Ten competitors were crowned International Highland Dance Champion in their age group at the eighth International Highland Dancing Festival held at Niagara Park Youth Club over the weekend of July 26 and 27.
This year’s event was a true International spectacle with well over 200 competitors, their families, judges from all around the world, and competitors that travelled from as far as New Zealand and Scotland.
Competitors were awarded from a prize pool of over 100 trophies and $25,000 worth of cash and prizes, a substantial increase from last year’s event.
Winners of the International Championships were Canada’s Chantel Watt in the 21 years and over age group; Tasmania’s Elie Roe Daniel in the 18-20 age group; New Zealands Liam Elphick in the 16-17 years category; Tasmania’s Ashley Draper in the 15 years category; Western Australia’s Sophie Massey in the 14 years category; Tasmania’s Ashlee Beams in the 13 years category; Victoria’s Cyan McLeod in the 12 years category; Victoria’s Kathryn Attlier in the 11 years category; Victoria’s Beverley Chiu in the 10 years category; and Western Australia’s Morven Johnston in the seven to nine years category.
Mister Josh’s Mega Jig-Off was a successful fundraising venture for the 2016 Champion of Champions to be held in South Australia.
The Scottish Fling Gala was full of Scottish themed choreography that gave highland dancing a modern twist, with a visit from Gosford’s Scottish born Mayor Lawrie McKinna.
This year’s Hornpipe Challenge was won by New Zealand dancer Liam Elphick and competitors enjoyed going for gold in the Kyle Marston Fling Challenge, a former Central Coast National Champion.
Media release, 30 Jul 2014
Joshua Lucas, Do$h
Public Relations