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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
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Getting Started Candidates Wellington
Thomas, Caitlin, Hayley, Jenny, Abbey, Chantelle.
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Getting Started Level 2 - Rebekah Emmett,
Julia Leigh
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Lets Dance - Laura Winstone, Hannah McRae,
Kendal Gowan, Melissa Oliver, Lisa McIvor
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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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