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Fall 2002
Highland Dancer
magazine would like to congratulate...
Linda Vinson
Delaware, USA
A teacher who
has won the hearts of a dancer and his mom!
Honourable
Mentions
Elaine Forman Maggie Carchrie
Linda will receive a $10.00CDN gift
certificate from
Five Dogs & A
Cat Images
in recognition
of her dedication to Highland Dancing
Linda Vinson
-
Delaware, USA
A
little over two years ago, my then five-year-old son, Daniel, my mother, and
I attended the Colonial Highland Gathering in Maryland. In spite of the
downpour we found our way to the tiny tea barn where the dancing competition
was being held. My mother and I couldn't get in the building farther than
three or four feet; Daniel, however, managed to squirm his way to the front
where he saw other children. He stood there mesmerized, watching the dancers
compete just a few feet away. After one hour (my mom's and my legs were
aching from standing) I managed to weave my way through the crowd and reach
Daniel. I asked him if he was ready to go, see the sheepdogs, the
"iron-men", get food, anything! He shook his head firmly and told me he
wanted to stay right there. So I returned to the back and standing. After
two solid hours of this I told my son that we were leaving, but promised him
that I wo! uld look into finding him a teacher, as he was now solemnly
informing me that "this is what I want to do". I remember naively telling my
mom that he would forget about it by the time we were home...
Now here we are, two years later. Daniel's and my schedule revolves around
his dancing, because this is still "what (he) wants to do". I give his
teacher, Linda Vinson, all the credit. Linda ushered us into her dance room
and into the world of highland dancing with a soft voice, patient
instructions, and individual attention. I have vivid memories of my son's
first couple months of lessons, trying on his first pair of dance shoes,
"they have to be tied really tight so they won't come undone", learning
pas-de-basques, high-cuts, and exercises (she taught me after every lesson
so that I could help him). I took it for granted that every child entered
the world of highland dance this way, with a teacher who never yelled, made
class fun, always had time to answer questions, and show parents new steps
their child learned that day. As the mother of a boy dancer I've been
especially impressed with how she encourages him and shows him by her own
attitude that of course boys dan! ce, this was once the men's domain after
all. At a recent workshop during the recital the announcer referred to all
the participants as "girls" or "ladies". I cringed inwardly but again
realized that this was something Linda never did. She's made Daniel feel
totally comfortable in a class with all girls and at ease with wearing his
kilt, which I (only once!) mistakenly referred to as a skirt.
I am laughing as I write this but sad too, because we will miss Linda so
much. Next summer we are relocating to Rhode Island due to a job transfer,
and Daniel will have to go to another teacher. Linda, I want you to know
that we will always remember these years. You, the other dancers and their
moms have been like a second family to us, and it has been wonderful. I will
never forget the kids getting "Shirley Temples" at Friendlys after
dancing at the Delco workshop; they were so excited that you were there too.
Or getting up at ungodly hours to travel together to competitions, and you
not having slept and forgetting to eat lunch with all the excitement of the
day. You never taking your eyes off the stage, intently watching your
dancers, or alternately not being able to bear watching during the sword!
There are so many memories, and what is constant has been your support and
encouragement. Daniel and I are going to miss you more than any words can
say. Thank you for everything.
Peggy Johns
Honourable Mentions
Elaine Forman -
Alberta, Canada
Since her
children were three years old and five years old, Elaine Forman's family has
been a part of my studio. At first she was looking for something for her
youngest daughter to do while her oldest started gymnastics. Hazel was an
active and going concern, loved to dance, loved all types of music and was
eager to meet new friends. The Forman's were looking for something that
could share their Scottish background with their children. Within a year,
Elaine's daughter Emma wanted to become a highland dancer too, and she
joined the studio as well.
In 1995, Elaine decided she couldn't sit and wait for her daughters to
finish their highland classes, and soon she became a student. Elaine has
always danced for fun. She has excellent technique, (which her daughters
have inherited), but Elaine has always been happy to dance hard, help her
fellow students learn and grow, and participate in any performances that
were up and coming.
As our celtic group grew we decided to make a trek to Cape Breton, Nova
Scotia in 1997, and it was the Forman's who spearheaded many of the details
for our dancers to make this trip. From this incredible dance experience we
became known as the performers "Ceilidh Revue" , and soon we were organizing
performances and fundraisers to aid with our trips. Instrumental to our
trip to Scotland in 1999, The Forman's and their families in Scotland opened
their hearts and homes to a group of 40, and assisted us in performing all
over the country in several castles and halls.
