DFS Crufts Freestyle Final

The Top Lodge Trio had a good first competition day at DFS Crufts.

Kath with Spice and Amber, Lesley with Angus and Karen with Kes had all qualified for the Freestyle Final and they all performed some well choreographed and well presented routines. The team definitely proved that they are still amongst England's and the world's absolute best Dog Dancers.

This years Crufts Judges
Ann DeRizzio, Gina Pink and Heather Smith

David is having a busy time at Crufts too - even though we have still not managed to get him to dance with one of the dogs! He is the timekeeper for all 3 HTM competitions.
On the photo from left: David and the 3 judges. Behind the judges Carol Dodson and Dave Ray.

It is a big ring for the Top Lodge dogs to cover when performing!

Spice was the first of the Top Lodge dogs to enter the ring. She performed to 'Mr. Blue Sky' and impressed the judges and spectators with a very different routine compared to the last 3 year's 'Spice routines'. Lots of new moves and a whole new style for this team. Surprising, interesting and wonderful to watch. They placed 5th. Well Done! Congratulations!

Angus and Lesley performed a fast routine to 'POSH' from 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'. We have learned to expect lots of high jumps from Angus and he did not disappoint! It was a well performed routine and the team ended on 4th place in the competition. Congratulations!

Lesley and Angus weaving to 'POSH'

12 year old Kes was 7th in the ring and there is only one thing to say... WOW!
Both her and Karen looked stunning as they danced their way through 'Me Ol' Bamboo' from 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'. This routine is absolutely super for Kes. Karen and Kes placed 6th in the competition after an accurate and entertaining performance. You could see that they love their dancing. Well done!

Karen and Kes having fun in the ring.

Kath had qualified 2 dogs for the Freestyle Final and Amber was the last of the Top Lodge dogs to dance. She performed a beautiful routine to Dean Martin's 'Sway'. Amber looked happy and the routine really suited both her and Kath. Once again Kath came with something different - a quiet and moving routine that really highlighed the relationship between handler and dog. Thank you Kath for a lovely performance and congratulations on your 7th place.

Kath and Amber swaying together



Kath and Amber in the middle of the huge Crufts ring

Reported by Emmy M. Simonsen