Held for the first time last year, organiser and local Highland dancing teacher Carleen McKenzie says this year’s event has attracted more than 50 entries in a host of classes and age groups, ranging from under-7s to 16 and over, including some of New Zealand’s best dancers.
Thirteen local dancers are also in the mix, including Heidi Dalton, 10, who was named runner-up in the New Zealand Highland Dancer of the Year competition, in Nelson, last month.
Dancers will be judged by Annetta Cowie and Jacqui McBride — along with individual class prizes, there are also 18 trophies up for grabs, including the Darrell McKenzie Memorial Cup for most points over the day and the Wallace Overton Trophy, donated by Tina Peet, to be awarded to the "most spirited" dancer on the day.
McKenzie says this year they’re also introducing an "allcomers Highland fling", to be held about 10.15am, during which budding young dancers can give it a whirl.
The competition, which will run till about 4pm, is free to watch, though gold coin donations are welcome.
— TRACEY ROXBURGH