Since that unbelievable trip, Raymond, Elaine's husband, has organized a
Children's Highland Games celebration for September each year. We bring
together all our families for an afternoon of field events that include the
Rubber Boot Fling, and The Mop Toss to name a few. This is always
followedby music, food and friends, and is a way for the Scottish Traditions
to live on in our children and with our families. Elaine is now one of our
star performers, and her girls, Emma (16 years) and Hazel (14 years) have
become amazing performers, as both dancers and musicians. Raymond is one of
our band members and our emcee at many of our Scottish evenings and
performances.
Due to the efforts of this family and their dedication to their Scottish
Heritage we are now going to be enjoying Cochrane's Centennial Celebrations
as a star performing group along with George Fox in August of 2003, and we
will be sharing their love of Scotland, and our passion for the journey of
many who came from Scotland to Canada to settle.
Elaine Forman's efforts as a mother, dancer, performer, friend and supporter
has been invaluable as a role model for other parents to try to achieve, and
I enjoy seeing her smile light up the room when she arrives for her class.
Michelle Greenwell, Dance Debut, Cochrane, Alberta
Maggie Carchrie
-
Massachesetts, USA
My eleven
daughter Emma has taken Scottish dance lessons from Ms. Carchrie for the
past three years and we think we are blessed to have Maggie as our
teacher. She is young, talented,and enthusiastic: as a result,Emma has
made great progress under her guidance. More importantly, Ms. Carchrie
has made all the dancers feel they are part of a loving family group.
Because of her nurturing, Emma loves to attend classes and actually
practices. Emma's dance group also participates in a wealth of community
service activities. They include nursing home visits, school enrichment
programs and multi cultural festivals. Ms. Carchrie's New Year celebration
is a popular event from one end of the Cape to the other. It brings
individuals of all ages together to celebrate in an old fashioned manner,
without the need for loud music and alcoholic beverages. As a retired
English teacher, I appreciate all the extra things Emma's teacher does.
She orders dance products for all of us and is patient with payments.
Above all else, Ms. Carchrie is a mentor to her students. The children
and adults can go to her for advice at any time. She is The Best Dance
Teacher. She deserves an award.
Lee Haselton,
mother of Emma Haselton Barnstable, MA
Winter 2003
Highland Dancer
magazine would like to congratulate
Bonnie Mathers
B.C., Canada
A teacher who has
won the heart of a dancer!
Bonnie will receive a $10.00CDN gift certificate
from Five Dogs & A Cat
Images
in recognition of
her dedication to Highland Dancing
Bonnie Mathers
B.C., Canada
I think my Highland dance teacher, Bonnie
Mathers, is the best teacher in the world because she’s always pushing you a
little harder but never too hard. She acknowledges all our successes and never
brings us down. She is always there if we need help with something, whether or
not it has to do with Highland dancing, and even though she is very busy at all
the competitions we go to she always seems to make the time to find us and wish
us good luck! A couple of years ago I went to England for a year, and I
couldn’t get any Highland dance classes. When I got back here, Bonnie scheduled
a lot of private lessons to help me get back to where I’d been before I left!
When I was in England she even took the time and sent me a Christmas present!
I think Bonnie is the BEST teacher in the world and I love her!!!
Gwynne Bilski
-- Prince George, B.C.
Spring 2003
Highland Dancer
magazine would like to congratulate
Sherry Sim
Ontario, Canada
A teacher who has
won the hearts of a dancer and her mom!
Honourable Mention
Bethany Jancsar
Sherry will receive a $10.00CDN gift certificate
from Five Dogs & A Cat
Images
in recognition of
her dedication to Highland Dancing
Sherry Sim
-
Ontario, Canada
I have known Sherry since she was 16
and started her own studio with just a handful of dancers. She now has over 100
students and 3 studios, as well as teaching lessons from her home. My daughter
was 8 when she started with Sherry and is still there after 11 years. She not
only teachers in the studio but has formed a choreography group the Sterling
Thistles but she just passed her judges papers. Sherry has helped my daughter
not only become a wonderful dancer but she has been like a big sister to her. We
consider her one of the family. She's the best.
