Highland Dance Company of New Zealand - Port Arlington Festival - Day 6
Today we took the ferry from Portarlington back to Melbourne, where we dropped our bags off and went our different ways - some to Luna Park and others to Chadstone shopping mall.
At Luna Park we rode a wild range of rides that brought out all the emotions, and at Chadstone we shopped till we dropped.
Dinner was a special treat at Ginza Teppanyaki, where we played some fun games with our food.
After that we went to an escape room where the Cabin Crew + Little Annabelle innihilated the Young House Hooligans.
Our day ended with a sweet treat from a local ice cream shop then we headed off to bed
Ella & Rachel
Highland Dance Company of New Zealand - Port Arlington Festival - Day 5
Today we had a very early start as our final Heart of the Highlands show began at 10am. The show was successful as we performed our hearts out!
We then went straight on to hold a “Have a Go” workshop. This was a big hit with people of all ages coming to learn some of the Highland Fling and Sailors Hornpipe. They all learnt really well!
Following the workshop we split off to grab some lunch and rest our legs before we started our short shows for the afternoon. Our first one being on the public dance stage outside. This went well with a large number of people stopping to watch.
We then chilled out in the break room to rest our legs before our next performance. We performed our snow skirt and snow capes dances in the Park hall, along with all the other dance groups who have been performing over the festival. It was great to have all the dance groups gathered together to watch each other perform!
We had another snack break and rest before our first evening performance at the Village Tavern tent. Waving goodbye to Annabel and Sara who were off to catch the ferry.
Finally we got to have some dinner. We had plenty of fish and chips to go round and lots of time to chat (and even nap) before our final performance for both the day and the festival.
Our last performance was at the Celtic Club tent where the crowd was great. This made it easier for us to bring the energy up even as we were getting tired.
Done and dusted, we grabbed our bags of costumes and props, and took shuttles back to the accommodation. We got to take our long awaited showers to wash out three days worth of hairspray and makeup.
To make the most of the last night of the festival, we went back to the Celtic Club tent and grabbed a drink. We watched a band perform which was a great way to finish the day!
-Tyra and Estelle 🩷
Highland Dance Company of New Zealand - Port Arlington Festival - Day 4
Today was jam packed full of performances!! We started off strong performing a 30 minute show, which wowed a large crowd!!
Next we performed two 15 min programmes which, luckily, were in large tents since the rain picked up on us (can’t have makeup running!)
With a bit of spare time, we watched multiple amazing performances from other dancing groups along with some musical items that included a duo from New Zealand!
Luckily the rain held off for us and we were able to wander around the stalls and enjoy the festival! Along with a bit of promotion work 😉
After an already long day, we finished off by performing our 50 minute Heart of the Highlands show.
Now off to get that beauty sleep for another big day tomorrow! Thanks to all the families who came to cheer us on, we really appreciate it!
- Neryda and Siara
Highland Dance Company of NZ - Port Arlington Festival - Day 2
Our day started off with a bit of a sleep in for some, while others also managed a wee morning stroll around the township. We then all met up at home base for a morning debrief before tackling our first lot of rehearsals. We were then joined by Annabel and Sara at the main venue and began running the show from start to finish.
Of course some refuelling was in need, so we tackled the township and settled on a lovely cafe to nourish our bodies. We then finished off rehearsals, headed to dinner at the grand hotel and had our debrief of the day. Looking forward to our shows tomorrow and seeing some familiar faces of our families!
- Olivia and Keighley
Highland Dance Company of NZ - Port Arlington Festival - Day 3
After long rehearsal day yesterday we all got a bit of a sleep in before meeting at the house to run a few of our dances. We then began to do our hair and makeup before we set off for our first performance of the weekend!
We had a little bit of down time before our first performance to grab a bite to eat and see some of the local sights. Our first performance was for the local primary school children. We performed rhythm in silver and a sailors hornpipe which was well loved by the children!
After the concert, we had a dress rehearsal of Heart of the Highlands which was a success! We then refuelled with some delicious pizza for dinner before we returned to the festival to perform our 15 minute show at the village tavern stage. After a long day of dance we headed back home to do some recovery and get some much needed rest before our packed day tomorrow!
