Zone championships (part 4)

We huddled in the marshalling room where the process of organising the heats began. I had already forgotten this process since last year but soon relearnt it.

1. Line up with our club
2. Headcount to decide how many heats
3. Number off, split off into heats (standing in club lines ensures members are spread)
4. Once in heats, draw playing cards to determine marching order

I had overheard that two years ago my zone did not have a separate beginner ladies' section. This year there were three beginner heats and seven novice heats! I had at least 30 minutes to spare, so I went snacking.

Crackers, a fruit plate, chocolate slices and dips lined our club's table, enough physie fuel to last well into the night. Then came the decision whether to go to the bathroom or not. Being in a leotard and fishnet stockings was hard enough, but with a stiff competitor's number already pinned on, I decided that it was better to wait until after my heat. Not long afterwards, my heat was finally called...

Zone championships (part 3)

At the presentation of the teams' competition, we sat in columns. Each team nominated one representative to collect the prizes if they'd received a place or an honourable mention. No place for my team but I am incredibly proud to have danced with these fabulous ladies.

It was just past 11 am by this stage and we lined up for the change rooms. Luckily, I had already predicted the situation and got changed swiftly after the presentation.
"Beginner, novice and intermediate ladies to registration!"
An unprecedented number of novice ladies lined to put their name down for the heats. There were so many of us [novice ladies] that the organisers ran out of competitors' numbers initially.

Ladies donned leotards in various colours and styles. Sleeved designs also made a comeback. Time dragged on and the changeover afforded us enough time to have lunch. The first heat did not commence until noon.