We are so pleased to announce that a member of Team Air Partner will be participating in the Platinum Jubilee Pageant this Sunday. Alongside a team of 15, Colin Clements will be performing 70's Northern Soul on a flatbed truck in the 'Times of Our Lives' segment of the pageant - a remarkable achievement! We are looking forward to commemorating Her Majesty The Queen's reign at this fabulous celebration and supporting Colin as he dances in her honour.
Tell us about when you first started dancing to Northern Soul?
I started dancing when I was 13/14 in 1973 as there wasn't much for youths to do then. A friend of mine's brother appeared at a local disco one night and asked the DJ to play a record he had with him - a Northern Soul tune. We just stood with our jaws on the floor, listening to the awesome music whilst he performed this energetic, acrobatic dance. We all wanted to do the same.
Have you always been involved in the Northern Soul scene?
I didn't really get back into the scene until about 8 years ago. Since then, I've been travelling and performing all over the country as well as Amsterdam and Paris. Blackpool Tower is my favourite venue - I've danced in four World Championships there, qualified twice and even reached the last ten in 2018. I've featured on the UK Gold TV series 'The Rebel', danced with Anita Dobson, and appeared in a music video for the band The Signatures alongside Angela - who will also be dancing at the Platinum Jubilee Pageant.
How does it feel to be dancing at the Platinum Jubilee Pageant?
This is so exciting and the closer it gets then the more exciting. The thought of dancing in front of an audience of literally billions worldwide is an awesome feeling, just hoping to not fall over when doing the tricks - we'll be dancing on a flatbed truck that's moving! It is an honour to have passed the registration and to be taking part in the 'People's Pageant', to celebrate our Queen's reign!
What will Pageant day look like for you?
It's quite involved; we have to get our accreditations on Saturday or the early hours on Sunday and then be at the Horse Guards parade between 06:45 - 08:45 am on Sunday. At the Platinum Jubilee Pageant there are I think 15 of us dancing on a flatbed truck in the 'Times of Our Lives' part of the pageant. This is in the 70s-decade, Northern Soul truck.
How do you feel about Air Partner being a supporter of the Pageant?
It's great that Air Partner are partners too. I think it is another feather in Air Partners cap to be one of the official partners. Most certainly one of the best 'shop fronts' to be in and can only bring new options to the company. Taking part in supporting the Platinum Jubilee is something we should all be doing, so I am proud to work for a company that is supporting it.