News Archive 2008
10 December 2008
CELEBRATING 60 YEARS ACADEMY
MEMBERSHIP
Betty Broadbelt
( nee Wilson)
Executive members Avalon Moffatt and
Sherilyn Hall met with Betty Broadbelt at the home of her
daughter, ( Academy member Sandra Tennant), to present Betty with
her 60 year membership certificate and flowers. Betty was
unable to be present at the Academy presentation function in
September in Christchurch so the presentation was made with her
daughter present in Tawa.
A lovely hour was spent
reminiscing, talking about dancing and many names from
times gone by.
Betty will be remembered by many as a
long time dance teacher and examination organizer in the
Hamilton area, an astute adjudicator at competitions throughout New
Zealand, a loyal Academy member...... and a proud mother and
grandmother of Highland and National dancers.
Betty has seen the growth and
development of the Academy over her 60 years membership and has many
memories of those early days. These days Betty is a keen
bowler but is still interested in dancing and the
Academy.
Congratulations on this
wonderful achievement Betty!
Sherilyn Hall, Betty Broadbelt and Avalon
Moffatt
26 November 2008
LOST ITEMS
From the New Zealand under 18 and under 16 championships
in Palmerston North the following items are missing from the
dressing rooms:
If you find these items please contact admin@nzahnd.org.nz
22 November 2008
NEW ADDITION FOR CELIA TANNER
Ruby Delila Tanner was born on September 24th weighing
9lb 1! Ed and I are loving being parents. Ruby is a very placid and
happy wee girl.
4 November 2008
HAWKES BAY SUMMER SCHOOL 2009
The 2009 Hawkes Bay Summer School is being held from 23rd
- 25th January 2009
Tutor is Mrs Christine Morris
The Application Form can be downloaded by. clicking here
BALMORAL CLUB 'SUMMER FLING' 2009
The 2009 Summer Fling Christchurch Summer School is being
held from 22nd - 25th January 2009.
Tutors are Mrs Robyn Simmons, Mrs Kimberley Mavor,
Ms
Jan McKerrow and Mrs Julie Hawke
Entry forms is available for download by. clicking
here
28 October 2008
ANNUAL AGM , DANCE DEVELOPMENT COURSE & SOLO SEAL
EXAMINATION
After months of meticulous planning and
attention to detail, the organizing committee of the Balmoral Club
must be congratulated on such a wonderful few days in Christchurch.
For many Academy members this weekend is the highlight of their
dance year, and Christchurch certainly provided a memorable
experience for all attending. From the wonderful venues, to the
Saturday evening social dinner and Sunday AGM, no detail was
unattended to.
The weekend commenced with the Solo Seal Examination at
the Burnside High School Aurora Performing Arts Center
The stage was decorated in a tasteful,
subtle manner. The MC for the evening, Tammy Wells, a most gracious
host. Many in the audience were left wondering where they had seen
her before!?.The four Solo Seal candidates , Anna Millar, Katie
Lawton, Jeana Wheeler, and Jayden Withington presented themselves
with dignity and poise each giving of their best in their four
chosen dances. Congratulations to successful candidate, Anna Millar.
All candidates will have gained enormous experience and satisfaction
from being part of this prestigious examination. The examiners for
the evening were Mesdames Janet Allison, Sue Gill and Pamela
Fleming.
 Special thanks must
be extended to the piper, Jamie Hawke who did such a wonderful job
in piping for 16 dances, each to the individual tunes and tempos the
four candidates requested. Jamie?s quiet and unassuming manner and
superb piping prowess assisted all the candidates, and was a
pleasure for the audience to listen to. JK Danceworks provide two
well rehearsed and received items, performed in a very professional
manner - did anyone recognize the highland dancers in this dance
group?
DANCE DEVELOPMENT COURSE
 
 
 
DANCE DEVELOPMENT COURSE
In the morning session, Julie presented
Going on a Journey and spoke on music and movement and the benefits
to early childhood. She gave many ideas and strategies for
developing children?s understanding and appreciation of the elements
of music in relation to movement and dance. In the afternoon
session, along with the help of two groups of local children, Julie
delighted all attending by presenting a practical session to launch
the Academy CD " Starting On The Right Foot".Julie has composed a
number of tracks on this specifically for the Academy and members
were intrigued to see her working with the children dancing to the
tune ?Starting On the Right Foot? designed to introduce the children
to the elements of the 1st step of the Highland Fling. All the
children (and audience!) were spellbound by Julie?s dynamic and
captivating approach to the children?.many cameras were flashing and
the children did not blink an eyelid!
