COVID 19 Update
Dear Members
Executive have been in discussion over the weekend and also consulted with our Technical Committee about the forthcoming May examinations. We have made the decision in view of Government and Ministry of Health advice, that we will cancel the May examinations.
We can assure you that we have not made this decision lightly, but as a responsible organisation it is up to us all to make responsible decisions at this time not only for our own health, but for those of our families and of course the wider community.
It may be that in the next few months we are in a position to look at other options, but we are not prepared to make those decisions at this time. However, you can be assured that your Executive and Technical members will look at ways we can support you.
Our Secretary, Raewyn, will be in touch with all those who have entered candidates in the May examinations and provide you with a full refund. It was not an option to carry your entries over to another date due to the financial year.
We will keep you updated during the next few months of where to from here. In the meantime, I urge you to take every precaution with your own health, and look after those around you. Keep safe.
Cheers
Annetta
COVID 19 VIRUS Information
COVID-19
The Ministry of Health’s current advice is that with continued vigilance, the chance of widespread community outbreak is expected to remain low. However, with exams in May, the Academy is taking steps to prepare for a worst case scenario by establishing a dedicated team to respond quickly to issues if they arise. Please contact the Academy secretary with any questions in the first instance.
If you want to know more about COVID-19 please make sure that any reading you are doing is from a reliable source. The Ministry of Health is the best source of information for New Zealand and they update this information regularly - https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus
The simplest plan is to make sure that anyone with symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, coughing, sneezing, breathlessness or suspect that they might have been exposed to a suspected or confirmed case calls the Ministry’s dedicated helpline and heed their advice.
For general info on the virus : 0800 358 5453
To discuss any symptoms you may have etc you call this number and a Nurse Practioner will help you assess your symptoms and give you advice on next steps: 0800 611 116.
ADVICE FOR DANCE TEACHERS AND THEIR PUPILS
Good Basic Hygiene is one of the best preventative steps for minimising the spread of the Corona Virus (and any other viruses that are around):
Suggestions are:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and dry thoroughly
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid sharing anything that has come in contact with saliva, whether in your living or social environments
- Stay home when you are sick and seek medical attention
- Advise parents/care givers to not come to class if they are unwell
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the rubbish
- Clean Barres and Swords after each class
- Have hand sanitiser available
- Eliminate close interpersonal contact – Teacher Pupil and Pupil Pupil
- Get adequate sleep and eat well-balanced meals to ensure a healthy immune system
IMPORTANT:
Health and Wellbeing of yourself and your pupils must come first!
Note:
Further information in regards to a continuity plan for upcoming the exam sessions will be sent to all teachers and examination organisers soon.
Academy Technical Training Course - Step Dance - Christchurch 29 February/1 March 2020
The next ATTC course on Step dance is planned for 29 February /1 March 2020 in Christchurch, if you are interested in attending could you please advise the Academy Secretary by 03 February. admn@nzahnd.org.nz
Cost $250.
Nelson Highland Dancing Exam workshop
Nelson Highland Dancing Association are conducting an Exam workshop on Sunday 29th March in Nelson with Kimberley Mavor as the tutor
See Downloads for information and enrolment form
Belgium Tattoo Blog 7
Friday 4th October
Up we got, nice and early, off to one last rehearsal before our first show in Ostende. We arrived at the arena, which was a lot smaller than the arena in Rotterdam - but still just as great! After some spacing re-adjustments and a rehearsal outside in ice cold wind, we went off to tease our hair and prepare for the show. It was great to have the first performance of the Gael out of the way, once again dancing to the massed pipes and drums. The Kiwis, Canadians, Scottish and Belgian dancers looked great in their Aboyne outfits with all sorts of lovely tartans. Despite having to rush onto the stage for Hellbound train (they didn’t give us a cue....) we handled the slight hiccup like pros 💁🏻♀️! We were well and truly ready for bed, off to do it twice over tomorrow!
- Eve and Danielle
Belgium Tattoo Blog 6
Blog 3rd October Today we got back to reality with another jam packed rehearsal day. We shovelled down our breakfasts then set to work walking through the maze of houses that make up the sunpark. Making the most of the large spaces in the Sunpark reception building we started rehearsal on Hellbound Train. Although familiar to those of us who danced in Rotterdam last weekend, we had 8 new dancers from Scotland join us so plenty of practice was needed! We soon outgrew our pilates room - with its floor to ceiling beams in the middle that some people had the pleasure of playing dodgers with - and took over the tennis court for the afternoon. This was mainly spent rehearsing a new item - The Gael. After plenty of hours on our feet we were treated to a couple of hours rest which the more thrill seeking ones spent at the free onsite Aquapark, soaking in the hot tub and sliding down the hydroslides. This was followed by an impressive buffet dinner. Many of us instantly regretted overeating, as it was announced that we were to head straight back to the tennis court for the evening rehearsal session; just as some of us were finishing the last mouthfuls of sprinkles and syrup covered (self poured) ice cream. With a bit of polishing and spacing complete we headed off to bed ready for an early start for rehersals and our first show in Belgium tomorrow!!
Sarah and Isabel
Belgium Tattoo blog 5
2nd October
Today was another sightseeing day and that means starting with yet another long bus ride. After waiting for a second bus (because the first one was too small) we travelled to Brugge to commence our walking food tour. We were split in to two groups of a nine and an eight, and spent the afternoon enjoying the well known foods of Belgium. Some of which included cheese, beer, sausages, fries, waffles, meringues, chocolate and fish (for those who were brave enough to try it). We then had extra free time to do any shopping before we began our short trip to Oostende. When we arrived in Oostende, we had to take a 15 minute walk to our villas. We had dinner in the reception restaurant before a much needed early night.
Abby & Ariana
Belgium Tattoo Blog 5
With a 9:30 start we were ready to head to Brussels. However, our bus didn’t arrive until midday! After a 2.5 hour bus ride we arrived in Brussels and checked into our hotel before walking to the local train station to catch a train into the city. Once in the city we met our bike tour guide Marie before riding around old and new Brussels for 3.5 hours. We saw the little boy peeing, European Parliament and tried some Belgian frites. After the tour we all set off around the Big Square to try some chocolate and waffles before heading back to our hotel for the night to get ready for Brugge!
