TwentySecond Annual
Chicagoland Spring Fling
Fifth Annual
PreChampionship
In Memory of Isobel Smillie
Ninth Annual
Chicago Open Championship
Choreography
Competition
In Memory of Patricia Brown LeNoble
February 22, 2014
Presented by the
Thistle & Heather Highland Dancers
Dance Pipers
Sponsored in part by WJB & D. Munro John Recknagel, Tucker, GA Ben Peterson, Chicago, IL Brian Green, Gurnee, IL
Dance Judges
Sponsored in part by the Illinois Saint Andrew Society Gemma Baillie
Gemma Baillie is a member of the BATD and fellow of the UKA. She taught a successful Highland class in Aberdeen, Scotland from 2003-2013 before moving to Toronto, Canada to undertake a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Toronto. Gemma spent a year representing Scotdance Canada as a deputy delegate on the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing. She is an SOBHD registered adjudicator and was an SOBHD competitor for 22 years for which she danced with Wilma Tolmie. She won many championship titles all over the UK including the British open, European and Bute Championships. She also qualified to dance in the World Championship finals 14 times and finished in the top six in the adult world championships in 2003, 2008 and 2009. Together with Rachel McLagan, Gemma organized the 2010 charity Highland dancing concert, “Assemble and Leap” to honour the 60th anniversary of the board whilst raising over £8000 for action Duchene and the MS Society Scotland. In 2013 she ran a charity Highland dancing competition in Aberdeenshire in aid of breast cancer campaign.
Dianne Blackman
Mrs. Blackman has taught competitive Highland dancing in Hamilton, Ontario for over 35 years. She has been an adjudicator with SOBHD for 30 years, and is Member of the BATD and a Fellow of the SDTA. Over the years, she has enjoyed coaching and teaching hundreds of dancers, many of whom have competed successfully in competitions and championships. Several of her pupils have won championship titles such as Commonwealth, Ontario Closed, Ontario Open, and Grandfather Mountain, to name a few. She has also coached dancers who represented Ontario in the Canadian Inter-Provincials, and who have also qualified for the Cowal final, finishing in the top six as well as competing successfully at the Commonwealth Championships in Scotland. Mrs. Blackman is delighted to be invited to participate in such a prestigious event.
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Anne Donlan
Anne has been involved in Highland Dancing since she was 10 years old, when she started taking lessons with Jeannie Brauns of Broadalbin, NY. Anne is a Life Member and Fellow of the SDTA, a Member of the BATD and SOBHD Worldwide Judges Panel. She has judged throughout the United States, Canada and in Scotland. Anne is the immediate Past President of FUSTA and served on the Executive Board since 1995. She was the Chair of the United States Highland Dancing Championship (USIR) in Saratoga Springs, NY in 2006. Anne is currently the Highland Dancing Director for the championship and dance competitions at the New Hampshire Highland Games at the Loon Mountain Ski Resort in Lincoln, NH. She was elected to the New Hampshire Highland Games Board of Directors in 2008. Anne teaches Highland Dancing in Saratoga Springs, NY where she lives with her husband Jim.
Kyla Groeschel
Kyla grew up in the Denver area where she was a competitive Highland Dancer, winning many awards and performing most weekends. In 1987, she moved to Sacramento, California to continue her dancing adventure while she earned a degree in Physical Therapy. She currently teaches and organizes workshops, competitions and performances throughout Northern California. She is a Fellow of the Scottish Dance Teachers Alliance and an adjudicator with the Scottish Official Board’s panel of Judges. In 2005 Kyla received the Crown and Thistle Award from the Sacramento Caledonian Club in recognition of her outstanding service and unselfish dedication to the Club and Scottish fellowship.
