Dearest SANDY XXX

The saddest of news, our Beautiful Sandy Hamilton-Bentes passed away peacefully last night in her sleep…

Out love and thoughts to her husband Tony. & her family … that she loved so much …

Sandy such a beautiful person inside and out her kindness to all was remarkable… we all loved Sandy, To work with her was joy, and privilege always filled with fun and laughter .what a gifted dancer… One of the few that every choreographer wanted to work with … she had such style and loved to dance ….

She was always there for people … she gave her all to friends …

In later years she battled her illness with such positivity… always humble and never winged , in admiration how she always delt with everything a lesson to us all …

Dearest Sandy. We love you and we will miss you. Always be in our hearts and thoughts …God bless you ….. xxxxxx

Two Broadway Legends

I pay my respects to the sad passing of The Legand of Chita Rivera… the dancer of all dancers ….her style , dynamics performance were truly legendary I was so fortunate to see her perform on Broadway and the West End .

Meeting her was my star struck moment in life

She has inspired myself and countless others throughout our lives with her magnetic dancing singing and acting she was the Queen of Broadway

One of Dougie’s biggest thrills and honours was to choreograph Chita in a tv show in Germany ,a highlight in his career and his heart

We are lucky

There are wonderful clips of her performances on you tube …

My Love and thoughts to her family and friends at this very sad time ….

The lights must be dimmed on Broadway!

Another sad passing, the incredible multi talented Hinton Battle …

I first saw him in “Sophisticated Ladies” on Broadway and he knocked me out ! Talk about triple threat ! He had it all … an incredible tap /jazz dancer but with training at Alvin Alley he had a classical training that gave him one of the best male extensions I had ever seen ….

He then starred in The Tap Dance Kid another fabulous performance ( you can see on you tube clips ) He starred in other big hits on Broadway/ films and Tv. Directed and choreographed winner of three Tony awards …

My thoughts with his family and Friends at this sad time

Dearest Lynda

Hard to believe that our dear sister Lynda passed 10 years ago where does time fly …

always in my heart thoughts and love xxx god bless you dearest Lynda xxx

Champneys !

Another trip to Champneys to give classes over the weekend with Jackie Travers and Rosemarie Ford i think we took over 12 classes between us …. all the ladies seemed to have a good time which is what it is all about !

the bonus of bruv Paul and Judy came , we had such a fun weekend the classes were great and we had many a laugh at dinner …. Jackie needs a stand up routine !

ANNIVERSARY......

18 years ago today we celebrated our civil partnership and 10 years ago today we quietly got married today .. We celebrated 45 years together…. Amazing xxx myself and everyone miss you xxxx

I was knocked and humbled at the response as i posted on FB … IT MEANT SO MUCH ..

that everyone sent messages and likes ….

Dougie is so special .. Not a hour goes by when i dont miss him… At times i find it very difficult … but doing the best i can … at the cottage i feel him here …. it gets so lonely … miss you my dearest Dougie xxx

JANUARY GENERATION CLASS!

The family back together in the studio for 2024 ! it was a lovely class such fun and they danced so well keyed up for a great 2024!

Back in the studio!

Why seems a life time ago, Again working with Jonathan Blackburn for the VIKING cruise ships staging two of his productions shows , fabulous offices ,wardrobe and amazing rehearsal studio’s such a pleasure to work there .. with a talented group of performers ….

GENERATION FAMILY !

A lovely evening seeing friends at Monkey Island in Bray ,

NUTCRACKER

It’s brilliant ! So creative !!! Fab choreography wonderful dancers so inventive! Amazing band !

A true theatrical experience! In every sense !!

Loved the style its was witty .. moving … so wish I was 35 years younger. Oh how I would have loved to have tried to dance that … I take my hat off to Sam Salter what a dancer … beautiful. Handsome with a fab personality!

Amazing to see the lovely Sarah Drummond and her daughter. . She felt like me … would loved to have seen her dance it !

But let’s not talk about my journey home !!!!

Southsea !

Took my dear mum to the hospital for eye check up … then to lunch at the common used to be 9 holes buts its now by the other side of southsea common… fab food and cakes .. a brisk walk along the front .. oh I love the sea …. I wonder ????

NEW YEAR! 2024!!!!

After Boxing day I was going to travel up north on the 28th , but the storm brewed so thought it unwise to travel …. so got the Christmas blues took down the decs .. oh my that was a task and a half ! remind me a twig with berries next year … the cottage looked like it had been robbed … any rate didnt go the 29th either couldn’t make my mind, I wanted to see my friends Reece and Danny and the girls but hoped that i wasn’t intruding ….well i drove on the 30th … not a nice drive …felt long and i played sad music all the way …. so was feeling rather low , my first Christmas and now New Year without Dougie …. feels so lonely without him …. but Im doing my best ….. So glad i made the journey I was staying in A STAYS IN BLACKPOOL apartment in the heart of Blackpool , it’s actually owed and run by Reece, He has done such a smashing job …. so proud of him…the apartment is first class spacious well designed immaculate and a fab kitchen … and you dont hear any noise …. its s quiet …

We went to supermarket and got the food for another Christmas dinner we thought it would be fun… and it was … i think they both enjoyed the food …. he takes the p out of me and chicken a long story from years ago !

