ClassesThe CANTERBURY CALEDONIAN SOCIETY was formed in the year 1882 and the Highland Dancing classes have been held by the Society since 1900 and today the strong Highland Dancing Section is appreciated and fostered within the Society. Directors and teachers are convinced that Highland Dancing improves children's strength of body, musical appreciation and co-ordination. In most case the Society's classes enhance dancers ability to socialise with their peers. All instruction is given in a friendly atmosphere and contains an element of fun within the learning process.
Tuition is given in the following:Highland Fling - Irish Jig - Sword Dance - Sean Triubhas - Highland Reel - Sailors Hornpipe - Reel O'Tulloch - Irish Hornpipe - Irish Reel
The Society's teachers also instruct pupils in the Irish and Sailors Hornpipe step dances.
Society MembershipUntil dancers reach 16 years of age the Society subscription of $5.00 per annum must be paid in the name of one of the dancers parents. On reaching 16 years of age dancers are required to obtain membership in their own name.
Getting started in Dance For younger children who are not mature enough for the demands of the Highland Fling a learners class was commenced in 1997. It is a really enjoyable programme to introduce 3 to 5 year olds to dance and movement
Dancing SeasonThe Society is most fortunate to have many qualified and qualifying teachers prepared to teach at our Highland and National Dancing classes in the Society's Caledonian Hall each Saturday morning between the months of April and August.
Qualified TeachersAll dances taught at the Society are governed by the technique of the New Zealand Academy of Highland and National Dancing Inc. and all teachers are qualified members of this Academy.
Society CompetitionsTo complete the season the Caledonian Society's Dancing Competitions are held during the month of August and also incorporate Scottish songs and recitation events. Included in the Competition schedule is a Learners Event for those who have qualified by attending ten classes during the teaching season. Learners Event dances must be performed as taught by the Society's teachers
Private TuitionAll dancers from the Highland Fling Learners Class are encouraged to continue learning with private teachers when the Society classes finish in August. A list of local teachers is available to interested parents.
AdvancementDancers who move on to private tuition generally return the following year to the Society to learn another dance and continue to take part in the Society classes through to a stage where the`\ commence giving assistance in the teaching of younger dancers. A lifetime involvement can be formed in the Highland and National Dancing movement.
ExaminationsExaminations are held twice annually in Highland and National Dancing under the jurisdiction of the NZ Academy of Highland and National Dancing. These examination are taken from approximately the age of years and are generally completed at the a of 17. They are taken with private teacher and are not held by the Canterbury Caledonian Society.
CompetitionsHighland and National Dancing Competitions become an important part of a dancers activities. Many competitions are held throughout New Zealand during the year at both indoor and out-door meetings.
Highland and National Dancing Association CompetitionsSchedules of all Dancing Competitions held are available from local dancing teachers. The Highland and National Dancing Association Inc. conducts all competitions and all competing dancers must become financial members of the Association.
Association FeesThe current cost is $15 for those under 18 years of age and $30 for those 18 years and over. This fee applies for the entire financial year ( 1 July to 30 June) and no reduction is made as the year progresses.
Application for Association MembershipAdvice is available at the Society's Dancing Classes about Association membership. Local applications for membership should be made with the Canterbury West Coast Centre, and proof of date of birth must be shown when the dancers application is made. A Certificate of Membership showing current financial status should be taken to every dancing competition attended.
Competition Fees and ChargesTo enter a dancer in competitions fees are charged for each event selected plus a fee for the pipers of the day. Entry to the hall where the competitions are held is generally charged and this cost depends on the hall rental paid by the organisers. A deposit of approximately $2 is required for the number worn by each competitor is refunded on the return of the number.
Competition Refreshments and RafflesA tea room is usually available for light refreshments at most competitions and a raffle is generally held to assist with the finance of running the day.
| HIGHLAND DANCING WAS ONE OF THE ORIGINAL CULTURAL PROMOTIONS OF THE CANTERBURY CALEDONIAN SOCIETY, AND TODAY, THE SOCIETY IS A DOMINATE ASSOCIATE OF THE NEW ZEALAND DANCING FRATERNITY. |
| THE SIGNIFICANT INPUT OF TUTORS AND INSTRUCTORS HAS PRODUCED SEVERAL NEW ZEALAND CHAMPIONS OF MANY YEARS, AND IS A WELL RESPECTED MEMBER OF THE PIPING AND DANCING ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND. |
| WITH REGULAR WINTER CLASSES AND NUMEROUS COMPETITIONS, MEMBERSHIP IS POPULAR AMONGST THE YOUNG, WITH BENEFITS OF SELF DISCIPLINE AND PHYSICAL EFFORT BEING REAPED IN LATER LIFE. |
| THE CANTERBURY CALEDONIAN SOCIETY INVITES ANYONE INTERESTED IN THE ART OF CELTIC DANCING TO JOIN OUR CLASSES AND EXPERIENCE THE CHALLENGE ! |
Highland Dancing Secretary Mrs E Ferguson
Ph: 338-3515
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Highland Dancing 