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2005 News Archive
23rd Dec 05 - Ashburton’s Scottish Military Tattoo
 Julie Hawke school of Dance presented
Ashburton’s Scottish Military Tattoo, on November 27th. We had
plenty of Kilts and tartan and pipes & drums from members of the
St Andrews College Pipe Band.We had a digitally printed castle 6
metres by 3 metres as the backdrop, and a haggis ceremony which was
served at interval.
Photo shows Julie with her Senior pupils.
22nd Dec 05 - St Andrews Scottish Gathering in Kapiti
Dancers from the Strathspey Dance School and the Thistlebrae
Dance Academy gathered at Kapiti Primary School for an afternoon of
celebration and dancing in honour of St Andrews day.
Many dances were performed over the afternoon to a very
enthusiastic audience who were whooping and cheering.
Items included a variety of the Academy Medal Test dances,
standard Highland, Irish and Sailors, and other choreographed Reel,
Sword and Irish items. A highlight was a demonstration of Blue
Bonnets by 3 dancers from NZ, Canada and Australia showing the true
international friendships made through Highland Dancing.
 Another highlight for all was the
choreography group from Thistlebrae Dance Academy "Irish
Shenanigans". This included all the pupils from both the Lower Hutt
and Wellington Dance Schools and they were accompanied by Piper
Stephen Allison.
Finally, over 30 children (Beginners through to Adult) gathered
on the stage for a Massed Fling. Thanks to the Kapiti Caledonian
Society for hosting such a fantastic and fun day.
16th Dec 05 - Celtic Highlights in the Hawkes Bay
Kerren Withingtons end of year Recital "Celtic Highlights" was
held on Saturday 3rd December. The pupils all learnt 2 new dances
for the Recital and they looked stunning as they danced to their
receptive audience. The lighting, sound, costumes and happy dancers
all came together for a performance we were all proud of.
29th Nov - Recitals, Xmas Dance Demos, end of year
celebrations
Teachers - we are looking for some news updates and photos from
your dance schools now!
Please send through information along with photos from your
recitals and end of year Dance demonstrations/celebrations to the NZ Academy Secretary.
29th Nov 05 - "So you think you can dance"
on TV3
TV3 are creating a show called "So you think you can
dance" which runs on the lines of 'Pop Idol'. They are
currently taking registrations from dancers aged 16-32 on their
website : Click here to
access TV3 Dance competition and they want dancers from all
dance backgrounds.
It would be fantastic to see some of our New Zealand Highland
talent give it a go but you will have to be quick as entries close
on the 9th of December!!
21st Nov 05 - new arrival for Kimberly Mavor
Congratulations to Kimberly (nee Rae) and Michael Mavor for the
arrival of baby girl Olivia Jane. She was born in Dunedin on
Wednesday November 16th. Weighing 7lb 3 oz. 10 days over due but all
is well.
Michael is absolutely chuffed but thinks he had better start
saving for kilts, pumps and dancing trips!!
8th Nov 2005 - Summer School Entry forms available
Entry forms for Hawkes Bay and Christchurch Summer Schools can be
downloaded by clicking below - Adobe Acrobat viewer required. .
Hawkes Bay
Christchurch
17th Oct 05 - PACANZ winners announced
 Congratulations to the PACANZ winners who
competed in Tauranga over the last weekend at the NZ Performing Arts
Awards. Competitors had been nominated by their local performaing
Arts societies and were between the ages of 15 and 25. See below
(Sept 6th News item) for more information.
11th Oct 05 - Young dancers getting started...
 5 young dancers from the deep south in NZ -
Invercargill - recently completed their Getting Started Level 2
examination - under Teacher Yvonne Darling. Rachael Duthie - Rebekah
Fox - Daniel Levett - Eveline Levett - Molly Wheeley.
11th Oct 05 - New baby for Linda Gray
Congratulations to Academy member Linda Gray and her husband
Chris on the arrival last friday of new baby boy Scott Christopher
weighing in at 9Lb 11oz.
