Newsletter Issue : 4
Inside this issue:

Whose Crew! This Issue : MIKE

This time Robin, Lynn & Martin have got together to interview Mike with some additional in depth probing questions. Mike lives in Welwyn Garden City and works in Harlow as an Engineering manager. He is a Libra, being a 'triplet' to the 2 Hatfield twins. He drives a Vauxhall Astra saloon (he can’t afford the new MR2 yet) and has 2 grown up children. He has lived with Rita for about 10 years and his favourite food is one of her stir-fries. When he was younger he had trials for a couple of professional football clubs, played National league volleyball, and also played the keyboard.

How when and where did you start Cerocing?
Two years ago at Letchworth. We were greeted by a well known 'glamour puss' who said, 'Hello, I'm Robin'. I believe I said 'So?' or 'Well we've all got our cross to bear', and a partnership was formed!!

How often do you go to CEROC and to what venues?
Letchworth on Monday where I taxi, Tuesday at Hatfield, and St Albans on Thursday. Occasionally Harlow on a Wednesday, (but I'm not addictive.) not forgetting Bedford when it's at the Corn Exchange, and also St Neots, (honest it's not a problem) Oh, and the Casbah in London, and Cheshunt, plus the odd weekend at Weymouth and Camber Sands. (Really I can give it up any time) and all the tea dances and the occasional busk, (these patches don't work very well) plus the UK championships.

How did you become a venue manager?
I had a 3-hour grilling in front of the Management, Union and Tea boy (Robin, Lynn and Martin). I had to produce references for Robin, a desk for Martin and do 3 rounds of Kung Fu with Lynn, but I think when I said I'd do it for nothing it just tipped the balance.

Some people say that trying to venue manage the Hatfield crew is a lost cause?
It is. When I took the job I made a list of troublesome crew and taxi dancers with a view to booting them out. This only left Robin and me, (and she was a borderline case) so I had to abandon it. I then adopted a new policy. If you can’t beat them, join them!!

How do you sort out the rest of the crew? Describe a typical Tuesday fiasco!
Arrive 35 mins before the start, then wait for the next 30 mins to find out how many of the others will be turning up. Get the banner up, help with the desk, and ask Robin what moves she's doing. I'm then ready to greet the dancers and any newcomers that we have. If I'm demo’ing it's a quick practice with Robs. It's then a case of making sure that the evening runs smoothly. At the end, it’s pack up the equipment while the other 3 stand around chatting! The job has its perks, but I'm still waiting for them and to find out exactly what they are!

What type of music do you like?
Basically anything and everything except opera and traditional Country and Western

Are you angling for promotion? How do you see your prospects?
I’d love to get the DJs job! But my prospects are slim (see 'Any ambitions')

Do you have a favourite move?
The 'Banner Wrap and Lock'. A spin through the door avoiding the incoming people, at the same time unfurling the banner over the railings. The right hand then passes a cable tie through the loop to lock it in place. A step right and repeat the last move. Occasionally I have to repeat the move when somebody points out that the banner is upside down!

What are your favourite Ceroc dance tracks?
Anything that can be interpreted and has breaks in. Tracks such as Jools Holland's 'Able Mabel', Lisa Stansfield's 'Watch the birdie', Cherry Poppin Daddies 'Zoot Suit Riot', and Peggy Lee's 'Fever'. Others that don't get played a lot (hint Lynn!) are, Peter Gabriel's 'Steam', Dusty Springfield's 'In private', and the Blues Brothers 'Sweet Home Chicago'.

And your favourite groups?
Mike Oldfield, Santana, Gloria Estefan, Kenny Gee, U2, Shania Twain, etc, etc.

What other hobbies do you have?
I support Stevenage Borough, play badminton, and I am a 15 handicap at golf. I'm now learning to play the saxophone and I also play a mean game of backgammon.

How do you relax?
By dancing! To totally chill out it’s a case of getting out of the shirt and tie and throwing on a pair of shorts, sitting down with a glass of Glayva or a bottle of red wine and listening to a Kenny Gee CD. If we have good friends round then it's a bonus.

Any ambitions?
To catch Martin doing the 'single handed embezzler'. To visit Australia. To beat Lynn at Kung Fu and arm wrestling. To be able to dance the ladies part better than Bryan Ward or Dave Evans! (Although I think that's the hardest one as they make a great pair of tarts!!)

Is it true that the door person is always pestering you for sweets?
Every ten minutes it’s 'Give me a sweet or I’ll tell Lynn'. He gets through a bag a night and he always pinches the red ones. Still what he doesn’t know is that for the last 3 weeks they have been injected with a very slow releasing laxative! Now any minute now.........

It has been said that you run a tight ship. Is it true that you hit new beginners if they get the moves wrong, or is it just the crew that suffers?
I don’t hit beginners. It’s just the crew. Can’t stand shoddiness at this venue. Don’t tell anyone but,.... well Dave Evans was a bit slack the other week, so I had to 'fix' his car for him.

Are you motivated primarily by the money like the DJ and door person?
What money? You mean.........you get paid?

Is it true that heavy drinking, gambling and vice are rife within the Hatfield crew?
What a stupid question. Of course it’s true. I wouldn’t have joined if it wasn‘t.

Any advice for beginners?
Please look at your partner when you dance, laugh & smile. It makes a big difference. Ladies - Please, please, please ask the men to dance. Men - Keep it simple. A successful but uncomplicated dance is received much better than one with complex moves that the lady can't follow.

Website by Mark Roger Ely BSc & John Wright
Copyright 1999/2000/2001/2002/2003

Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.
While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, Ceroc Welwyn Hatfield, SG7.biz, Hand Made Cards.Biz and its agents cannot accept responsibility for claims made.