This CD is now available for sale to all
members, and will be distributed to the wider local and
international market ...... all details are available from the
Academy Secretary.
Workshops were enthusiastically received,
with most members taking to the floor in Sarah Burrow?s Stretching
& Flexibility session. The Stagecraft and Presentation session
provided attendees with many practical ideas and tips for enhancing
performance and ?dancing for the love of it?. The Preparation
Movement workshop got down to the ?nitty-gritty? of technique and
execution and teaching the progression of learning to develop a
senior movement to performance level. The fourth Workshop was the
Boys Irish session ?..This proved most popular - the tutors using
the Academy DVD as well as a demonstrator.?.The technique and
interpretation of the boys shillelagh work and steps were clearly
demonstrated and those on the floor enjoyed getting onto the style
and spirit of the work.
Two dances were taught, one, Isle Of Iona
composed by the Academy Patron, Mrs Jeanie Paton. This was
demonstrated by Michelle Fletcher and Jamie-Lee Tuuta and introduced
by Cushla Piesse . The other was the Lancashire Clog from the Senior
Gold Star Medal test. This is a tricky dance but was well mastered
by presenters - demonstators Adele Swanson and Cushla Piesse? along
with them there was a guest demonstrator hidden behind a screen so
only her legs were visible?..who was she????...a number of
Christchurch members recognised Colleen Cole?s legs,? shoes,?
Rhythm,?.......all of these!
After a busy day the final sessions were
Judging Upskilling and a Practical dance session for active
dancers.
Thanks must go to the demonstrators?Sam
Tait, Rachel Bates, Kimberley Burnside, Hollie Diack, Michelle
Fletcher, Jamie-Lee Tuuta, Colleen Cole, the guest presenters Julie
Wylie and Sarah Burrows ?.and finally to all the Technical Committee
who worked so hard to prepare, coordinate and present such a
comprehensive variety of topics.
SATURDAY EVENING
Again, the Balmoral
Club excelled in the number of people attending ? family members and
supporters to share in the excitement of success in members
achieving their Diplomas of which there were ??. (Is there a picture
of these?). Each Diploma Recipient was presented with their Academy
Badge by Mrs Sherilyn Hall (Technical Director) and a Rose by Mrs
Annetta Cowie (Academy President). Other members were presented with
their Service Bars where 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 year recipients were
present.
While everyone?s membership is important,
none so more than the two recipients for 60 years service to the
Academy. These were Margaret Hills and our Patron ? Mrs Jeanie
Paton. Margaret Hills was presented with her 60 year membership Bar.
a Framed Certificate and Flowers. The President outlined her
contribution over the years as a dancer, teacher and latterly a
pianist. It was lovely to share this with her husband who was very
proud. Our Paton, Mrs Jeanie Paton was then presented with her 60
year membership Bar , a framed Certificate and Flowers. Mrs Cushla
Piesse spoke on behalf of the Balmoral Club of Mrs Paton?s
contribution and this was followed by the contributions Mrs Paton
to Academy during the last 60 years. She has undertaken a number
of roles and one of those being Secretary for 37 years. Mrs Paton
received a standing ovation from members and was supported by her
daughters. Anna Millar and Shelley Reid presented a tribute on
behalf of the Academy members of Gaels Down Under, a Dance
choreographed by Mrs Paton and the late Emma Brown, to music written
by the late Frank McKinnon (Past President of the New Zealand Piping
and Dancing.
Anna Miller & Shelley Reid with Mrs
Paton
The Academy Cake was then cut by both
Margaret Hills and Jeanie Paton – a fitting tribute.
SUNDAY
Over 40 members attended the
Youth Forum under the guidance of Kimberley Burnside, the new Youth
Representative of the Academy. Several matters were presented and
discussed between the members. This is an excellent way for the
youth members to be able to present their thoughts and ideas to
their peers, and ultimately to the members as a whole. Their session
finished with a Design and Model of an Irish Jig costume – a great
initiative to get everyone working together.
The Annual General Meeting commenced after
morning tea. The President welcomed members and each centre
indicated their presence by standing when their region was
announced. The President presented her report which was accepted by
members. The Financial Reports were also accepted. Mrs Kay Grout
presented the minor changes to the Code of Conduct and these will be
circulated in the newsletter. There will be no change to the
Subscriptions for the ensuing year. The President announced the
North and South Island representatives as Miss Glenys Gray and Mrs
Jackie McBride as being re-elected unopposed. The President was also
re-elected unopposed.