- Isla & Chloe
Highland Dance Company of NZ - Port Arlington Festival - Day 1
We started our trip yesterday morning with a very early start! The Christchurch crew woke up at 3am to all meet at the airport by 4am. Excitingly we all got into the Koru lounge where we all had a big breakfast before our flight!
We arrived in Melbourne at 8am with the whole day ahead of us for some free time. We met up with the Auckland crew, a group went to see Wicked the Musical and the rest of us went shopping at various malls in the city centre as well as figuring out how to get a tram to the DFO.
We all met up again in the evening to walk to the port to catch our ferry. After an hour and a half on the ferry we arrived in Portarlington, where we were picked up by two Pete’s and taken to our accomodation. Half of us are in an air bnb with Robyn and Julie and the older half of us are staying in a cabin/house at a campground.
After a very long day, we got some pizzas and cooked them up for our dinner, then headed to bed for a good nights sleep.
Hannah and Ariana
Subs Renewal
Unfortunately our online subs renewal system is not currently allowing members to renew their subs. Subs payments can be made directly into the NZ academys bank account. Membership cards will be sent via email.
We will advise when the system is back up and running
thanks
Raewyn
Conference 2024 September 20th - 22nd
CONFERENCE Date: 20th - 22nd SEPTEMBER 2024
Registration Form is enclosed with the Newsletter.
Conference Venue - Rutherford Hotel, 27 Nile Street, Nelson
Friday Evening - Solo Seal Examination (start time to be confirmed)
Theatre Royal - 78 Rutherford Street, Nelson
Saturday
Youth Forum, Exam Organisers meeting, followed by Annual General Meeting and Forum, and Dance Development Course
Guest Speaker - Brigit Beattie - Physio therapist
Conference Dinner and Experience Saturday night - Presentation of Diplomas, Bar Recipients and Special Recognition awards, will be held at the Beachside Conference and Events Centre, 70 Beach Rd, Tahunanui, Nelson, included in your conference fees is transport to and from the venue.
Sunday
Breakfast session with Guest Speaker Sophie Hart
Dance Development Course - “Dancers Turn out Better”
Workshop Topics as follows:
Saturday afternoon
· ATTC - Sailors Hornpipe Stage 1 - Part 1
· Judging - Navigating changes
Sunday
· 18 & Over steps
· Turn out tips for teaching younger dancers
· Barre, centre, dance
· Irish Step construction
· ATTC - Sailors Hornpipe Stage 1 - Part 2
Further details on workshops will be provided in the August Newsletter.
50 year & over members
A reminder your Dance Development Course component of the Registration Fee is included in the total fee and will be refunded back to you after conference.
YOUTH FUNCTION
After Solo Seal on Friday night there will be a get together of Youth Members.
Further details to follow, please indicate your expression of interest on the Conference registration form. Costs will be advised as soon as details have been finalised.
Accommodation Options
Rutherford Hotel - Booking code 210196 - must email or call hotel direct quoting this code
· Palazzo Motel, Rutherford St. -just around the corner
· Centuary Park Motel, Rutherford St. -slightly further but also just around the corner
· Chelsea Park, Rutherford St. - slightly further but also just around the corner
· Admirals Motor Inn, Waimea Rd. -10-15min.walk
· Hotel Nelson, Waimea Rd. -10-15min. walk
· Tides Hotel ( has a restaurant & Bar) - 66 Trafalgar St. about 20min. walk
· DeLorenzo's - 43-55 Trafalgar St. about 25min.walk
· Cedar Grove Motor Lodge, 1 Grove St. opposite Tides Hotel about 20 min.walk
Demonstrators
Technical Committee will be needing several demonstrators for the Dance Development Course workshops at Conference. Applications are invited from Academy members or student members. Please note the following :
· A high level of competency and fitness is required.
· Training and preparation will be with a Technical Committee member either in person
or via zoom.
· Successful applicants must commit to pre-conference preparation.
The Dance Development Course fee will be waived for dancers who are demonstrators.
Please apply to the Secretary via email: admin@nzahnd.org.nz by 31 May.