Pat Jancsar
Honourable Mention
Bethany Jancsar -
Ontario, Canada
Well what do you say about your
own daughter. Bethany started dancing at the age of 8. With her soccer and
horseback riding her father & I told to choose and her love of dancing
prevailed. She is assist. teaching and has been for 3 years and is a member of
the Sterling Thistles Dance Troupe from her studio. On the nights she is not
at dance class or teaching (she just loves those little ones & they love her)
she is nanny for her dance teacher Sherry Sim, completing her last year of
high school and preparing for her dance exams and teachers papers. She is
always there when a dance parent calls and asks if she can go over dances with
their child right before exams or competitions. She's a great kid.
Pat Jancsar
Summer 2003
Highland Dancer
magazine would like to congratulate
Cindy Penny
Nova Scotia, Canada
A teacher who has
won the hearts of a dancer and her mom!
I know that there
are many dance teachers in the world. However I think that the best one is
Cindy Penny. Miss Penny never tires of showing us new steps and encouraging
us to do better, She also wants us all to do well, so she never fails to
push one step further. Miss Penny gives personal points and tips and kepps
you doing the same step until she sees that it is perfect. I know she would
never let a student of hers attend a competition or exam that she did not
feel confident in the dances of the student. She want us to succeed, not
just for competitive sake, but to complete goals and to have fun doing it.
She doesn't want a student in her class who is just there for the gold. She
wants a student who can feel that dance through their body and spirit and
can make it match with the music like a graceful swan.
Thank you,
Elizabeth Hughes
Fall
2003
Highland Dancer
magazine would like to congratulate
All Mothers &
Dancers
Dear Editor,
I am sure that there are many other grandmothers who share my interest and
enthusiasm regarding their daughters and granddaughters within the Highland
dancing community. I would therefore like to take this opportunity to thank
them through the Honour Roll of your magazine, by recognizing all dancers
and their mothers or whomever, responsible for opening the door and
exposing these darlings to the world of Highland dancing.
First,
granddaughters - mine who at the age of eighteen is quite an accomplished
Highland dancer (totally unbiased opinion of course). As any dancer knows,
many long hours of practice and a disciplined personality are required to
realize a dream. It is not the medals and other awards that she, like other
dancers have earned that are the reason for my nomination, but rather, how
she has put to good use the many lessons such as; self discipline,
responsibility and appreciation of others along with the dignity and poise
learned over the years as a dancer, that have and will continue to have an
impact on her life.
Second, daughters --
who like many other unsung heroines, opened the door to the world of
Highland dancing and provided the guidance, support, patience and many hours
lived in a car or van assuring that these little lassies arrived where, when
and at the precise times for their many competitions. All this is done as
dedicated and loving moms and their biggest reward is to see their little
girls mature into well rounded and happy young women.
Thank you and
continued success to all, with love on behalf of all Moms, Grandmothers,
Nannys and Nanas
D. Chartier
Winter 2004
Highland Dancer
magazine would like to congratulate
Krysten
Griffith
Ontario, Canada
A dancer who has
won the hearts of another dancer!
I think that the
honour roll should go to my friend Krysten Griffith. If it weren't for her,
my two sisters and I would not be highland dancers! She is a great dancer
who is very hard working and supportive to everyone. She is a great highland
dancer and a good friend, one day when she came over to my house she taught
my older sister and I the Fling and we loved it so we decided to begin dance
lessons at Porters School of Highland Dance and we loved it. Now we have won
medals and trophies and we are very pleased with our accomplishments, so I
just wanted to say thanks Krysten and everyone who has made this possible
for me!
Hannah Brown
Spring 2004
Highland Dancer
magazine would like to congratulate
Karen
Shelton-Johnson
Washington,
USA
A teacher who has
won the hearts of a dancer and her dad!
Karen
Shelton-Johnson is one of the nicest, most caring people you'll ever want to
meet. She gives flowers to the girls at the competitions, remembers their
birthdays, has special get-togethers and does 100's of hours of sewing and
volunteer work for her students and the local Highland games and competitions.
She just finished sewing a bunch of dancing kilts for a local Christian school.
She is one of the senior Highland dance people in the Seattle area and has done
a lot of Seattle Highland Dance activities. My daughter belongs to her dance
studio (The Shelton Highland Dancers) and we think so much of her, we have been
driving from Bellngham to Shoreline and Whidbey Island (where she teaches) since
1998. Karen also teaches the Lassies (Highland Dance Team) at Shorecrest High
School.
Thank You
Brian Aronson
Fall
2004
Highland Dancer
magazine would like to congratulate
Kelsey
Crane
Utah, USA
A dancer who has
won the heart of another!