The President thanked the members for their
attendance and commented on the work undertaken by both Executive
and Technical members. The Secretary, Mrs Raewyn Weggery was also
thanked for the considerable work undertaken by her.
Following the AGM – there was a Forum held
where a number of issues were raised – from Medal Test Cards,
Getting Started in Dance and the presentation of Teddy Bears to
successful candidates, the Long Sleeve Jacket. The item capturing
the most interest was a presentation on behalf of Executive by
Barbara Tait of Where we are at with our Teachers. This generated
considerable discussion and following on from the Julie Wylie
presentation “Starting on the Right Foot”. The Academy would hope to
see an increase in the number of members wanting to
teach.
1 Oct 08 - Solo Seal Congratulations
Congratulations to Anna Millar for passing Solo Seal.
Anna chose the Single Time Jig, Sean Truibhas, Irish
Hornpipe and Highland Fling as her performance dances.
In order to achieve success for this prestigious
examination, dancers need to receive 2 passes from 3 of the
examination panel for each dance.
Well done Anna and teachers Robyn Simmons and Julie
Hawke.
10th Sep 08 - 2008 Feet with Heat Dance
Extravaganza
 Wellington’s Thistlebrae dancers had a weekend
of dance showcasing Highland Dancing at the annual Feet with Heat
Dance Extravaganza hosted by Feet with Heat dance trust.
The show features dance items (couple or group) from
different art forms (only one group to represent an art form) from
around New Zealand, that have passed through the application and
audition process back in May, and after 2 days of full show
rehearsals culminates in a once only show at Wellington’s Michael
Fowler Centre.
The highlight of this years show (each year is a special
guest performer) was performances, workshop and discussion sessions
with Australian ‘So you think you can dance’ stars and top ten
finalists Kate Wormald and Anthony Ikin.(in photo
below)
 Thistlebrae senior Dancers presented lively
choreographies in each half of the show and received 2nd place in
the people’s choice award (beaten by Wellington’s SEEK hip hop dance
group!)
9th Sept 08 - Welcome to new Youth
Representative
Academy Youth members - please check out the Youth Forum
page for the latest update from the newly appointed Academy Youth
Representative Kimberley Burnside.
1 Sept 08 - NZ Dancers in full flight with Pacific
Blue
Dancers and Pipers in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin
were invited by Pacific Blue to help celebrate the launch of their
inaugural flight to Dunedin on 1st July. The launch also coincided
with National Tartan day, so Pacific Blue were keen to have a
Scottish theme to their launch.
The Dunedin dancers appeared on local TV - here are the
links to watch online:
Air
Travel Competition Officially Entered Dunedin Today
National Tartan
Day
Photos1&2: Auckland dancers
farewelling the first Pacific Blue flight to
Dunedin
Photos 3&4: Christchurch dancers
welcome Pacific Blue management to Christchurch!!
Photo 5: Christchurch dancers provide
honour guard for passengers on the final leg to Dunedin
All photos kindly supplied by Pacific
Blue
1 Sept 08 - change in Conference timing for Youth
Forum
Please note that the Youth Forum actually starts at 8.00
a.m not 7.30a.m. as stated in the Executive news page in the recent
newsletter – It is correct on the timetable page.
23 Aug 08 - Highland Dancing Workshop
Tauranga
A Bay of Plenty Teachers and Judges competition was held
on the Saturday, culminating Sunday with a workshop attended by 38
students and 12 Academy members from Auckland, Waikato and the Bay
of Plenty. A big "Thank-you" to Sue Gill our visiting adjudicator
and tutor.
The dancers thoroughly enjoyed their workshops. Sue
interacted at all levels with informative technique and plenty of
positive reinforcement. Her enthusiasm was inspirational and will
hopefully encourage additional practising - Fingers crossed!
 
16 Aug 08 - "Summer Fling" 2009
To be held again this year at Rangi Ruru Girls’ School,
59 Hewitts Road, Merivale Christchurch.
Wednesday evening 21st January (performers class only),
Thursday 22nd January to Sunday 25th January
2009 Tutors are Mrs Robyn Simmons, Mrs Kimberley Mavor,
Ms Jan McKerrow with local Tutors if numbers required Mrs Julie
Hawke, Mrs Cushla Piesse
Contact Mrs Elizabeth
Smith for more details
Schedules available in September
7 Aug 08 - 2009 Virginia Tattoo applications now
open
Janet Allison (NZ Dance Manager) has been invited to
coordinate and lead a team of NZ Highland dancers to perform at the
Virginia Tattoo - from 23 April to 4 May 2009.
