The 37th Annual Port Hawkesbury Highland Dance Competition

Highland dancers Kara Campbell, Abigail Hatcher, and Sarah MacDonald

Highland dancers Grace Mombourquette, Kate Sampson, Madison Greek

Highland Dancers Will Campbell and Julia Lettice

Saturday, June 11th, I was on hand to take in the 37th Annual Port Hawkesbury Highland Dance Competition which took place at the SAERC Auditorium. Highland dancers came to Port Hawkesbury for the competition from as far away as New Brunswick and PEI, as well as from all over Nova Scotia. The competition was open to ages 5 and up, and groups were divided into Primary 5 years in Pas de Bas, Pas de Bas & High Cuts, Fling, and Sword, Primary 6 years in Pas de Bas, Pas de Bas & High Cuts, Fling and Sword, Beginner 7 in Fling, Sword, Seann Truibhas and Lilt, Beginner 8 in Fling, Sword, Seann Truibhas and Lilt, Beginner 9 & 10 years in Fling, Sword, Seann Truibhas and Lilt, Beginner 11 years and over in Fling, Sword, Seann Truibhas and Lilt, Novice 9 & Under in fling, Sword, Seann Truibhas and Lilt, Novice 10 & Over in Fling, Sword, Senn Truibhas and Lilt, Intermidiate 10 & Over in Fling, Sword, Seann Truibhas, Strathspey & Highland Reel, Premier 9 & Under in Fling, Sword, Seann Truibhas, Strathspey & Highland Reel, Premier 10 & 11 in Fling, Sword, Seann Truibhas, Strathspey & Highland Reel, Premier 12 & 13 in Fling, Sword, Seann Truibhas, Strathspey & Highland Reel, Premier 14 & 15 in Fling, Sword, Seann Truibhas and Strathspey & Highland Reel, Premier 16 & 17 in Fling, Sword, Seann Truibhas and Strathspey & Highland Reel, Premier 18 & Over in Fling, Sword, Seann Truibhas and Strathspey & Highland Reel. The competition was stiff, with very talented young dancers taking part. I did not envy the judges their job of determining the winners in all the categories. The audience was filled with well wishers made up of teachers, parents, grandparents and other family members as well as those interested in this beautiful form of dance. The competition was a great boost for the community; bringing visitors into the area over Friday and Saturday. The SAERC Auditorium was an excellent location as well for vendors to come out and sell some of their Celtic product.
I would like to congratulate all those who competed. I would especially like to congratulate my granddaughter and the dancers from Richmond for their excellent performance.