New years Eve the weather outside was rain rain rain so i really chilled at the apartment watching movies it was actually lovely .. I so enjoyed … In evening they laid on a spread with plenty of drink strange that hahaha

it was lovely to see the girls … i meet Danny’s father Pete my new drinking partner and Danny’s mother and partner David .. we had a fun night playing games all night ! bringing in the New Year watching the London Fireworks …. so beaucoup de drink it was a lovely evening that i will always be grateful … i was taken home and to my bed well needed …

The sun was shining on New Years Day I was going to Manchester to meet Simon for Dim sum .. so a drive along the prom seeing the sea always clears my head …. the fresh air and the emotion of the waves gets me every time … Drove to Manchester lovely to meet up with Si .. a great lunch in China Town and so nice to spend time with him … drove back to Blackpool and had a chilled evening ….

so the 2nd January TIME FOR ME TO LEAVE … SAD Really … i just start getting to relax and i ad to come back as taking my mum to hospital on wednesday … went and said my good byes .. and then a heavy rain and wind drive home …. actually scary but got home all safe and sound …

Huge thanks to my dearest Reece and Danny FOR THEIR KINDNESS LOVE AND SUPPORT ….

FOR ME Its a new dawn , its a new day, its a new life and I feel ………..

Happy New Year x

CHRISTMAS !

It was good to have a few days after Horse show to get ready for Christmas ! It felt so strange as this is the first one without Dougie … missing him so much, we shared lovely Christmas ‘s together … which at this time had lovely flash backs …. how lucky I am ….

Christmas shopping in Winchester , which looked gorgeous …. was all good had ordered food so just had to collect … Pat and lisa popped over and we went for lunch at Leckford which was very nice …

My Bruv came down and we pottered about … Christmas eve we went to the church service at St peters i laid flowers With Dougie and gave him and Michael a Elf hat …

Christmas morning up bright and prepared the lunch , My dear Mum and Paul and Judith for lunch, Jane brought mum up but didnt stay as wanted to be with Terry , so had prepared her a christmas lunch box …

Lunch was nice Mum enjoyed herself Paul was in good form .. and we all got a history lesson so a relaxed time we sat around the table for hours … some lovely presents a great set of kitchen knives fro Paul & judith

although Judith stabbed her self by dropping a knife on her foot … bless her …

Boxing day more of the same with lovely Ham and cold meats etc …

Mum stayed over which iI was nervous about but all was okay bless her …

the 28th i was supposed to go to Blackpool but there were bad storms up north so thought I would go 29th but actually leaving today the 30th .. so got down the decs etc … that was so harsh .. i say every year a twig next year with berries and thats it….

I found myself getting rather low …. it’s hard to beat sometimes you just have to go with it … i generally turned myself off and the out side world … Although thats where I want to be .. i am making the effort to go to Blackpool also to see Reece Danny and the Campbell clan and Molly & Bailey TO BE MORE POSTIVE …

I do try s hard …

I had lovely cards and lovely messages from everyone very touching indeed …. but missed my card from Dougie xxxx

HORSE SHOW WEEK !

A little reflection as I posted on The London International Horse Show ….

I just had an amazing week with the dearest of friends whose talents I admire and I get the chance to work with them too …

How lucky and fabulous is that …. The support and love they have given me these past months is beyond friendship.

It was all a little surreal being there … but his spirit was with us all … hopefully he would have been pleased with what we achieved …. But he was very much missed…

A big thank you to Simon and Annibelle Brooks Ward and all at Horse Power who produce this event which is just amazing it is such a honour to be just a small part of this legendary Horse Show .. to produce on this scale is mind blowing

We were fortunate on rehearsal day we finished early and got on the Elizabeth line ( how amazing is that! ) actually two amazing ‘s. Me on the underground ! In to London for a glorious walk around everywhere. London in Christmas lights never looked so beautiful…

If your around Oxford st near Oxford Circus we went to Twist it was an optical illusion light exhibition… it was fun !!!

But to our team a big thank you u all mean so much to me .. Reece Campbell Lisa Lee Danny Jones Jill Bowyer Pat Farmer xx

THE LONDON INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW 23

Just found out we had walked over sixty miles ! At Excel London international Horse Show !

(My legs are telling me that today !!! )

Well our Dancing Elf’s were just an amazing team this year … so Huge Thanks to Luis De Abreu and Tanya Compton at Bird Collegeuk

They were a joy to be with …. So professional and talented … a great bunch to be with .. we wish them every success for their futures in this industry…. ….