- invitation is extended to all NZ Senior dancers (24
needed)
- the invitation is not restricted to those in the team
being members of any specific dance organisation or association
within NZ
- a selection process will be undertaken by Mrs Janet
Allison, Mrs Sherilyn Hall with final signoff by Mrs Eleanor Unger
(Dance Director Virginia Tattoo)
- preference for those 16 years and over (but 14 years
and over may be considered if necessary credentials etc)
- those chosen will be suitable ambassadors for NZ
Highland dancing
- dancers will travel outward from Wellington, Auckland,
Christchurch with the group at package rate
- homeward bound travel may be flexible but cost at
traveller's expense
- airfares, taxes, transfers will be arranged locally,
accommodation and meals will be arranged directly by Tattoo
Management
- estimated cost as at August 2008 is $3,500 approx.
subject to costs at the time of paying for flights
- an application form is available from the Academy Web
Site
- the closing date for applications is August 30 2008
Application forms are available download
a copy here.
completed application forms can be sent to tattoo2009@vodafone.co.nz
or posted to Tattoo2009, c/- 63a Harbourview Road, Melling, Lower
Hutt.
24th July 08 - "Chance to Dance"
 Following their performance at MayDay, Dancers
from Sherilyn Hall School of Dance were invited to be guest artists
at the Dance 2008 Show - Tribute to Sir Jon Trimmer, in conjunction
with the Royal NZ Ballet and the Palmerston North Dance Association.
Sir Jon Trimmer has been involved in the Royal NZ Ballet for 50
years.
24th July 08 - Canterbury workshop
The Christchurch Balmoral Club, with the support of
Creative Communities, are hosting a Step dancing workshop for
dancers, teachers and adjudicators on Sunday 17th August at the
Scottish Society Hall in Christchurch.
This workshop qualifies as part of the required
upskilling for Adjudicators.
Application
form is attached and closes 10th August
5th July 08 - Conference reminder
In addition to a reminder for members to complete the
registration forms for Annual Conference, when registering for
conference could anyone with special dietary requirements please
advise at time of registration.
5th Jul 08 - Hawkes Bay Summer School
details
Date: 2009 - 23rd – 25 January. To be again held at
Hastings. Also calling for Expressions of interest in a 18 &
Over Championship Class. Please Contact Gaye Reid
24th Jun 08 - Manawatu T&J Seminar August
08
The Manawatu Teachers & Judges association are again
hosting a Judges Seminar in Palmerston North in conjunction with the
Manawatu Performaing Arts society competition.
The seminar will be facilitated by Technical Director Mrs
Sherilyn Hall and is open to all recently qualified members and
experienced judges intending to adjudicate in the future.
The seminar will qualify members for the required NZAHND
Judgies upskilling.
For more details click
here
15th Jun 08 - Bay of Plenty August Seminar
Bay of Plenty Teachers and Judges are hosting a seminar
in conjunction with their August dancing competition. The
competition being held on Saturday 16th, and seminar held on Sunday
17th August tutored by Technical member Mrs Sue Gill..
Classes are available from Beginners through to Seniors
and also a discussion session will be available for Academy members
and BOP Teachers & Judges.
Attendance for the day will count towards the
'upskilling' requirement for Teachers and Judges.
Click
here to download the application form.
15th June 08 - reminders for Votes and exam
entries
A reminder note to ALL Academy members that votes close
for the various nominations on 30th June. Please follow the voting
instructions on the forms to ensure votes are valid.
Additionally September examination entries are due with
the Secretary 30th June.
29th May 08 - new arrival for Kimberley
Mavor
Kimberley (nee Rae)and Michael Mavor had another wee girl
Lucy Rae Mavor on Thursday 15th May. All is well and Kim is now home
and settling into family life with two little girls. Apparently
sister Olivia is quite the little helper! Congratulations.
11th May 08 - Auckland Teachers & Judges
update
Visit the NZ
Piping & Dancing Association News page to view updatesand
photos from the Lorna Coombes Memorial Competition along with the
Auckland Teachers & Judges 50th Jubilee Luncheon, both held in
November 2007. Generations of teachers & Judges joined together
to to mark the milestone of 50 years since incorporation.
27th Apr 08 - Passing of Barclay Smaill
Barclay Smaill - Wellington Member and previously of
Dunedin, passed away recently.
Our sympathy to his family.
23rd Apr 08 - Kate MacFarlane's Wedding
 Kate MacFarlane and Carl Fullerton were married
at The Charthouse on the 1st of March 2008. Plans for a ceremony on
the beach had to be changed and although the weather was very wet,
it was a wonderful day, with friends and family gathered to make it
a memorable occassion. 
