkling, you couldn't possibly miss me!
As I had some new songs to learn, I got practising. I couldn't wait to get back up on stage and sing again.
Everyone was to dress in their Hollywood best, and you could even dress up as your favourite movie star! I originally wanted to go as Shirley Temple, as she is one of my idols, but I couldn't find a dress in time! Can you imagine some operatic versions of Shirley's classic songs? It might be on the cards in the future.
So, as I couldn't go as Shirley, I instead opted for a classic Hollywood look, and wore my amazing new black and white dress, with diamonds down the front. This was the perfect event to wear this dress, and I was so excited. I added my long, white gloves, a diamond bracelet, diamond necklace, diamond earrings, and diamond hair accessories, and I was good to go. With all that sparkling, you couldn't possibly miss me!
My Dad and I arrived early at Swanmore Village Hall, and I got lots of compliments on my dress, and jewels, which made me happy. Becki arrived at the same time we did, and was wearing a beautiful satin champagne coloured dress, and Aleisha was wearing a simple, yet elegant black dress.
After a bit of chatting, it was time for the social to start; Sue started off the evening by playing the Twentieth Century Fox theme tune. It was so cool! She also had Oscars to award to the best dressed man and woman. Sadly, as performers, we were ineligible for them, which was a shame, but I don't think it would have been fair otherwise.
Most people were dressed to the nines, with the men in their tuxes and the ladies wearing sparkly evening gowns. Two ladies were wearing leis and floral dresses as they were “Blue Hawaii”! Everyone looked so amazing.
Becki and Aleisha sang their songs at various points in the evening, which included “Skyfall,” and “I Wanna Be Like You,” and, as before, we took turns.
My first song was the waltz version of “Edelweiss,” from “The Sound of Music,” which is one of my favourite songs to perform as it is so beautiful, and it is one of those songs that everyone knows and can sing along to (or in this case, dance along to.)
Even though I still felt nervous about performing, I am getting much better at handling my stage fright, which is amazing for me. A year ago, I couldn't even talk to people before I sang, and now I can, laugh, chat and make jokes!
It does really make me feel like I am improving and progressing.
When I finished my first song, I took my seat to watch the other singers and watch the dancing for a while, before I was due to sing once again.
I was very nervous about performing this second song, as it is something that is usually completely out of my comfort zone. It was “Sway,” by the Pussycat Dolls, and I had never sung it in public before. I had been practising this one over and over again, wanting it to be right; I even had a few little movements to go with the song, so that I wasn't just standing there. I love this song, and I would like it to become a regular part of my repertoire, but as it was something completely new for me, I was still nervous.
After a bit of chatting, it was time for the social to start; Sue started off the evening by playing the Twentieth Century Fox theme tune. It was so cool! She also had Oscars to award to the best dressed man and woman. Sadly, as performers, we were ineligible for them, which was a shame, but I don't think it would have been fair otherwise.
Most people were dressed to the nines, with the men in their tuxes and the ladies wearing sparkly evening gowns. Two ladies were wearing leis and floral dresses as they were “Blue Hawaii”! Everyone looked so amazing.
Becki and Aleisha sang their songs at various points in the evening, which included “Skyfall,” and “I Wanna Be Like You,” and, as before, we took turns.
My first song was the waltz version of “Edelweiss,” from “The Sound of Music,” which is one of my favourite songs to perform as it is so beautiful, and it is one of those songs that everyone knows and can sing along to (or in this case, dance along to.)
Even though I still felt nervous about performing, I am getting much better at handling my stage fright, which is amazing for me. A year ago, I couldn't even talk to people before I sang, and now I can, laugh, chat and make jokes!
It does really make me feel like I am improving and progressing.
When I finished my first song, I took my seat to watch the other singers and watch the dancing for a while, before I was due to sing once again.
I was very nervous about performing this second song, as it is something that is usually completely out of my comfort zone. It was “Sway,” by the Pussycat Dolls, and I had never sung it in public before. I had been practising this one over and over again, wanting it to be right; I even had a few little movements to go with the song, so that I wasn't just standing there. I love this song, and I would like it to become a regular part of my repertoire, but as it was something completely new for me, I was still nervous.
As far as first public performances go, it wasn't too bad. I felt I could have done better, but the audience seemed to like it, so I considered that a bonus. I really hope I get to perform this more in future as it's really fun to sing, and I think it will get people bopping along.
After that, I returned to my seat for a little while, drinking my water and relaxing. I love watching the dancers; they all look like they're having the times of their lives.
Just as before, there was another Charleston dance, and just as before, I got up to dance it. It was a little bit tricky in my new dress, and my jewels swinging around, but I soon got used to it. As usual, I wore flat shoes; I think if I attempted to dance in heels, I would do more falling over than dancing, haha!
I would really like to get more into dancing. I do it a little bit, but I would like to dance more often.
The Charleston is incredibly fun, and it always reminds of the scene in “It's A Wonderful Life,” where they are dancing at the school, and everyone ends up jumping into the pool.
It's still so much fun, and I took my seat again as the other dances resumed.
After about twenty minutes more of dancing, it was time for the interval. As I mentioned above, I was going to sing movie themed songs, and I opened with “Once Upon A Dream,” from Disney's Sleeping Beauty. It's one of my Mum's favourite films, but sadly she couldn't be there that night, as she had to stay at home and take care of Molly, but I dedicated it to her, and I got a big round of applause when I finished.
My second song was “Il Mio Cuore Va,” which was “My Heart Will Go On,” in Italian. I love the way Sarah Brightman performs it, especially on the last verse, where she lets loose with her beautiful voice.
The crowd seemed to enjoy that song a lot more than “Once Upon A Dream,” and I got another big round of applause. I think singing it in Italian makes it stand out because it's different to how most people perform it.
Becki and Aleisha also sang their songs, and then the dancing resumed, with Becki and Aleisha performing the dance music every so often.
I ended the show with “Moon River,” which is always another crowd favourite, and then, after chatting and taking pictures, it was time to head home. We did film the performance, but due to the camera not being very good, I won't upload them as the footage is blurry, but I shall leave you with some pictures.
I hope you've enjoyed reading about my adventures, and keep an eye out for a new blog post coming soon.
Until next time
Lauren xx