The New Zealand Academy of Highland and National Dancing News Feed

Opportunities for Dancers in 2027

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We are pleased to share two exciting opportunities for dancers in 2027.

Highland Dance Company of New Zealand – Virginia International Tattoo

Priority will be given to Dance Company members, but there will be a limited number of places in the team for extra Non Company dancers.
Dates are: 15–30 April. (School holiday dates 10 April to Monday 26 April 2027) with the Anzac day public holiday being observed on the 26^th April.

Choreography Workshop - Gold Coast

Dancers can also participate in an exciting Choreography workshop in collaboration with OzScot Australia, on the Gold Coast,
Dates: 22 – 24 January.

Full details, including eligibility and application requirements are available on the website - resources - downloads

Application closing dates:
Choreography workshop – Friday 21^st August
Virginia Tattoo – Friday 11^th September

Youth Representative Nominations

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As no nominations for the Youth Representative position were received by the closing date of 30 June 2026, the Executive Council has extended the nomination closing date to 5.00 pm on 26 July 2026.
Nomination forms can be found on the NZAHND website under Members area.
We look forward to receiving your nominations.

"Judge Ready - Your Pathway to Highland dance Adjudication webinar 3 May

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Executive Council and the Technical Committee are pleased to present a webinar for members “Judge Ready - Your Pathway to Highland Dance Adjudication”.

This webinar will be hosted by Kimberley Mavor and Elizabeth Smith and is aimed at probationary judges and members aspiring to become judges.

The webinar will cover judging systems and strategies, answer queries via the live chat and will incorporate some practical judging via video.

Email admin@nzahnd.org.nz to enrol. The zoom link will be emailed out once payment is received.

2026 Highland Dance Company of NZ - Applications

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Applications are now open for the Highland Dance Company of New Zealand!

Dancers must be aged 14 years or older, or have successfully passed their Grade 5 examination.

Auditions will be held on Monday 13 July in Blenheim following th NZ Championships weekend. Video auditions are available if you are unable to be in Blenheim.
Applications close on Monday 18 May.

Application forms are available on the Academy website, nzahnd.org.nz/Resources, downloads

Step Dance Academy Technical Training Course

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Last weekend in Christchurch The NZ Academy of Highland & National Dancing conducted the Step Dance section of the Academy Technical Training Course, with Tutors Adele Swanson and Elizabeth Smith

Reminder: “Spring into 2026” Webinar with Mike Stevenson – Sunday, 16 November at 7 PM

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This is a friendly reminder to join us for our upcoming “Spring into 2026” Webinar with Mike Stevenson, Clinical Director and Physiotherapist, Christchurch Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic, on practical ways for dancers to keep healthy and stay fit while enjoying the summer break.
🗓 Date: Sunday, 16th November 2025
🕖 Time: 7:00 PM
💲 Cost: $20
👉 Register now by emailing the Academy Secretary at admin@nzahnd.org.nz.

"Spring into 2026" webinar - Sunday 16th November 7 pm

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Executive and Technical Committee are delighted to bring our members and the wider highland dance community another exciting webinar.

Hosted by Mike Stevenson, clinical director and physiotherapist at Christchurch Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic, “SPRING INTO 2026” will focus on staying fit and healthy through the summer holiday break ensuring dancers are well prepared and conditioned for both summer schools and the start of the 2026 dance year.

This webinar will be a practical demonstration and is suitable for teachers and open to any dancers from the age of 10 years upwards. We ask teachers to please share this opportunity with their dancers who are encouraged to participate and join in the exercises demonstrated from home. Parents are welcome to join in with their dancers too!

The fee for the webinar is $20. Please email the Secretary, admin@nzahnd.org.nz to register and pay your $20 into the NZ Academy of Highland & National Dancing account 02 0644 0041107 00. The link will be sent to you on the 13^th November.

Belgium Tattoo Blog - Day 9

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Our last full day in Paris began with an early start for a tour in and around the Notre Dame were we learnt some fun facts about Paris fountains, clocks and a flower market.
Afterwards we split up for a bit of shopping and lunch.

We meet back up again at the Louvre for a guided highlights tour that included visiting the Mona Lisa.

We had a nice team dinner near Montmarte before heading up the hill to Sacré Coeur and finnishing off the night with some exciting unboxing of Sonny Angels in the foyer.

- Sophie & Estelle

Belgium Tattoo Blog - Day 10

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Well we packed as much as possible into our final day here in Paris!
We started the day with a great Bike tour which took us through parks, back alleyways and also past major tourist spots, with a welcome stop for a Croissant from an award winning bakery, which indeed was one of the best we have sampled this week!
Then the girls were of course extremely keen for last minute shopping and a group also ventured over to the spectacular Arc de Triomphe.

We are all back at hotel now awaiting the bus to airport and begin the long haul home.

Robyn and I are thrilled with the success of this tour and are just so proud of our dancers, who have represented our Academy, their families and themselves with passion and pride.

Robyn & Julie