Highland Dance Company of New Zealand - applications for 2014
The Highland Dance Company of NZ is taking applications from new dancers who would like to audition to be part of the 2014 Dance Company.
See Downloads for the application forms
Also See downloads for the application form to rejoin the Dance company and application form for dancers who have previously been in the Dance Company who wish to reapply after leave of absence
If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the Academy Secretary: admin@nzahnd.org.nz
All applications close 04 April
Ghillie Callum Club - Judging seminar 6th April
The Ghillie Callum Club in Dunedin is conducting a Judging seminar on the 6th April with Mrs Julie Hawke as the facilitator.
The entry form and further details are available from the Downloads page
Teacher Training Seminar - Christchurch report
The Canterbury Caledonian Society held a Teaching Seminar in the Scottish Society Hall on 2nd March 2014.
Tutors Sue Gill and Julie Hawke devoted most of morning session discussing the setting up of a private dancing school and the sense of achievement that comes from tutoring young children in the art of highland and national dancing. The majority of the attendees are tutors or assisting teachers from the Caledonian Society Dance Classes with once dancer from Ashburton also attending.
During the afternoon session Julie Hawke with a number of her younger pupils demonstrated a class with the children, following which our young members took them thru various basic movements of the Highland Fling, Irish Jig and Sword Dance. The aim of the seminar was to encourage the establishment of new dancing schools by our younger members and those attending happily showed great enthusiasm in both the discussion and practical sessions. I am sure they will all want to continue their involvement through further learning and the promotion of highland and national dancing.
Colleen Cole
Vice President/Tutor
Canterbury Caledonian Society
Exam entries closing date reminder
Exam entries close on 01 March. Entry forms are available from the downloads page.
A reminder that Executive have implemented a $10 late fee per candidate for entries received after the closing date. NZ Post is extremely slow at present so please ensure your entries are posted well before the closing date.
Teacher Training Seminar - Christchurch
The Canterbury Caledonian Society is conducting a teacher training seminar on Sunday 2nd March in Christchurch
instruction is aimed to give our younger members guidelines and confidence to set up their own school of dance, all members are welcome. Students intending to sit their Grade 5 examination during May 2014 are also encouraged to attend this seminar. Attendees should bring any exam syllabus they possess for possible reference plus note taking materials
For further information please contact Colleen Cole: c.cole@clear.net.nz
See Downloads for copy of entry form
Highland Dance Company of NZ Germany trip
If you would like to view the performance of the Dance Company of NZ in Germany click on
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBcny90nyCU
Highland Dance Company of New Zealand Germany Trip - day 11
Today we got back in to the swing of performing in the Musik parade. We had an amazing time in Berlin but we were eager to get back to the hustle and bustle of show biz.We left our hotel in Hoppengarten bright and early and headed for Leipzig. The team has embraced the long bus hauls by adapting the team’s favorite game ‘Mafia’ to the coach setting. After several rounds of ‘Mafia’ we arrived at the days arena. The team only needed short rehersals as there were newcomers performing in the show.
There was quite some downtime before we performed so the team took the chance to film some clips for the Germany video, stay tuned.
Tonight’s show was a sell out! The dance company was an instant hit receiving outrageous cheers and whistles.
At dinner the company re-enacted the cup scene from the movie Pitch Perfect, this attracted a lot of attention from the other country’s present at dinner. This was followed by the musical instruments game showing other teams that we know how to have fun.
Then came the finale section. The company had previously carried torches and then waved flags. Today we only carried torches but for the duration of the finale, our flag waving skills were passed up for those of ill qualified Polish cheerleaders. The rapid burning sticks led to distressed dancers as ash from the torches blew off and directly into our faces.
Although we arrived very late to our hotel for the night we are chuffed with the quality of it, it is the flashest yet.
We end the day looking forward to two performances tomorrow.
Leighton Terry and JaydenWithington
Highland Dance Company of New Zealand Germany Trip - day 10
We are well & truly back into the swing of the travelling Musikparade roadshow with a late night after last nights show in Leipzig as we traveled to today's venue, Magdeburg. There are some new acts in the show this weekend, so rehearsals are a bit slow-going as they fit into the production - thankfully we seem to fall into place pretty seamlessly at each change of venue. (The boys don't seem to mind helping the Polish cheerleaders learn the ropes!)
Today we haven't seen anything except for the inside of the Magdeburg arena as today was a 2-show day. With each venue we are astounded by the size of each stadium, the number of people who brave the winter snow to come and see us, & the slick moves of the production team. Given there are 400+ performers changing venues each day, it is a real feat for them to set up, pack down and get all the sound and light cues right every night! They certainly are the unseen stars of the show.
Our item is improving every night, we have now done 7 performances not counting the rehearsals each day. Julie and Robyn have been recording us each night which allows us to fix our spacing and lines and aim for that perfect run!
Sara and Kate
