NATIONAL DANCING

The Gisborne Competition Society's 77th Annual Festival of Talent over 7 days including a Grand Demonstration Concert as a final night. Gisborne Intermediate Hall, The War Memorial & Lawson Field Theatres were used for the many sections i.e. Tap, Tango or Latin American, National or Folk Song, Vocal Duet, Song & Dance, Skipping Dance, Modern or Jazz, Contemporary Dance, National Dance, Classical Ballet, Demi Character Dance, Barefoot Dance, Modern Dance, Dance Duo, Impromptu Dance, Variation from a Ballet Dance, Hidden Verse, Prose Speaking, Group Improvisation, Poem Written by Competitor, Reading an Article, Mime, Prepared Story Telling, Prepared Speech, Morning Talk, Bible Reading, Conversation, Mini Play in Costume, Nursery Rhyme in Costume, Reading at Sight, Character Sketch, Current Events Talk, Piano Solo or Duo, String or Wood, Classical Guitar, Highland Fling, Sword Dance, Sean Truibhais,Highland Reel,Irish Jig, Reel '0 Tulloch, Irish Hornpipe & Sailors Hornpipe [there are omissions] Allsections were completed within the week.

James-Stuart Beattie smiles as he competes in the 10-12yrs Highland Fling. 2 1/2 to 3 minutes of dancing requires extreme fitness and self discipline. Competitors would need to practise daily. Results come from dedication and attitude.

10.13am - Class 249 has been organised by the Dance Stewart who has determined the order they will compete to coincide with the judges list. From left: Megan Thomas, Laura Aitken, Natalie Rush and Belinda Campbell.

Adele Swanson (left), currently living and teaching Scottish Dancing in Napier, was at the Gisborne Intermediate Hall watching some of her pupils perform. Pauline Archibald (right) the Dance Stewart (and Adelle's mother) must have spent a few years in the past nurturing Adele's interest in Scottish Dance.

Malcolm Thomas one of the two pipers who took turns to accompany the competitors through the 32 Class sections throughout the day.

Natalie Rush from Napier, a pupil of Adele Swanson, won the 8-10yrs Highland Fling. The Highland Fling, the warriors dance, is the main dance from which all other Scottish dances originate. After a battle the chief would do his Fling upon a 12 inch stone - his victory dance.

Helena Burns competing in the 12- 14yrs Sword Dance - a war dance - a Scottish haka.

Jacqueline Dearness dancing the Sword Dance. The prize money for the 12-14yrs section was donated by the Gisborne Service Station.

Keren Harris from Napier, a National Award Nominee, nominated to represent the Central Region at the National Competitions. Keren is competing in the Sean Truibhais - 14yrs & Over which she won. The Sean Truibhais, a dance following the story of the suppression by George III, the German King of England, who banned the wearing kilts & speaking Gaelic. The men were forced to wear trousers and the native language was almost lost, except in the highlands. Today, Gaelic is being taught in Scottish schools to re-establish the National Tongue.

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The Gisborne Photo News

Vol 26 : September 1, 1995

NATIONAL DANCING