Where We Are Today
As a result of the research, commitment and generous sharing of knowledge by past and present members, the Academy has been able to compile and document a detailed collection of the Scottish and National Dance heritage brought to New Zealand. The Academy takes much pride that by undertaking this they have preserved some unique aspects of Scottish Dance heritage that otherwise would have been lost to the world. We continue in our endeavours to pass this heritage on to each successive generation and are heartened by the continuing interest of young dancers participating in Highland Dancing and studying to attain Academy qualifications.Present members are the guardians of the Academy tradition. To quote from an address delivered by Mrs Jean McLean, Deputy Mayor of Dunedin to a past Academy Annual General Meeting,
"Over time the world changes and many important things are forgotten. It is for this reason that tradition is so important. By establishing a tradition, learning is preserved, so that it can be handed on, unchanged, and still fully charged with significance and meaning".