28th Sept 05 - Photos and review of Conference 05
Go to the Membership section of the website under General
information or click here to
view a review and photos of the Annual conference held last weekend
in Lower Hutt.
25th Sept 05 - Summer School dates and locations
announced
Dates, locations and tutors were announced for the January 2006
Summer Schools. They are as follows:
Auckland 9th - 12th January - Tutors Mrs Kerren
Withington, Hastings and Mrs Julie Hawke, Ashburton
Christchurch Balmoral Club 20th - 23rd January - Tutors
Mrs Adele Swanson, Napier, Mrs Kylie Allison-Miller, Wellington and
Mrs Lynette Mitchell, Dunedin
Hawes Bay, Hastings 22nd - 24th January - Tutors Mrs
Sherilyn Hall, Raumati South and Mrs Susan Edwards, Waimauku.
25th Sept 05 - Conference photos and overview coming
soon...
A selection of photos and an overview of the past weekend
activities at the Annual Conference of the NZ Academy will be posted
in the next few days.
21st Sept 05 - Solo Seal Examination this coming
Friday
All the best to Shelley Reid as she prepares for New Zealand's
most pretigious performance Exam - Solo Seal.
She will be performing 4 dances this Friday evening for the Solo
Seal examination. The dances she has chosen to perfom are: Highland
Fling, Sword Dance, Sean Truibhas, Single Time Irish Jig.
21st Sept 05 - Photos of our new dancers at Exams this
week
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Getting Started Level 1 - Hastings
Rosanna Poulton, Kassie Mercer, Lily Coles, Harriett
Grayson |
Getting Started Candidates Wellington
Thomas, Caitlin, Hayley, Jenny, Abbey,
Chantelle. |
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Getting Started Level 2 - Rebekah Emmett,
Julia Leigh |
Lets Dance - Laura Winstone, Hannah McRae,
Kendal Gowan, Melissa Oliver, Lisa
McIvor |
7th Sept 05 - Good luck to all examination Candidates
Best wishes to all children who are completing their examinations
for Highland Grades, Step Dance and Medal tests over the next few
weeks.
6th Sept 05 - PACANZ Awards October 16th
The National Young Performer of the Year Award is an award which
is held by the Performing Arts Competitions Association of of New
Zealand (PACANZ). Highland and National Dancing is one of the Art
forms which is represented at this prestigious event this year. The
award for the Highland & National section has been held every
two years since 1995.
Preliminary sessions will be held in Tauranga at Baycourt Theatre
on 15/16 October with the finals of the 2005 Highland and National
Dancing award being decided on 16th October 2005. The winner will be
decided after performing the Sean Truibhas, Sailors Hornpipe and
Double Time Irish Jig.
To be eligible for the Award, Dancers must be between 15-25 yrs
and either won or been runner-up at competitions held by a Society
affiliated to the Performing Arts Competitions Association of New
Zealand.
Best wishes to all dancers who have been nominated from around
the country at their respective Performing Arts Competitions.
Nominees to date are:
- Rachel Bates- Auckland
- Lorna Coombes- Auckland
- Megan Ferguson -Dunedin
- Samuel Tait- New Plymouth
- Jayden Withington- Hastings
- Shelley Reid- Hastings
- Sarah Chapman- Havelock North
- Jean Glover- Palmerston North
Previous winners of the award are:
- 1980 Grayson Appleton-Seymour
- 1983 Alan Clotworhty
- 1986 Lynley McCullough
- 1989 Kelly Fraser
- 1992 Jan McKerrow
- 1995 Rachel Brownie
- 1997 Kylie Allison
- 1999 Nabila Piper
- 2001 Kylie-Anna Sisarich
25th Aug 05 - Scottish Tattoo update from Kiwi's
We are two weeks down and unbelieveably into the final countdown
with only 7 shows to go!
Most of us made the most of the opportunity to go to Glasgow and
see the World Pipe Band Champs - an amazing sight. It was a good
chance to catch up with the Manuwatu Pipe Band and wish them well
for their chance in the Grade 1 Final.
That Sunday we drove to Aberfeldy, two hours away in the
Highlands for a mini tattoo in the grounds of a whiskey distillery.
