Black Mulberry: eisteddfod 2011

Here is the long awaited eisteddfod run-down. There are a few more pictures I hope to put on here sometime, but this will do for now.

Song and Dance items:
Leila’s 7 and under item was “bear necessities”. They came first. I think the cute costumes were a major factor. They sung very loud, but were rather “shouty”. It seems that this was pretty standard for the younger groups. The audience seemed to really like the item too. I think they looked a bit like teletubbies. This item was invited back on the final night as an "adjudicator's choice" item.

Beth’s 9 and under item was “wanna be like you”, also from the Jungle Book movie. They also came first, despite getting ahead of the music at one point. The adjudicator commented on how hard it is to dance in a full mask and suit. They were very very funny to watch.

Group Jazz items:
Leila’s 7 and under group did “happy song” in glittery school ties, checkered skirts and long socks.
It started out well but fell apart when two of the girls didn't go on stage when they were supposed to, so the one chasing them couldn't go on and ended up on the wrong side of the stage for her next bit. The next pair didn't get their cue to go on... The stage was almost empty for a while, then even after some got back on only about half the girls who were supposed to be there were on stage. Let's just say Bears was rather significantly better! They were a very young group.

Beth’s 9 and under group did “bibbetty bobbitty boo” and came 3rd. I thought they danced well, although apparently there was an incident with one girl’s costume coming slightly un-pinned and spiking her. She missed her entry and then was too distraught to go back on stage. One of the other groups did a fantastic star wars number with light sabres and everything.

Leila’s solo:
We were blown away by this one. She did the best cartwheel we have seen her do before or since, danced absolutely brilliantly and came away with second place. She was beaten by Seychelle who is from our studio too. The adjudicator gave out 2 of each position, and then merit or high achievement ribbons to every single competitor, which was nice for such a young group of competitors: very encouraging. Leila definitely likes the spotlight, and flourishes in it too.

Hannah was very tolerant about being dragged in and out of the entertainment centre for days at a time. She flirted with everyone, and has the dance school principle wapped around her little finger. When other people got painted up, she lined up as well. The third eye was particularly popular.