It was another weekend of competition for the Princeton Highland Dancers and as usual they arrived prepared and ready to rumble - Scottish style. Teachers Janet Banks and Amy Liberatore pinned kilts, adjusted outfits, secured loose strands of hair and warmed up the girls for their day which started early Saturday morning on February 26. The dance group had all travelled down to the Lower Mainland the night before. Their morning was filled with anticipation, fluttering nerves and last minute preparations.
The younger dancers were first up. Kami French and Payton Cranston were first to the stage. For French, it was her first competition since joining the club and although she did not earn a medal, she shook off her pre-game time nerves and took to the stage with some deep breathes and a whole lot of courage.
Payton Cranston also had a fine morning of performance. Cranston has brought home medals from other competitions, but was unable to capture one in Fort Langley in spite of her good performances. Taylor White was one of the youngest competitors at the Novice level and showed a lot of enthusiasm.
"Although Kami, Taylor and Payton did not place, they danced very hard and should be proud of themselves," said teacher Liberatore.
For Holly Atkinson, it was a big day. She got a 4th in the Trophy Fling, and a 4th in the Sword showing the club that she means business. Atkinson works hard during her practices and will continue to improve.
Shelby Maynard is also a Novice dancer. She got a 5th in the Sword, 5th in the Seann Triubhas, 1st in the Lilt and 4th in the Flora.
The Chief Sepass Theatre saw a lot of strong dancers take to the stage. It was a good start to 2011 for the Princeton club who are preparing for their imminent date in Honolulu, Hawaii. The dancers will be holding a dance-a-thon next weekend on March 12 in the United Church hall as their final fundraiser. The club will also be dancing during the St. Patty's Day celebration to be held at the Legion on March 19 and are looking forward to their annual appearance there. After a year of planning and fundraising, the club will be leaving on a jet plane for the sunny island of Honolulu at the end of March. They will be competing for two days in Kapiolana Park on April 2 & 3. Good luck dancers and Aloha.