Great scenery on the way and fabulous weather made for a great day
out.
Last week we performed in the gardens underneath the castle to a
full capacity crowd. They were thrilled with our Sailors Hornpipe
that culminated in a mass Highland Fling in the shape of 'NZ'.
With one of our only days off on Sunday most took the opportunity
to go sightseeing in Stirling. This coincided nicely with some
dancing competitions and pizza for tea was a great change!!
With the final countdown on, we are making the most of our days
with shopping and sightseeing throughout the city. .....Cant believe
its nearly over!
20th Aug 05 - Manawatu Judges Course
 Conducted in conjunction with the Manawatu
Teachers and Judges Competition day on 7th August, a Judging Seminar
was held in Palmerston North. This attracted an extremely good turn
out of members , some experienced judges wishing to upskill their
qualifications and other younger members wishing to learn about, and
experience judging and judging protocol, or simply to gain further
experience.
The tutor, Sherilyn Hall was pleased to welcome those attending,
especially those who had travelled from afar: Tauranga, Verna
Dougherty and Merle Hoare, Wellington: Hayley Sisarich, New
Plymouth:Kylie Reid, Olivia Sands, Hastings: Kendall Reid, and local
T & J members, Linda Gray, Denise Woodmass, Michelle Butler,
Yvette Brunton, Shelley Reid, Laura Pretty and Jean Glover.
Those attending found it extremely beneficial to be able to
discuss their results and observations following each example class
and to talk about judging issues and Piping & Dancing Assn.
rules. Sherilyn said it was great to work with such an enthusiastic
group of people all willing to listen and share their opinions and
results. Frequently occurring incidents which confront judges were
discussed and the wisdom of those older members attending was
appreciated by one and all.
The Manawatu Teachers & Judges thank all those who took the
time to attend and make this such an enjoyable and valuable session.
A further Judging Seminar is anticipated at the same meeting in
2006.
17th Aug 05 - Conference info
General Academy Conference information can be found in the
Membership section of the website. Also details of transportation
from Wellington Airport to the Conference venue, and local shopping
details for those who have a few hours to spare.
Click here to be transferred.
14th Aug 05 - update from NZ Academy dancers in
Edinburgh
From Mon Aug 8th:
We have got through the two opening nights including the double
header of Saturday night. The fireworks display was a real highlight
for everyone and we are looking forward to next Saturday night
already.
It is fantastic that the kiwi girls have had so much support from
people back home and friends coming to watch.
Sunday was the Edinburgh Street Parade with the most of the 1400+
cast taking part. With the streets packed out and sometimes 8 deep
with people it was a really exciting experience and really made you
feel part of the tattoo.
Tomorrow we are off to Glasgow for another street parade and in
the meantime the show goes on.
DONT FORGET THE WEBCAM VIEWABLE DAILY BY CLICKING HERE
13th Aug 05 - September Examination Areas
Examiners are as follows:
- Mrs Susan Edwards - Auckland, Palmerston North, Wellington
- Mrs Sue GIll - Nelson, Blenheim
- Mrs Jacqueline Jones - Northshore, New Plymouth
- Mrs Janet Allison - Tauranga, Hastings
- Mrs Pamela Fleming - Gisborne
- Mrs Adele Swanson - Christchurch
- Mrs Cushla Piesse - Dunedin, Invercargill
- Mrs Elizabeth Smith - Oamaru
8th Aug 05 - Dancers in Scotland surviving the rain!
There are 45 Highland dancers from NZ ranging in age from 14 to
29.
From Fri Aug 6th:
The weather has been rather average so far with two practices
already with rain, but the show must go on, and only hope it doesnt
rain too much during any of the shows.
The barracks are definitely a unique experience - it is twenty to
a room and several sharing bunks. There is an U18 and 18+ room which
is working well.
Billy Forsyth is coordinating /managing the dance team and
managed to teach the dance in just a few days by breaking it down
into teams (blue, red and white) and also sections of the dance. The
steps are simple yet effective for a big group and there is a
nautical theme - as the 2005 Edinburgh Tattoo celebrates The Royal
Navy and commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Battle of
Trafalgar.
