Pictou association hosts championship and selection meet
Pictou County Highland Dance Association hosted the Nova Scotia Closed Highland Dancing Championship & Provincial Selection Meet on May 5.
Twelve PIctou County dancers were among the 87 registered, vying for the chance to represent Nova Scotia at the Canadian Championships. Twenty-one representatives were chosen with the top three from each age category earning a place on the provincial team.
This year, four Pictou County dancers will be representing team Nova Scotia this July in Calgary. Annika Murray, 1st runner up in the 12 & under 14 years group, is the 13-year-old daughter of Nicole Boutilier, Greenhill, and Kent Murray, New Glasgow. Ainslie Salter, champion in the 14 & under 16 years group is the 15-year-old daughter of Krista and Dave Wilson and Sandy Salter of Stellarton, Madison Baillie, 2nd runner up in the 16 & under 18 years group, is the 17-year-old daughter of Karoleigh and Kevin Baillie, Waterside. Allyson Parker, 4th runner up in the 21 years & over group, is the 21-year-old daughter of Brenda and Jim Parker of Central West River.
The results for the day were: Premier 12 & Under 14 – Annika Murray: Fling 2nd, Sword 2nd, Seann Triubhas 1st, Reel 2nd, 1st Runner up and Provincial Representative.
Premier 14 & Under 16 – Ainslie Salter: Fling 1st, Sword 2nd, Seann Triubhas 1st, Reel 1st, Champion and Provincial Representative.
Premier 16 & Under 18 – Madison Baillie: Sword 2nd, Seann Triubhas 4th, Reel, 4th, 2nd Runner up and Provincial Representative; Beth McNeill: Fling 4th, Sword 4th, Reel 5th, 5th Runner up.
Premier 21 & Over – Allyson Parker: Fling 5th, Sword 4th, Seann Triubhas 6th, Reel 6th, 4th Runner up and Provincial Representative; Christina Chudley: Fling 6th, Seann Triubhas 5th, Reel 5th, 5th Runner up.
The judges were Christie Freestone, U.S., Gaelyn McGregor, Manitoba, and Deborah Wardrope, Ontario. James MacHattie of P.E.I. was the piper for the competition.