I think that the
person who deserves to be on the Highland Dancer Honour Roll is Kelsey Crane of
Utah. She is one of the most dedicated dancers I know. She is constantly
practicing (even when she just gets done with a class practice!), and is a very
humble winner. She is always smiling, working hard, and is an amazing dancer!
Good luck in the
future Kelsey, I know you will continue to rock the Highland dancing world!
Jessica Kraus
Winter 2005
Highland Dancer
magazine would like to congratulate
Mrs Kate E.
Shaw
Bristish Columbia, Canada
A teacher who has
won the heart of a dancer!
My nomination for
your honor roll is my mentor, my hero but most of all my friend. What can you
say about Mrs. Kate E. Shaw. She was born August 29, 1915 in Nelson, B.C. and
moved to Trail, B.C. at the age of 5. She took highland dance lessons and began
teaching at the age of 15 and has not stopped to this day. That is 74 years of
teaching. She has taught many generations and only collected enough dues for the
month to cover the rental of the hall, never anything for herself. She said her
father always said “the good Lord gave you a talent, your gift to the Lord is to
give it back, pass it along to use it for others”. For someone who has taught
for 74 years for the love of dance, that in itself speaks for itself. She is a
life member of the British Association of Teachers of Dance. She has been the
organizer for the Trail Caledonian Highland Games in Trail held here every May
for over 40 years and still helps raise monies for these Highland Games. Around
1940-1941, Kate started making kilts. It was too expensive to buy them so she
learned the trade and still to this day makes kilts for her dancers as well as
other local dancers. She has trained people in this art, so that someone will
keep on the tradition. She has also taught ballroom dancing, square dancing and
Scottish country dancing. In Mrs. Shaw’s words, she said her father said don’t
start something you don’t intend to continue and so she says she will continue
to teach dancing for as long as her Lord allows.”
Mrs. Shaw never seizes to amaze me. Her love for highland dancing has spread to
all of us. The three teachers in our area have all been taught by Mrs. Shaw. She
has taught us to teach from our hearts, don't teach for the money or the glory,
teach for the love you have for highland dancing. She has taught us
self-respect, discipline, sportsmanship and respect for others. Mrs. Shaw still
to this day comes to dance class and teaches with me and we are always learning
from her. When I look at the dedication that she has given to each of us that
she has taught, I can only hope that she realizes how much each of us
appreciates her dedication, time, knowledge and love that she has given us and
hopefully we can give some of that back to our own students.
Thank you for considering her.
Chris Piva
Spring 2005
Highland Dancer
magazine would like to congratulate
J essi
Martin
Ohio, USA
A dancer who has
won the hearts of others!
Dear Highland Dancer
Magazine, I am writing to nominate a little girl I think is very deserving of an
honor role in highland dancing and for her strength and resilience. Jessi Martin
from Ohio, USA is 7 years old and has been a highland dancer for 4 years. Jessi
also has type 1 diabetes which she must constantly be aware of while dancing at
competitions, including mutliple checking and rechecking blood sugars so she
does not get low blood sugar.
When Jessi was
learning the sword dance , she wanted so much to master it, but over and over
she would trip and fall and make mistakes. Many days she would cry and then get
right back up and try again, and again, and again. She did not give up, and her
passion for highland dancing grew stronger and was learning a life long lesson.
Finally she had learned the dance. She performed it everywhere, grocery store,
softball field ( during a game), everywhere. She had triumphed and she was so
filled with pride. She decided to compete in this catagory and won 1st place
medal.
Jessi then took what
she learned about not giving up and persevering with the sword dance and related
it to her own challenges with battling diabetes. She made a little film clip
about it and at the end said. "If things get tough I know I can over come it. It
just takes lots and lots of practice and a brave heart".
We think Jessi
deserves recognition and a place on the honor role. Thank you very much for your
time.
Sincerely, Debi
Martin, Ken Martin and Dorothy Hall
Summer 2006
Highland Dancer
magazine would like to congratulate
Heather
McCracken
British Columbia, Canada
A dancer and teacher who has
won the heart of another!
I'd like to say a
huge thank you to Heather McCracken. She's been an incredible teacher all year
and I think I speak on behalf of our whole dance school that you're the
greatest! Through all the hard times, me trying to get those horrible hornpipe
steps down pat, and those killer shakes in the Seann Truibhas you've really
helped me a lot all year. You're a great teacher, and awesome friend, and a
perfect competition partner (especially warmup). Thanks again for being the
greatest in the world!
Lots of love
Christa Powers
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FDCI