Feedback is that there are no injuries as yet which is good,
although there were a few light sprains that have come right. Just
the usual tight muscles but everyone is looking after
themselves.
26th July 05 - Farewell to NZ Academy Dancers to
Scotland
Farewells this week to a large number of NZ Highland dancers
travelling to Scotland to perform at the Edinburgh Tattoo. The dance
team will be based at Redford Barracks in Edinburgh along with the
City of Wellington Pipe Band for 4 weeks.
Click here to view the webcam which is live from
Edinburgh castle during each performance.
26th July 05 - Highland showcased in Secondary Schools award
at 2005 Performing Arts Festival
 Recently held in Tauranga - the 2005
Festival of Performing Arts 'Secondary Schools Award'. Aptly named
'Platinum Dolls' Christine Paul, in conjunction with her niece Cindy
Miller choreographed a medley of Highland & Ballet movements
culminating in an upbeat Hip-Hop number. A lot of fun was had by all
- the girls thoroughly enjoying the integration of their art forms.
From L to R; Sarah Fitzgerald, Conor Hendry, Anneke Price &
Jess Fitzgerald.
20th July 05 - Conference registrations close 1 August
Reminder to those attending Annual Conference that registrations
close 1 August - register early to qualify for discount. Please
contact the NZ Academy Secretary if you have lost your form.
20th July 05 - Second Concert for dancers with Top NZ Pipe
Band
 Manawatu Scottish Pipe Band held its final
concert at the Regent Theatre on Broadway in Palmerston North this
past Sunday evening in the forerun to its upcoming trip to Scotland
in two weeks time.
 Five Highland dancers were honoured to
perform 4 items with the PipeBand and members of the Celtic Rock
band Steamin' (who are providing entertainment at this years NZ
Academy Highland Conference in September).
18th Jul 05 - 2005 NZ U/18 Championships
 Over 100 dancers converged on New Plymouth
this past weekend to compete at the Highland Dancing competitions
which also incorporated the 2005 NZ Under 18 Championships. The 10
Under 18 Championship dances were competed for over 3 days with over
30 competitors in this age group class. Overall winner (the most
points over the 10 dances) was Kate Wills of Ashburton, Runner up
Samuel Tait from New Plymouth - Congratulations to you both.
For full results please visit the Piping &
Dancing Association of New Zealand website.
29th June 05 - Pipeworkz musicians and dancers off to Nova
Scotia Tattoo
17 Musicians and dancers from around Southland departed last
Friday to perform at the Nova Scotia Tattoo. They are part of a
group called Pipeworkz.
Their 5 minute performance will feature a medley of Scottish and
New Zealand tunes choreographed with Highland and Modern dancing,
Poi, Samoan fire, knife dance and a-ringa.
The Pipeworkz team will be among an international cast and crew
of approximately 2000 at the largest indoor tattoo in the world
staged at Halifax on Cananda's East Coast.
There are performances for nine consectutive days to audiences
numbering between 6000 to 8000. Performers at this years tattoo come
from as far a field as Kenya Scotland Germany Wales Northern Ireland
and USA.
22nd June 05 - CHCH Step Dance Seminar in August
Christchurch Balmoral Club are hosting a half day
Workshop/Seminar on the Step Dancing syllabus for Candidates sitting
examinations in September. This can also be used for the Teachers
and Adjudicators up-skilling qualification. It will be held on
Sunday 28 August from 8.30am - 2pm at the Scottish Society Hall cnr
Caledonian road and Edgeware Road in Christchurch. Tutors are
Technical Members Mrs Cushla Piesse and Mrs Jacqueline Jones.
For more information contact Mrs Elizabeth Smith or download
the entry form by clicking here.
19th June 05 - CHCH Dance Summer School Information
Christchurch Balmoral Club Summer School dates for 2006 have been
confirmd as 19th - 23rd January (Performers class only on 19th) all
other classes commence 20th January. Schedule will be available at
NZ Academy Conference in Wellington.
