Belgium Tattoo blog 3
28th September:
The pressure was on today as we had a royal audience - the king of the Netherlands. Our matinee show went smoothly as we performed for the second time in the stadium. The evening show began with some re spacing due to last minute injuries - however this didn't affect our flawless performance which came. After we all ate our weights worth in yummy Dutch snacks - we got onto our bus ride home while still buzzing from the nights performance.
29th September
Sunday was our final show in Rotterdam, and we were all feeling a mixture of relief, sadness at saying goodbye to the scottish girls, as well as excitement for our upcoming travels to amsterdam and belgium. There was a buzzing atmosphere backstage throughout the matinee, all the performers smiling and taking photos together as we congratulated each other and said our goodbyes. We thanked our awesome liaison Fred for all his help during our stay, all of us dancers contributed a small amount towards a personalised t-shirt as well as performing a waiata as a big kiwi thank you. We hurried to pack up all our costumes to then get on the bus back to a barbecue hosted for all the tattoo performers. After a massive dutch feast we hopped back on the bus heading to Amsterdam- despite being exhausted from the 5 Rotterdam shows, we were all excited and full of energy once we hit the thrilling and bustling city.
Belgium Tattoo Blog 2
Apologies for the gap of a few days since our last blog. What a whirlwind few days it has been!
Our arrival in the Netherlands was a thrilling affair! As we touched down the plane was hit by a gust of strong wind resulting in the pilot aborting the landing and sweeping straight back up into the air. A few screams then deathly silence as we waited for the pilot to make an announcement telling us what had happened.
We were met at the airport by our Liaison, Fred and transported in our team bus to our accommodation in Rotterdam. We are in an upmarket campground/resort in villas. Unfortunately it has rained every day so far!
Wednesday was a 12 hour rehearsal day getting our two dances together with the other girls in our team, 3 Canadian dancers and 7 Scottish girls. That was a massive day on top of coping with jet lag and time zone adjustment!
On Thursday the 26th, the team went to the arena for intense morning rehearsals to perfect our two items. We then had a full practise run of the show followed by a dress rehearsal. After getting home at 12:30am we were all ready for bed to rest and recover before show day!
On Friday the 27th it was PERFORMANCE DAY! We got a little bit of a sleep in which was nice as the night before ran super late. Once ready, we headed to the arena for our first show which was at 2:00pm. The show was a huge success, everyone danced so well and we were super happy with how our two items went. We then had a short break before starting back for another show at 8:00pm. The second show went really well too which was great! After finishing up at 11:50pm, we were ready to head home for a shower and some sleep before another jam packed day of performing.
Our thoughts and prayers have been with Neil, Janine and their family and also Jackie and her studio over the last few days. Such devastating news to hear of the loss of little dancer Emily.
Belgium Tattoo Blog = Day 1
After a long 17 hour flight we finally touched down in Dubai and were hit with a massive heat wave I dont think anyone was prepared for. We arrived at 5.30am and despite being tired we were excited to explore. Off to the Dubai mall we trotted for a tour at the top. The Burj Khalifa, standing at 828m tall, left us all feeling a bit queasy but view itself was breathtaking.
After surveying the city and in spite of the long hall flight, we were ready to shop. We were let loose on the Dubai mall before heading back to change for our desert safari.
We had been given strict instructions not to eat 2 hours before our safari and we soon found out why. With seatbelts fastened (and boy did we need it) we were taken on a thrilling four wheel drive through the desert leaving a few of us feeling a little green around the gills. We had plenty of time for photo opportunities and a chance to try surfing down the sand dunes which is definitely harder than it looks.
When we were well and truly thrilled and worn down we were taken to a makeshift camp in the desert where we were able to ride camels in the heat of the afternoon sun. It was then time for a barbecue dinner as we watched three amazing shows including fire dancing, belly dancing and a unique Arabic cultural spinning dance which made us all a little dizzy to watch.
Finally, after an incredible whirlwind day we retired to our hotel for a well deserved rest in preparation for an early wake up call to fly to Amsterdam.
After a long 17 hour flight we finally touched down in Dubai and were hit with a massive heat wave I dont think anyone was prepared for. We arrived at 5.30am and despite being tired we were excited to explore. Off to the Dubai mall we trotted for a tour at the top. The Burj Khalifa, standing at 828m tall, left us all feeling a bit queasy but view itself was breathtaking.
After surveying the city and in spite of the long hall flight, we were ready to shop. We were let loose on the Dubai mall before heading back to change for our desert safari.
We had been given strict instructions not to eat 2 hours before our safari and we soon found out why. With seatbelts fastened (and boy did we need it) we were taken on a thrilling four wheel drive through the desert leaving a few of us feeling a little green around the gills. We had plenty of time for photo opportunities and a chance to try surfing down the sand dunes which is definitely harder than it looks.
When we were well and truly thrilled and worn down we were taken to a makeshift camp in the desert where we were able to ride camels in the heat of the afternoon sun. It was then time for a barbecue dinner as we watched three amazing shows including fire dancing, belly dancing and a unique Arabic cultural spinning dance which made us all a little dizzy to watch.
Finally, after an incredible whirlwind day we retired to our hotel for a well deserved rest in preparation for an early wake up call to fly to Amsterdam.
Reel Workshop
You are invited to attend a workshop on the practical and technical aspects of the Senior Highland Reel,
Reel O'tulloch and Irish reel with Kate Rowe MNZAHND, suitable for dancers aged 13 & over.
See flyer for more information
Conference - Auckland - Measles epidemic
Conference - Auckland
As you will all be aware Auckland is experiencing a measles epidemic. Should anyone attending conference have any concerns, we encourage you to check with your medical professional.
Summer School Tauranga 2020
Summer School Tauranga 2020 - see flyer for further information
Conference Accommodation
Conference Accommodation
If you are trying to book accommodation at the Waipuna Hotel for conference, please do not book on line as the Academy has been given a special rate for our attendees, which is not available on line.
Please phone Reservations on 09 526 3000 and quote NZA0919 and you will be given the special rate
Cushla Piesse - Life membership Balmoral Club
The Christchurch Balmoral Club recently held their 55th AGM. There was an amazing turnout from our Teachers and Judges which included welcoming 4 new members.
It was also a time to celebrate the clubs newest life member –Cushla Piesse MNZM . Cushla has been a dedicated member of the club and it was a privilege to present her life membership in honour of her many years service. Congratulations from all of us.
