The Laurie Tinkler Highland Dancers have experienced great success at recent Highland Games.
On the May Long Weekend, our very own Comox Valley Highland Games was a platform for achievement. There were over 200 dancers competing at this year鈥檚 games, providing some very strong competition.
For young Olivia Carmichael, competing on the home stage was a great experience. She received three first place medals in the Primary under 6 category, and one third place medal. Gracie Lange placed 4th in Pas de Basque and High Cuts, with Sicily Taylor taking 5th place in the same event.
In the Primary 6 category, Timandra Draper placed well in all four dances securing gold, silver, 5th and 6th. Kaitlyn Dooling won bronze in the Fling and silver in the Sword, while Megan Welsh received a 5th place in Pas de Basque and High Cuts and a 4th in the Highland Fling.
Three local dancers competed in the Beginner under 8 category. Ryleigh Mc Millan placed 3rd in the Fling, Kaidence Cooper received 4th place in both the Lilt and Flora while Abigale Gibeault placed 2nd in the Scottish Lilt, 5th in both Sword and Flora and 6th in the Fling.
In Beginner 8, Olivia Egan 鈥揌ache placed 2nd in the Lilt, and 4th in both the Fling and Flora. Holly Acciaroli also took to the stage in this group, dancing with joy and enthusiasm. Beginner 10-11 also had three LTD dancers. Libby Wallace placed 2nd in Sword and 5th in the Fling, while Katie Lange placed 3rd in Sword and 4th in the Lilt.
Caitlyn Tack danced very well in her first appearance on an outdoor stage. Kaili Hodacsek received a bronze medal in the Sword Dance in the Beginner 12 and over group.
In the Novice categories, Kaitlyn Welsh placed 6th in the Sword, her first competition in a new category. Kayla Champis placed 6th in the Flora. Rounding out this group of dancers was Madison Cote, whose bright smile always lights up the stage.
Dancing amongst very stiff competition at the Intermediate level were Katherine Lyster, Gabi Ratcliffe and Sarah Ratclife. Katherine placed 5th in the Johnnie in the under 12 group while Sarah received a 2nd in the Fling and a 4th in the Irish Jig. The joy that Gabi takes in her dance is always a pleasure to watch.
The highest level of competition in Highland Dance is the Premier level. This year鈥檚 Comox Valley Highland Games attracted many Championship Level Dancers, including a World Champion.
In the Premier Under 12 group, Megan Jones placed 5th in the Irish Jig. Madison Lagan placed 5th in the Fling, 2nd in the Highland Laddie and 2nd in the Irish Jig. Cameron Kearns placed 1st in both the Fling and Seann Triubhas, 3rd in the Highland Reel and 4th in the Irish Jig.
These placements earned her the Aggregate Trophy for this category. The trophy was generously donated by Graham鈥檚 Jewelers.
In the Premier 12-13 category, Grace Harvey placed well in all five dances, taking silver in the Sean Triubhas, bronze in Fling, Laddie and Irish Jig and 4th place in the Strathspey and Highland Reel. Margaret Lyster and Kali Scheck, both of Comox, also danced with distinction in Premier level categories.
In all, the Laurie Tinkler Highland Dancers enjoyed a great Highland Games in the Comox Valley. One dancer, Cameron Kearns, also travelled to the Victoria Highland Games the next day, where she also took the Aggregate for her category.
A troupe of dancers also travelled to Bellingham in early June to compete in a Highland Games there. It was another strong showing.
Your next opportunity to see the Laurie Tinkler Highland Dancer perform in public will be at the Canada Day evening performance at the Sid Williams Theatre. They will also dance at Nautical Days in early August in Comox.
鈥� Laurie Tinkler Highland Dancers