For further information contact Mrs Elizabeth Smith
19th June 05 - Wellington Centre Dancers perform at Manawatu
Pipe Band concert
 The Manawatu
Scottish Society Pipe Band held its first of two concerts this
past Saturday evening at Wanganui Collegiate School in preparation
for their upcoming tour to Scotland to perform at the World Pipe
Band Championships. Several dancers were requested to choreograph
items to compliment this musical spectacle.
 Kylie Allison-Miller, Yvette Brunton, Jean
Glover and Shelley Reid performed the now renowned Broadsword that
was recently presented at the Virginia International Tattoo (by
Eleanor Unger - Virginia USA).
The final item saw the return of Kylie, Jean, Shelley and the
introduction of Katie Low as they performed an upbeat dance creation
to the fabulous Reel tunes performed by the whole Pipe Band.
 The opportunity for these dancers to
perform, again presents itself in mid July when this NZ Champion
Pipe Band will be holding its second concert, this time at the
Regent Theatre in Palmerston North.
16th June 05 - CHCH Celtic Capers perform at Concerts
 Pupils of Cushla Piesse, Christchurch
Highland Dancing teacher and Academy Technical member, participated
in Allison Lamont's recital on Sat 28th May at the Aurora Centre.
Dancing in "Celtic Capers" were Sharon Hostick, Samantha Jeune,
Annette McKeage, Siobhan Watson, Jordan McIvor, Rachel Ashby, and
Heather and Oliver Price.
The girls thoroughly enjoyed the dance which was well received by
a very large an appreciative audience. Most of the children in this
item also participate in the Scottish Society's Saturday morning
dance class.
20th May 05 -Impt reminders from Academy Secretary
Annual Subscriptions now due - click for application form - you can pay by
Internet banking - request
details here
Conference registrations - due by August 01 - conference
reference page coming soon.
September exam entries - close 30 June - click here for form
Island Representative nominations - close 30 june
Solo Seal entries - close 30 June - click
here for entry form
General business and remits for AGM - 30 june
Diploma Applications 01 August - click here for diploma application form
All forms and reminders above also available in latest newsletter
delivered in April 2005.
General price list for all examination books, music, DVD's
etc is available - click here to view
20th May 05 - Highland dancers guest artists at Dance
Association concert
Manawatu Teachers and Judges Association were recently asked to
provide their dancers as guest artists for the Palmerston North
Dance Association concert - held last Sunday 15th May at the
beautiful Regent Theatre in the town.
16 Highland dancers from around Palmerston North (of teachers
Christine Morris, Sherilyn Hall, Raewyn Weggery and Linda Gray)
performed a massed Highland Fling in the first half, followed by the
second half special feature from the four local dancers that
performed at the recent Virginia International Festival Tattoo in
April of this year. Yvette Brunton, Shelley Reid, Olivia Sands and
Jean Glover showcased the same choreographed Broadsword (by Eleanor
Unger - Virginia USA) that they performed at the Tattoo.
They were ably accompanied by one of the country's top pipers Mr
Murray Mansfield.
The Dance Association regularly hosts such concerts which feature
items from all the different dance forms and dance schools in the
region.
20th May 05 - News of our younger members overseas
Kelly Cox and Brodie Reid have now arrived in London. After
having performed at the Virginia International Tattoo they both
travelled to Washington DC and on to New York, with Kelly also
taking in some sightseeing in Montreal and Toronto in Canada.
Fiona and Rosanne Lees are still in the UK and based in
Bradford-On-Avon helping run a pub and hotel. Having just returned
from Prague in the Czech Republic they are already planning their
next trip in June to Italy, Croatia and Greece, then back to
Scotland in July to perform at the Edinburgh Tattoo. In September
they will be travelling to Cyprus and then relocating to Brighton or
somewhere in Cornwell to top up the bank accounts before travelling
again! Ah the joys of an OE!!
15th May 05 - Good luck to all dancers for
examinations
Academy Technical Director Mrs Sherilyn Hall sends good luck
wishes to all dancers across the country who are completing their
examinations for Highland Grades, Step Dance and Medal tests from
tomorrow over the next few weeks.
