The Continuing Story
Similarly Step Dance syllabuses were introduced with the first Sailors Hornpipe syllabuses copyrighted in 1952. The first Irish Step Dance syllabuses followed and by 1972 the examination syllabuses were finalised. The then Technical Director, Mrs Horrell, commenting on the usual careful and accurate research undertaken in the preparation of Academy Syllabuses stated of the Irish Step Dance Syllabuses that,
"Initiating work never before committed to paper in any part of the world would commend this Irish work to be treated as the Academy’s personal treasure".
The first examinations in Sailors Hornpipe and Irish Step Dancing were conducted in 1973/74. Like the Highland Dancing grades, the Step Dance syllabuses have been reprinted to the present editions.
Oral theory examinations are taken in the major grades however it is interesting to note that in the early years three hour written theory papers were taken. These were discontinued and replaced with oral theory in 1979.
The research panel of Mesdames Brown, Paton and Smith completed the last Highland Dancing grades revision in 1986, the Sailors Hornpipe syllabuses in 1989 and the Irish Step Dance syllabuses in 1992.
In 1987 the work of the New Zealand Academy of Highland and National Dancing was expanded further with the introduction of the first Medal Tests, with subsequent tests introduced through to 1992. The Medal Tests included Hebredian and other lesser known dances. Again these were well researched some of the dances coming from the Letter Service of the notable late Jack McConachie. Dances were also provided by Technical Committee members viz Melbourne Clog (late Mrs Orma Smith), Lancashire Clog (late Mrs Adeline Hobbs), Gaels Down Under – a tribute to Scots in New Zealand – (late Mrs Emma Brown and late Mrs Jeanie Paton). A recent revamp of the Medal Tests saw the order and length of some dances adjusted to provide wider appeal for dancers of all levels and experience.
In 1996 Getting Started in Dance assessments were generated to provide a basic introduction to dance for preschool and early school aged children. This was funded in part through a grant from the Piping and Dancing Association of New Zealand. Subsequently, as a progression from the Getting Started programme, the Let’s Dance assessment was completed in 2000.