Featuring the music of “Umbrella Man” Mel Douglas
With an extensive collection of Ballroom, Latin, and Sequence dance music on original CDs, and audio equipment sufficient for a ballroom dance in a moderately sized indoor venue (typical large village hall), I am available to DJ for one-off events or as occasional relief stand-in, on either side of the Bristol Channel (within reasonable reach of the Severn Bridges).
Along with my own personal
set of ballroom CDs, I am also custodian of the Mel Douglas
collection. Mel was a renowned promoter of dances and dance
holidays from Christchurch (near Bournemouth), with a weekly tea dance
at the famous Piccadilly Hotel and events all around the South Coast and
south of England, and he is remembered for decorating the stage with
umbrellas (see photo). I was among the many keen dancers for whom
Mel’s holiday weekends at the Langstone Cliff Hotel (Dawlish) were a
regular fixture. His choice of music was unsurpassed.
Honorary Life Member of Avon Amateur Dancers Club, I DJ’ed their Tea Dances for two years, and was a rota DJ for Club Night. My wide experience of dance events, from classes and social tea dances to dance holidays and competitions, means you can expect the very best programme of music for every grade of dancer.
As a knowledgeable and active ballroom dancer myself, I would rather be on the floor than DJ – hence the “one-offs” and “stand-ins”. But if you’re stuck: I have the gear and the experience, and I am willing to help.
Check out my FAQ/blog (where I will post occasional articles about Ken’s Classic Trax and discussion of all things Ballroom). You may find your query is already answered there. Please use the contact form for all enquiries (see Contact) – if you think you might call on my services urgently some time, it would be useful to have established contact previously. Scroll to the bottom of the page for more options.
To find out where and when I’m hosting a dance, look me up on AreYouDancing.com.
By the way: my website is always under (very gradual!) development – being improved and added to, so check in occasionally for updated information. There is a register of recent updates on the FAQ page.
Copyright notice: All content on this web site (design, text, graphics, and images) copyright Ken Wood except where otherwise stated. All rights reserved. "Great Vibes" typeface by courtesy of Google/TypeSETit.