Alberta Highland Dance Association

We regretfully announce that in light of the worldwide COVID 19 Virus pandemic and the cancellation of SDCCS 2020 we have moved to cancel our Closed Alberta Provincial Championship and Open Competition scheduled for May 2nd / 3rd.  We know this is a disappointment to many in our Highland Dance community but, we echo the words from ScotDance Canada in saying that this is done “in the interest of health and safety protections for our highland dancing community as well as those outside of our community.”  We are looking into the most efficient way to refund your registration / sponsorship dollars and will be following up with individuals in the coming weeks. This is a difficult time of uncertainty and fear for many.  We know that many of our families are being impacted financially, emotionally and physically. Our thoughts are with each of you at this time and we look forward to seeing our dancers dancing again when the time is right. Sincerely,AHDA Executive 

In response to the Alberta government encouraging large gatherings to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak, EHDA & CHDA have cancelled the following competitions:

• March 14 & 15 (Edmonton)
• March 21 & 22 (Calgary)

At this time there have been no decisions made regarding any competitions beyond March. Information will be posted as soon as it is available.

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At long last, we have a venue! It has been a very long search this year, but we now have a venue or the October 26th competition. The competition will be held at the Royal West Hotel, located at 10010-178 Street N.W. in Edmonton in their large conference room. The venue does have its
challenges. We do have some time restraints and although we have ensured excellent staging, we do have a reduced area for spectator seating.

Taking this into consideration, the organizing committee has carefully planned the schedule to accommodate these challenges in order to provide the best experience for both the dancers and parents.

Please note the change in times below:

Primary 9:00-9:20
Beginner 9:20-10:30
Novice/Intermediate 10:30-11:45
Choreography 11:45
Premier 12:30

We appreciate everyone’s understanding and flexibility with the venue. If possible, we ask that you clear the conference room after your session has been completed. This will allow seating for incoming competitors and their parents.

The hotel offers many amenities including ample free parking, hotel restaurant, and wireless internet. McDonalds, Denny’s and Pizza Hut are conveniently located nearby. Rooms are available at $99.00 per single or double queen room. Remember to tell them you are with EHDA Highland Dancing when you book. This rate will be available beginning on the weekend.

For ease of access, please approach from the west, 100th Avenue (one way eastbound). The hotel is located on the North side, on the corner with 178 Street, so please stay to your left. At present, there is some construction on 178 Street which limits access from the south. There is ample parking, both in front and behind the hotel. There is access from the rear parking lot directly to the hallway outside the conference room.

We thank everyone for their patience. Venues are becoming more difficult to book each year. Thankfully, the remaining venues are booked to the end of the dance season.

If you have any questions, or concerns, please contact EHDA.

Sponsorship & Advertising information updated!

I am sad to inform everyone that the Fort Edmonton Celtic Gathering is cancelled this year. Please see the information below from the not-for-profit event organizers Geoff and Alex, and the letter from the Fort itself attached.

This means that the highland dance competition is also cancelled.

No cheques have been cashed and everyone who paid cash will be fully reimbursed. As you can imagine, there is a lot of work to do to un-organize this event and your patience is appreciated.

To those of you who have families who have already made travel plans, please see the attached letter which may help recover any money already spent.

If you have questions or comments about the cancellation, please send to:

Carl Damour, VP, Operations

Fort Edmonton Park

PO Box 2359

Edmonton, AB T5J 2R7

780-496-7381

info@fortedmontonpark.ca

In addition, I do not know if the cancellation has anything to do with the “new strategic direction” announced on June 8, but you may also wish to read the following: https://www.fortedmontonpark.ca/fep-news/fort-edmonton-park-launches-new-strategic-direction/.

Raffle Fundraiser for Scotdance Canada Championship Series 2018

• Do you need a new kilt or aboyne outfit?
• Are you moving up and need new costumes? 

As we get closer to SDCCS 2018, being held in Calgary in early July, we are selling raffle tickets as a fundraiser.  Tickets will be available from your Alberta Highland Dance Teachers at every highland event between now and the June 2 competition in Calgary, when we will draw the winners.  We are also looking for volunteers to help sell tickets.

 There are four raffles – all tickets $10 each: 

We are very grateful for the support of businesses and individuals who step up to be sponsors for this prestigious event.

This year we are appealing to you once again. Your support is critical to our ability to host the 2018 championship
and competition.

Please take a look at our online sponsorship form and help out where you can!

Best of luck to all our Alberta dancers travelling to PEI soon for the ScotDance Canada Championship Series event! Represent the strong, Albertan west!

As you know, Calgary is hosting the SDCCS 2018 next July.

We have been asked to participate in the Opening Ceremonies at PEI to invite everyone to our event next year.

We are inviting Alberta Premier dancers to participate in a fun “funky” short number to be performed at the Opening Ceremonies in PEI this July that will give everyone a flavour of Alberta!

The first practice is May 28 at 12:30 in Calgary (address to come soon).

Second practice will be held near the end of June.

If you are interested in participating please contact the 2018 Organizing Committee through Janice Jobin.