Elsie Adamo
HIGHLAND dancing students from Mount Gambier made their way to Queensland to compete in the Moreton Bay Highland Dancing Championships earlier this month.
Held at Narangba, north of Brisbane, the championships hosted more than 120 competitors from across the country.
Nine students from Mount Gambier dance schools, Ardlair School of Dancing and Bell Studio of Highland Dance, were the only South Australian representatives at the competition.
Principal teacher at Ardlair School of Dancing, Lisa Barker said all six of her students at the competition were recognised.
“They all won something and did themselves very proud,” Ms Barker said.
“Highland dancing is primarily a competitive dance form and at Ardlair we try to bring some dimension to the experience so the kids do a lot of display work, examination work and competition work.”
The Ardlair School of Dancing has been attending the championships for a number of years.
“We have made this one of our regular interstate events,” Ms Barker said.
“It is an excellent event in terms of the quality of dancing and the way they organise it.”
Katie Edwards, principal teacher at Bell Studio of Highland Dance, said she was very proud of her three students.
“Our dancers performed beautifully over both weekends of dancing and I am so proud of their efforts and continued improvement,” Ms Edwards said.
“Lucy Edwards, Evie Edwards and Isabelle Bidese travelled to Brisbane to compete in the Moreton Bay Championships, with all three girls returning home with overall placings in large, high-quality sections.
“After having very few opportunities to compete over the last few years due to Covid-19, it’s wonderful to see them back in their kilts doing what they love!”
The Bell Studio also attended the Champion of Champions Championship event in Launceston in April.