We also had fun with the riders fancy dress competition .. which was no mean feat ! but it all came to together …

GENERATION CHRISTMAS CLASS !

Dearest. Friends ..

Firstly apologies for being late ! Didn’t think it would take nearly 4 hours to get there !

Secondly the biggest thank you for Keeley Scott for being fabulous stepping in ! Thanks Joan Golden ! It was a fun afternoon and lovely seeing everyone! Maybe we need to

A full day soon as there is never enough time to catch up with everyone !

It’s been quite a year and as I said yesterday. thank you for all your support. Kindness and Love … you are very special and it’s a terrific bond we have together …. All due to Dougie who would be so happy that we are together

He was always so touched by the classes. He loved them and was so proud and happy to see everyone … We will keep on and on even if it becomes a zimmer class …

Thanks again from my heart xxx

All my Love Antx

Ps my travel day got worse !!! I went into a pot hole !!! Wrecked. Two tyres ! Hey hohoho! X

ITS A BUSY TIME !!!

This time of year is always crazy !!! time just flying by so fast !!! getting everything done is a challenge ….

it really this year … Also I have tried to be a little more social … a bit out of my comfort zone but have enjoyed seeing Family and Friends ,Theatre and some restaurants with nice food on its way .. How many trips to London ? and reading the auto biog of STRIESAND ….

After Kathy’s party

Had a lovely lunch with my dear Mum and sis Janet always love a Sunday roast when one doesn’t cook it !

A productive meeting with someone i worked with many moons ago watch this space for January as I am staging some shows for the production company ! New year full of new beginnings !

On the 21st it was 6 months since Dougie danced up into the skies …. I miss him xxxx but he is in my heart ….

Went for lunch with Lady Emma at the Ivy Winchester it was fabulous loved the food the service was so good …

Got out the decs to decorate the cottage oh boy I HAVE FAR TO MANY !!! made a huge mess i was covered in boxes for days until I got down to do it I wasn’t looking forward to doing it … as I always did it for Dougie, for us … will be a strange time no doubt with my first christmas without him… but he is in my heart xxx

the decs will need its own post when i get to photograph it !

been working hard at unit getting costumes ready for the horse and show and some hires and worked really hard on a job for Dubai after spending out and getting it ready It was cancelled ….. not even a sorry letter . I should learn …. but hey ho thats life !

Highlight went to to Joe Allens for early dinner met Dear friends Geoff Pine and Lisa Mulidore still the best burgers in town … then went to see Sunset Blvd …. with Nicole Scherzinger as Norma Desmond well its a innovative production .. turning it upside down and inside out … some very fantastic creative elements and a fab performance for Nicole great secure voice .. gives Barbara a run for holding notes ! haha I so enjoyed the evening , 3 times travelled to london this week oh traffic just lets not go there …

Had a nice time with my bro Paul and Judy which was fun ,I just see my father in him … its like my father being alive again rather sweet and touching .

Picked up costumes for the legend of Pat Farmer for the Horse show so nearly all there !

Went to london again met up with Barbara Ferris, it was such a lovely catch up as I hadn’t seen her since Dougie as she has been unwell but she was in good spirits and looking beautiful as ever … then met up with Linda Martin and Maggie Rose for a fun evening … well nearly .. went to Sheaky’s for dinner then to see Back Stairs Billy (Queen mum and butler Billy ) I dont think I should comment OR MAKE MY REVIEW OF THIS …. i left at interval says it all .. shame as it could of been great such a good subject matter … We did know Billy … but thats another story … it was missed cast for me .. rather old fashioned … not a good book … leave farces to Ray Cooney ….think i will get off the subject …

Then December 1st is upon us … Geoff and Richard’s Christmas party ! Nearly 4 hours to get there … lets not talk about that … but lovely to see every one, old friends that i hadn’t seen in years very sweet … Performers from Birds college entertained which was lovely … the drive home was easier thank the lord …

Then Sunday was upon me and sis Janet and mum came up to cottage to see my decs .. bless my mum she was like a little girl she loved them .. I laid on a Christmas tea which they both enjoyed (I hope )

Then went down to the Church hall for the village fare and then the first candle lighting for advent and carol service at the church .. it was charming … to hear my dear mum sing was so so sweet …

So now onto crazy week !

PIPKINS SURPRISE 6Oth!

I was honoured to be invited to Kathy’s I have always called her PIPKIN from Hartley Hare ! 60th Birthday bash in Botley… Such a lovely evening very special, the love of PIPKIN & Paul and their two sons is just beautiful to witness, unfortunately Paul is not in good health so it was very emotional for everyone … but the love and support shines through ….

lovely to chat and gossip with friends JO Heap and Taffy and incredible to see Sandy Hamilton such a inspiration to us all such a beautiful lady inside and out … xxx