Wellington, FL - The lights were bright as Dressage Under the Stars made its debut last night at the Palm Beach Polo and Hunt Club in Wellington, FL. Crowds flowed into the venue, and anticipation was in the air as the fourth season of the prominent event got underway. An estimated 302 audience members were in attendance, consisting of spectators from both the equestrian and non-equestrian communities. It was Susanne Hamilton who used her beautiful choreography, style and talent to flash her way to the winner's circle aboard Lord Locksley during the opening night of Dressage Under the Stars 2012.
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| Susanne Hamilton and Lord Lockley exhibit a beautiful pirouette during their freestyle performance. |
Hamilton, a German native who now hails from Maine, returned to the fourth season of Dressage Under the Stars in a different role than previous years. Last year, the talented rider was featured as a judge during the eight-week series, but the positions have reversed as she tried her hand as a competitor. The stunning duo performed to a techno rendition of four different songs, an idea inspired by Ruth Hogan Poulson. Client Celeste Healey put together the entire freestyle, and Hamilton impressed the panel of judges with the exciting music and her own choreographed routine.
"I actually started this routine last year," Hamilton described. "I actually won Region 8 Freestyle with the same routine. Ironically enough, it was a last minute routine we pulled together in two days, but it ended up being so great that I decided to use it for tonight."
Willette Brown designed Hamilton's costume, a traditional uniform elegantly decorated with silver, a combination of pizzazz and style that could not be ignored beneath the bright lights. Hamilton expressed, "The costume was just an added bonus. It took a while so I am glad that it was noticed, and Willette did a great job. I am so happy with this night, and I want to thank Dressage Under the Stars for allowing me to have this opportunity. Everything was on point including the judges, I am so pleased with the panel; the group is so prominent in the industry."
The first week's Dressage Under the Stars event proved to be very popular with excellent reviews. Spectators were pleased with the presiding judges for the opening night: USDF rated show judge Bill McMullin, polo player Sunny Hale, and trainer for Cavalier Show Jumping and cast member of HISTORY's Full Metal Jousting James H. Fairclough II. The compliments continued as admiring reviews were given about the venue and the grounds.
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| Steve Williams, Bill McMullin, Sunny Hale, James H. Fairclough II, Glen Straub, Tara Lordi and Eduardo Salas |
It was apparent that Mike Nelson and the Palm Beach Polo and Hunt Club went the extra mile to prepare the grounds for the series-both audience members and dressage horse and rider combinations were made comfortable for the event. The food service was entirely sold out well before the commencement of the evening, and the kitchen received an overwhelming amount of compliments concerning the reopened Hunt Club and the exceptional quality of food and service. Plans are currently underway to accommodate an even greater number of diners next week. After the performances concluded, dancers occupied the floor of the clubhouse until well after midnight.
"We planned for a big opening night, but the turnout and enthusiasm of everyone who came exceeded our expectations! Luckily I am part of a capable team and we were able to pull off a successful show," media personality and coordinator of Dressage Under the Stars, Steve Williams, concluded. "It seemed that everyone had a great time and as the series matures, we will remain focused on making it fun for riders and spectators alike!"
For more information about competing in the fourth season Dressage Under the Stars, please call (917) 907-0053. Dinner reservations are strongly encouraged, and can be easily made by calling The Hunt Club at (561) 389-4951. Dressage Under the Stars will be held each consecutive Wednesday through March. Doors will open at 6:30 pm.
Palm Beach Polo and Hunt Club
2470 Greenview Cove Drive
Wellington, FL 33414
Photo Credit: Susanne Hamilton and Lord Lockley exhibited a beautiful freestyle performance during the opening night of Dressage Under the Stars. Photo By: Alden Corrigan.
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