Argyll School of Performing Arts & Motion

Argyll School of Celtic Arts Spring Newsletter

First of all, I wish to congratulate all of the dancers and parents who participated in and survived the competition held in Kelowna last month. I was very proud of everyone. Secondly, I wish to congratulate the Miriam, Karen, Wren, Claire, and Mary for competing in the Mini Meet Indoor Piping and Drumming competition held last weekend. All received top marks in their categories.

Here are some quick dates and points to mark:

Sunday, April 25th - School Bottle drive - Meet at the studio at 9:30. A sign up sheet will be posted at the studio where everyone is to indicate whether they can A) Drive B)Sort or C) I can’t take part but I may have some bottles to donate

Saturday, June 5th - in Studio Rehearsal - Time TBA This is a final costume fitting and stage blocking in preparation for our Show on June 12th

Friday, June 11th - 4:00 - 6:00 at the Powerhouse Theatre - Dress Rehearsal.

Saturday, June 12th - Please drop children off at the Theatre no later than 5:50. The show will run from approximately 6:30 - 7:45 followed by an awards ceremony. A costume rental fee of $20 for the primary classes and $25 for all other classes is due by May 15th.

Saturday, June 19th - Downtown Sunshine Festival - A sign-up sheet will be posted. Depending on the number of children who wish to take-part, dancers will either do their show number, traditional dances, or both.

Saturday, June 26th - Coquitlam Highland Games - I will be attending this competition this year. I will forward the entry form to any one interested in also attending

Saturday, July 10th - Kamloops Highland Games - There have been several parents and children who have expressed interest in dancing their first competition at this event. It is a very fun event - fit for the whole family. A sign-up sheet will be posted so that I can ensure that dancers are properly prepared. Dancers will need an IHDA number and a Scotdance card. These are not difficult to obtain but it is best that the form are completed in an adequate amount of time before the event.

Finally, I have decided to start using practise books for those children who can read. The purpose of this is not for them to be practicing every night for two hours - although that would be nice, it is simply a way that I can communicate with parents on what I would like the children to review at home before the next lesson. Studies have shown that mental rehearsal can be just as effective in learning as physical rehearsal. So if you could just take a moment each day or every other day to ask your child to show you what is new or ask them if there is something they need to review, that would be fantastic. In no way should this turn into a power struggle. I would like children to enjoy their activity - not dread it.

Thanks again for your continued support and interest.