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Annetta COWIE
President
I began highland dancing at the age of 3½ and danced for pleasure
and competitively, except for a short break during the 11-14 age
group, until my late 20's. During my competition years, I was privileged
to enjoy competing from Invercargill through to Waipu. In my latter
years I was very fortunate to be taught by Mrs Enid Weir and I attribute
my continuation as a senior competitor to her knowledge, guidance
and encouragement.
I qualified as a member of the New Zealand Academy in 1968. Since
then, I have adjudicated throughout the country from Novice Days
to New Zealand Championship level. I have a love of teaching and
continue to have a small group of students. My highlights ranges
from watching a beginner win the Novice through to a successful
Solo Seal candidate.
Currently, I am Vice President of Piping and Dancing (Otago Centre),
and at present one of the Otago delegates to New Zealand Piping
and Dancing meetings. I have continually been involved with the
Ghillie Callum Club since 1968 and undertaken many roles, which
includes the facilitating of a successful judges course in Dunedin.
I work full-time at Otago Polytechnic as Programme Manager and
Senior Lecturer of Business Administration Programmes. This role
enables me to continue my love of teaching and see the rewards of
students succeed in their chosen profession.
Highland and National Dancing has given me so much over the years,
not only in dancing but also the confidence to succeed in the greater
community. I see the role of President of the New Zealand Academy
as an opportunity where I can contribute to an already successful
organisation and to give something tangible in return for what it
has given me.
My sincere thanks to all those who supported my nomination and
have shown confidence in me. I will work with you all to continue
building on the strong foundations which exist in our Academy.
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