Kate was piped in by Ian McKenzie, who piped for Kate at
her first dancing competition. Luckily the rain held off while the
bridal party had photos taken, and the wild weather made for some
interesting shots. Great food, great company and a fantastic band
combined to make the day complete.
7th Apr 08 - SOUTH AUCKLAND CENTRE - NOTICE OF CENTENNIAL
LUNCHEON
"The South Auckland Centre of the Piping and Dancing
Association is holding a Centennial celebration luncheon on Saturday
3rd May 2008 to celebrate 100 years of Piping and Dancing in New
Zealand.
The luncheon is being held at Fahey's Motor Inn and
Family Restaurant, Greerton, Tauranga at 11.30 am with lunch at 12
noon. All past members of the Centre plus anyone interested is
invited to join with us for this celebration.
Cost $16.90 per person, $14.90 Seniors (65 +)
Anyone interested should contact Eula McLeod, 15 Deanwell
Avenue, Hamilton, phone 078434062, for further information or to
confirm a booking no later than 22nd April 2008.
25th Mar 08 - Summer School reports
available
Full overview and photos from the Christchurch and Hawkes
Bay sumer schools are available. Please click the link to the 2008
Summer School reports
25th Feb 08 - REMINDER: Exam Entries close March 1 2008
25th Feb 08 - Weding bells in Tauranga
 Hayley Paul & Rob Larman were married Feb 9
at Mills Reef Winery surrounded by family and friends.
The weather was superb and an enjoyable day was had by
all. Kate MacFarlane piped the wedding party down the aisle, only
weeks before Kate’s own big day.
 The pipes stirred the emotions of the Mother
& Grandmother of the Bride, and a very memorable speech at the
reception was given by the Father of the Bride.
The dancing fraternity was well represented at the
wedding, with guests from Blenheim, New Plymouth and Tauranga.
4th Feb 08 - new addition for Kerryn
Ferguson
 Zoe Marie Ferguson was born on 25 January 2008
at 8.10 am to proud parents Kerryn & Craig. She weighed a
healthy 3730gm (about 8lb 1oz).
She is now well settled in at home and feeding and
sleeping well (at the moment!). Mum and Dad are doing great also.
Zoe takes after her Dad - has his frown and reddy blonde
hair colour.
23rd Jan 08 - a young Inventor among our
dancers!
It has come to our attention that we have a very
succesful young inventor among our young dancers here in New
Zealand. 14 yr old South Island Dancer Leighton Terry has won a
nationwide competition for creating a brand new invention - a voice
activated workdesk Named ‘The Workinator,’
For more details click on the
link attached
Congratulations to Leighton - what a brilliant
achievement!
23rd Jan 08 - A Highland Wedding
 Campbell and Jolie (nee McLeod) Hazley -
Details of the wedding were Saturday 1 Dec in Invercargill
surrounded by a Scottish and NZ native flora theme. The Bridal dress
had the Macleod of Harris tartan inserts with a scottish thistle and
silver ferns embroided in the train. Campbell and the boys wore the
blackwatch tartan and it was the first time that any of the boys had
worn a kilt. Campbell loved it so much he wants to get one for
himself. Lisa Hansen (nee Harris) a fellow dancer was one of the
bridesmaids. 
It was a wonderful day finished off by a brilliant
evening where Lisa, Jolie, Sue Gill and Kirsty Pickett all got up
and danced an Irish Reel followed by the groom and groomsmen
attempting a fling.
13th Jan 08 - Highland Specifics Workshop in Southland -
Feb 2008
A Highland Specifics workshop will be held in
Invercargill on Sunday 24th February This will be presented by
technical member Mrs Jacqueline Jones from Christchurch, and will be
held at Dance Southland.
Please note that this workshop is recognized as part of
the mandatory Judging Accreditation and upskilling requirements, and
all are welcome to attend including current dancers, judges,
teachers, student members, members and intending
teachers.
More details can be found by downloading the
flyer attached here.
4th Jan 08 - new addition to the Borsboom (nee Hobbs
family)
Sophie May Borsboom - born 11/11/2007 to Jeanie Borsboom
(Hobbs) and Rene Borsboom.
The new 'family' are doing well and surely Nanna Cushla
Piesse has dancing pumps ready and waiting!
Click here to view archive of
2009 news articles
Click
here to view archive of 2007 news articles
Click here
to view archive of 2006 news articles
Click here
to view archive of 2005 news articles
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view archive of 2004 news articles
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