3rd May 05 - U/16 NZ Champ winners congratulations
 The Under 16 New Zealand Championship
competitions were held in Gore at the end of April and with a
fantastic standard, particularly in the championship age group where
seven different dancers won individual titles, it made the challenge
go to the last dance by 1 point, congratulations must go to overall
NZ U/16 championship winner Emma Cropper from Christchurch, and
runner up Jayden Withington from Hastings.
In fine southern form, a ceilidh was held at the end of the
competitions where the dancers and parents were able to relax and
enjoy a social gathering and the dancers still found the energy to
dance to Piper Neil Baxter's lively tunes!
1st May 05 - NEW SOUTH WALES HIGHLAND DANCING CONFERENCE
REPORT
Two of our Executive members Raewyn Weggery and Avalon Moffatt
travelled to Sydney to attend the Highland Dancing conference held
15-17 April 2005 in Sydney, Australia.
For a full report on the weekend - please click
here.
24th Apr 05 - Congratulations for new addition
Congratulations to Kylie and Al Read (nee Sisarich) who recently
had a baby girl Claudia (8p 4oz). A budding dancer to be I'm
sure!
15th Apr 05 - Updates now...
Click
here to check out what the dance team are up to. Updates have
been loaded along with some pictures.
13th Apr 05 - Good luck to dancers travelling to USA
Tattoo
 Best wishes to the 21 strong dance team
travelling to Virginia USA tomorrow to perform at the Virginia
International Festival Tattoo.
We will endeavour to get updates from the team while they are
away. Click
here to view updates.
12th Apr 05 - May examination examiners list
May Examinations start on the 16th May. The list of examiners for
this session and the areas they will be examining are listed
below:
- Mrs Jacqueline Jones - Invercargill and Dunedin
- Mrs Sue Gill - Christchurch and Wellington
- Mrs Susan Edwards - Ashburton, Oamaru, and Timaru
- Mrs Janet Allison - Nelson, Blenheim, and New Plymouth
- Mrs Cushla Piesse - Gisborne and Hastings
- Mrs Pamela Fleming - Palmerston North and Tauranga
- Mrs Robyn Simmons - North Shore and Auckland
11th Apr 05 - Academy member Wedding news
Academy member, Jeanie Hobbs married Rene Borsboom on 19 February
at Ferrymead Heritage Park in Christchurch. The weather was
absolutely beautiful and the day was filled with fun with the guests
arriving and departing by historic tram and the ceremony in the
historic chapel. Academy patron, Jeanie Paton QSM, attended and took
a reading "The Apache Wedding Prayer" at the ceremony which was very
special.
 There was a mixture of scottish and
dutch features. Some of Rene's relatives made it all the way from
Holland and the cake featured dutch and scottish colours with tulips
and thistles, shamrocks and windmills. There was tartan ribbon in
the bouquets and a wonderful guard of honour from local children. It
was a very special day that Jeanie and Rene will always remember."
29th Mar 05 - NZ 18 & over Championship update
 The Hastings Highland Games were held again
this past Easter weekend and featured large entries across every
class. The Games hosted the NZ 18 & over Championships which
attracted nearly 30 competitors in this class from across the
country.
Congratulations to Sara Simmons of Blenheim for taking the 2005
title and Runner-Up Kylie Allison-Miller from Wellington who
competed for the 25th year at these competitions! For a full list of
results please visit the NZ Piping & Dancing
Association website.
Official Photographer was Rob Worlledge from The Photographers.
Photos from the weekend will be available by clicking here . Once at
The Photographers site click on 'Photo Ordering' then 'Events' to
get to the Highland Games area.
15th Mar 05 - Academy member wedding congratulations
 Dancer and Academy member Shiobhan
O'donnell and Julian Smith were married on the 8th of January 2005
at Holy Cross College, Mosgiel. Julian's English origins ruled out
kilts for the men of the wedding party but a Scottish flavour was
incorporated with a Kilted guard of honour and the sound of the
pipes to welcome guests onto the church grounds and later to march
them out of the chapel at the end of the ceremony. Ewen Cowie, son
of Annetta Cowie, was the piper.
