CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS CHAMPIONSHIP OF AUSTRALIA

PHOTO NAMES.
From right to left
Libby Taylor, Holly Keir, Abby-Jane Taylor, Georgia Rathbone, Katie Reisima, Georgia Keir, Abigail Shanks.

Seven pupils from the Julie Appleton-Seymour School of Dance, in Central Hawkes Bay, travelled to Australia in March to compete in the largest Highland Dancing Competition held in Australasia, the bi annual, “Champion of Champions ” competition. This year, it was hosted by the Queensland State at Caloundra, approximately one hour north of Brisbane. Over 500 dancers were entered in the competitions, resulting in 12 hour days of competition on both the Saturday and Sunday. Dancers and Judges from as far a field as Scotland, USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia and N.Z. were represented.

Dancers from the studio won every one of the Championship titles being competed for in the age groups under 14 years and six of the dancers also won their respective classes.

The coveted “Champion of Champions” Title for dancers 12 years and under, saw the first two placings taken by C.H.B. dancers, with the title going to 12 year old Abby-Jane Taylor.. Her friend and classmate 11 year old Holly Keir made her mark in overseas competition by taking the second placing.

Abby-Jane also won the “Queensland Championship Title” for dancers 12 and 13 years, and the “Tartan Spectacular Award” for dancers aged 12 years, while Holly won the “Queensland Championship Title” for dancers aged 10 and 11 years old. Abby-Jane’s sister Libby took out the youngest “Queensland Championship Title” for dancers 9 years and under.

Also successful in their first overseas competitions were -

10 yr old Georgia Rathbone competing in the Intermediate Grade, won the
“Queensland Title Award” for gaining most points in her class as did 10 yr old Katie Reisima competing in the Novice Grade. 13 year old Georgia Keir competing in the Pre Premier Class, and won the “Queensland Title” for gaining most points in her class, and was runner up in the “Tartan Spectacular Title” and 11yr old Abigail Shanks competing in the Pre Premier Class, gained sixth overall placing in the ‘Tartan Spectacular Title” in her class.

Their extremely proud teacher was presented with a “Special Award” as the teacher of the winner of the “Junior Champion of Champions Title” 12 years and under class. This is the second time a dancer from this small New Zealand community has taken out this title with Julie’s grand daughter Lourdes Zalwaski winning the title in 2002.

Chairperson: Christine Panapa | Website Administrator: Kirsten Ferguson | Administration Officer: Judy Clark