Covid-19 may have ended New Plymouth’s plans to host the New Zealand Highland Dance Championships this weekend, but that hasn’t stopped young dancers from showing off their skills.
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Highland dance groups organized by the Morgan B. School of Dance put on a big show for spectators near Wind Wand on Saturday.
Instead, about 40 members of the Morgan B. School of Dance gathered on Saturday near the Wind Wand to put on a lunchtime show of their best routines.
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From left to right, Arla Bennet (12) Hope Crofskey (13), Sofea Read (12) and Madison Metcalfe (13)
And while at one point the authentically Scottish weather brought rain that threatened to end the show prematurely, the members kept their cool and were rewarded with bright sunshine, which allowed them to continue.
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The sword dance was part of the routines.
Show organizer and dance teacher Morgan Bamford said the championships were held every two years, but the covid meant the last was in 2018.
The event reportedly drew dancers from across the country.
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Younger members Bambi Gavin (4), Libby Diggleman (7), Olivia Joyce-Bopp (6) and Sophia Fernando (4)
Saturday’s exhibition allowed its dancers to dress up and perform in front of an audience.
“It was just like Scotland with the weather,” she added, describing the rain and cold wind that gave way to bright sunshine. “It’s like that at the Highland Games.
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Professor Morgan Bamford prepares the dancers for another routine.
LISA BURD / Tips
Highland dancers put on a show in New Plymouth on Saturday.
The Highland Dancing Association of Taranaki hopes to host the national competition next year.