Liam Seque also entertained guests at the reception with a boys
jig; a special request from Julian. Although the weather in Dunedin
was terrible for the whole day someone smiled upon Julian and
Shiobhan and lifted the rain from the Taieri Plans so that the
wedding and the later reception at Silverpeaks Lodge was beautifully
calm if a little overcast. Over all it was a magical day surrounded
by family and friends that Julian and Shiobhan will never
forget.
27th Feb 05 - Exam entries close 1 March
Final reminder that exam entries close 1 March.
Please send to the Academy Secretary :
PO Box 5470, Palmerston North
27th Feb 05 - Auckland Summer School report
Students from Wellington, Warkworth and Tauranga joined Auckland
dancers for the 10th Annual Summer School held at the Onehunga
Community House mid January.
The instructors for 2005 were Mrs Jacqueline Jones from
Christchurch and Johanna Lees from Auckland and as always it was a
rewarding and fun week for those attending. This year it was decided
to trial an earlier finish to the school so the Step Dance classes
were held for 4 days only and the Display of dance items took place
following lunch on the last day of the school.
Click
here for some photos
16th Feb 05 - Congratulations to Kate Millar
 Congratulations to Academy member Kate Millar
who has had a baby girl - Ella Lee Deane - born on Valentines Day
Feb 14th. Ella weighed 6lb 12oz - mum and baby both well.
Kate was almost 2 weeks overdue - had been running right through
her pregnancy and going to HipHop classes - said she even tried
doing the Fling in the last week to see if she could hurry the baby
along!
Kate is currently living in Leeds with her partner Steve who is
the PR man for the Bradford Bulls Rugby League team.
Congratulations Kate and Steve!
16th Feb 05 - Report from Ashburton 3 day workshop
 45 dancers attended workshops over 3 days
from 27th-29th January 2005, with the tutors being Mrs Robyn
Simmons, Mrs Lynette Mitchell, and Mrs Julie Hawke. All NZ Academy
exam grades were covered and Dance Classes were held across all age
groups, from beginners who have not competed through to New Zealand
Championship competition preparation.
An added workshop which proved very popular was from local sports
physiotherapist Audra Cuellar, who talked about injury prevention,
warm up exercises, and demonstrated sports massage, which the girls
all appreciated after three days of hard dancing! A very successful
event!
12th Feb 05 - Hastings Summer School report
The Hawkes Bay Teachers & Judges Summer School 2005 was held
in Hastings at the end of the school holidays. This was a huge
success due to the enthusiastic tutors, hardworking dancers and
supportive parents.
Click
here to view pictures
49 dancers came from Tauranga, Gisborne, Masterton, Palmerston
North, Wellington and Hawkes Bay. Tutors were Mrs Susan Edwards -
Auckland and Mrs Kylie Allison-Miller Wellington. The venue was St
Martins Hall, which had 2 rooms with gorgeous wooden floors, that we
were all envious of.
Hastings turned on its typically hot weather and dancers did
their best to cool off in the breaks, catching up with old friends
and making new ones. Many "out of town dancers" made it a family
holiday.
NZ Academy gave money for scholarships and these were awarded for
diligence and perseverence. Scholarship Winners were:
- Under 10 Years:
- Isabelle Merwood, Hastings
- Aleisha Cotton, Fielding
- 10-14 Years
- Rose Spence, Gisborne
- Sarah Braun, Hastings
- 14 & Over:
- Jean Glover, Palmerston North
- Jayden Withington, Hastings
31st Jan 05 - Christchurch Summer School a huge
success
The Christchurch Dancing Summer School that was held earlier this
month was a fantastic success. Students came from as far away as
Gore and Winton, Ashburton, Blenheim,and the furtherest North was
Tauranga. Organisers were pleased to note that enrollments had
increased from last year and there were 87 entries across all the
classes including teacher observers. Click
here to view pictures
Tutors this year were Academy Technical Director Mrs Sherilyn
Hall (Raumati), Technical member Mrs Pamela Fleming (Auckland), and
Mrs Julie Appleton Seymour (Waipawa).
