Four dancers from the Mount Gambier Bell Studio of Highland Dance recently attended the International Highland Dancing Festival of Australia.
The major event was held in Gosford and there was much to be proud of, with all four dancers coming home with individual or overall placings in very large and high-quality sections.
Bell Studio of Highland Dance principal teacher Katie Bell said the event attracted almost 300 competitors from Australia, Scotland and New Zealand and was adjudicated by judges from Australia, Scotland and Canada.
“Lucy Edwards was honoured to be selected as the South Australian flag bearer for the parade of 150 championship competitors in the International Highland Dancing Championships of Australia, which is recognised as one of Australia’s National Championships,” Ms Bell said.
The event was a success from day one, starting on Friday night with a choreography gala in which Lucy Edwards competed with the OzScot Junior Development Squad and her team was runner up in the Open Choreography Section.
On Saturday, Evie Edwards was the winner of the Pre-Championship 12 years with two gold, one silver and one bronze, the winner of the Premier Aggregate 12 years and a finalist in the all ages John McFarland Memorial Hornpipe.
Lucy Edwards placed third overall in the Champions Challenge 14 to 15 years with one gold, one fifth place and one sixth place.
Isabelle Bidese placed fifth in the Reel in the Pre-Championship 14 years and Olive Norman received third place overall in the Beginners 10 years and over section with one gold, two silver and one bronze.
The successes continued on Sunday, with a special mention to Lucy Edwards as the runner up in the International Highland Dancing Championship of Australia 15 years with one gold, two silver and one sixth place.
Lucy Edwards also received third place overall in the Premier National Cup 15 years with one gold and one silver.
Evie Edwards placed fourth overall in the International Highland Dancing Championship of Australia 12 years with one silver and two bronze.
Isabelle Bidese received placings in the Restricted Premier National Cup 14 to 15 years and Olive Norman received placings in the Novice 11 years and over section along with fourth place in the Trophy Dance Novice 11 years and over.