The junior warm up class and lunch time fun class covered
aerobics and hip hop and was taken by Miss Nuria Novoa who is
herself a highland dancer but also ranked 2nd in NZ in Aerobics.
The Summer School finished with one of our best concerts ever
seen at this event with items from all dance, step dance and three
exam classes, the Lunch time fun class and a demonstration from
Nuria.
It was a very hot week with the Swimming pool being very popular
not only with dancers - but parents, brothers and sisters and on the
hottest day of the year when the temperature reached over 30 degrees
the senior performers class along with their tutors all jumped in
the pool clothes and all to finish the class!
The New Zealand Academy gave the Balmoral Club $500.00 towards
running this Summer School. The Club decided to put this money
towards scholarships. There were 10 $50.00 scholarships awarded by
the Tutors from the 10 examination classes.
The winners were:
30th Jan 05 - Exam entries close in one month
Just a reminder to start planning for the May dancing
examinations. Entries close on the 1 March 2005.
10th Jan 05 - NZ Dancers touring to USA in April
21 Highland Dancers from around NZ will be
traveling to Norfolk, USA to perform in the Virginia
International Festival Tattoo in April 2005.
While Choreographies are still being finalised, the dancers are
performing with US Highland Dancers and have been requested to
perform an Irish Reel item, Sailors Hornpipe item along with a
choreographed Broadsword. The NZ Highland dancers will be proud to
perform the NZ Academy technique in traditional Highland Dress as
worn in NZ. It is rumoured that the US dancers will also be learning
some NZ Academy technique and steps in order to perform as one team.
This even extends to the costumes - where the US team are
frantically making balmorals for the Highland items and Irish Capes
and Dresses for the Irish items!
In true American style it is expected to be a glitzy affair
performed in a huge arena. It will truly be an opportunity of a
lifetime and a highlight of many of the dancers careers.
Dancers are:
- Kylie Allison-Miller – Wellington
- Kylie Dumelow – Upper Hutt
- Shelley Reid – Hawkes Bay
- Yvette Brunton – Palmerston North
- Olivia Sands – New Plymouth
- Emma Tait – New Plymouth
- Lisa Leonie Gradwell - Hawera
- Brodie Reid – Hawkes Bay
- Kelly Cox – Tauranga
- Kate McFarlane – Tauranga
- Rachel Preston – Nelson
- Annalise Christianson - Nelson
- Meredith Woolley - CHCH
- Joella Cullen - CHCH
- Lorna Russell - CHCH
- Amanda Goodman - CHCH
- Tamsyn Hutchings - CHCH
- Rachel Horsburgh - CHCH
- Jessica Shepherd – Timaru
- Hollie Diack – Invercargill
- Hannah McDiarmid - Invercargill
6th Jan 05 - Tempos - What is your preferred tempo to dance
to?
How many times have we all heard the on-going complaint at
competitions and other dance performances..."the piper was too fast"
OR "that was too slow"! Sometimes even the speeds vary depending on
which Island or Town you are dancing in!
Over the years the NZ Academy Technical Committee have worked
with dancers and various dance pipers to recommend tempos at which
each dance should ideally be performed. Of course these will vary
between Junior and Senior dancers and there is a range that has been
recommended as an acceptable tempo for the music to be played.
Dancers/teachers - why don't you set your metronomes and find
your preferred tempo? Here are the recommended tempos from the NZ
Academy Technical Committee (reviewed at NZ Academy Annual
Conference - Dunedin)
- Highland Fling: 118-128
- Sword Dance: Slow Time 110-118, Quick Time 128-134
- Sean Truibhas: Slow Time 86-92, Quick Time 128-134
- Highland Reel: Slow Time 118-124, Quick Time 96-102
- Reel O Tulloch: 98-104
- Single Time Irish Jig: 112-118
- Double Time Irish Jig: 96-104
- Irish Hornpipe: 78-82
- Irish Reel: 88-92
- Sailors Hornpipe: 92-98
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