Mary
Munro
Mary resides in Burnaby, British Columbia. She is a Fellow and Examiner of the BATD and she is also on the SOBHD Adjudicators Panel. As a competitive dancer, her many awards included the Adult Canadian Championship, Adult British Overseas Championship, Braemar Championship and Best Overseas dancer, Dancers Challenge Medal at Oban, and First Runner-up in the Adult World Championship. As a judge and teacher, she has had the opportunity to travel to Scotland, Australia and extensively throughout North America. Besides teaching full day kindergarten, she also teaches dancing in the Burnaby area and has taught several provincial champions in past years. Mary is the current Treasurer of ScotDance B.C. and ScotDance Canada.
Sandra Weyman
Sandra is a Fellow and Examiner with the BATD and co-chair of the Atlantic Seaboard Region of the BATD. She has served on many FUSTA committees including Past President and East Judges Chair and is currently on the FUSTA Advisory Board and Board of Trustees.
Her dance training started under Australian Champion, Shirley Ayres. Sandra had a successful competitive career with numerous championships under Marguerite Reid in Philadelphia. Both teachers instilled a strong technical background as did work with Jessie Stewart in Scotland.
She has a small, successful dance school in Bucks County, PA where her dancers place consistently in championships and are reps at the USIR.
She is very pleased to be back at the Spring Fling in Chicago and looks forward to a great day of dance.
CHAMPIONSHIP Perpetual Trophy Sponsors
Peter Georgeson Hatton Family In Memory of Douglas Steele Nicht Wi’ Burns In Memory of Roger Wilhelm In Honor of Rachel Fleming
Championship Trophy Sponsors
Village of Itasca & Eaglewood Resort Jim and Isobel Bell In Honor of Jo Kalat In Honor of Sara Gilchrist
Karasek Family Peitzsch-Gibbs School of Highland Dance Rockford Burns Club Lawson-Schlitz Family Dinning Family MacPhee School of Dance Ohio Scottish Games Margaret Callander
Choreography Perpetual Trophy Sponsor In Memory Of Patricia Brown LeNoble
Choreography Trophy Sponsors
In Memory of Pat LeNoble In Honor of John LeNoble In Honor of Rachel Strolle Thistle & Heather Highland Dancers Peitzsch-Gibbs School of Highland Dance
Pre-Premier Trophy Sponsors
Miller Family Few Family Pierce Press Morin Family Donaldson Family Watson Family Rampant Lion Celtic Traders City of Rockford Pipe Band
Pre-Championship Perpetual Trophy Sponsor In Memory of Isobel Smillie
Pre-Championship Trophy Sponsors In Memory of Isobel Smillie
Pre-Championship Sword Challenge Sword
In Memory of Mel Ploessel
Medal Set Sponsors
Duncan Family Sim Family Karasek Family McNicoll Family Kadow Family Hogan Family Hicks Family Rockford Highland Dancers Nicht Wi’ Burns
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU
Thanks to our announcer, Stacie Williams and scrutineers, Mary Recknagel and Maggie Downs.
Special thanks to Margaret Wilhelm for once again being the “receiver of the mail.”
Kudos to the “raffle moms” Celeste Lawson, Elizabeth Steinhauser, and Krista Few and all their helpers along the way.
Thanks to all those who helped in the staging of this event including the marshalls, runners, registration volunteers, raffle volunteers, door volunteers and many more. Spring Fling wouldn’t happen without YOU!
PHOTOGRAPHER
Digital Photographs are being taken by TSS PHOTOGRAPHY Trophy winners receive one 4” x 6” photo at no charge. Additional photos are available at package prices.
THEY WILL BE TAKING ACTION PHOTOS DURING THE COMPETITION! VISIT THEIR BOOTH TO VIEW AND RECEIVE YOUR PHOTOS.
5x7 Photos - $14 each or (3) for $40 Photos will be available online at slightly higher prices after the competition at www.tssphotography.com/southsuburbs
Due to the delicate nature of the perpetual trophies, the Pre-Championship, Choreography, and Championship trophies will remain on permanent display in the Scottish American Museum located at the Scottish Home in North Riverside, IL. Champions will receive a photo (with your trophy) at no charge.
“SPIRIT OF THE DANCE”
This award was established in 2003 in memory of my dance teacher and friend, Margaret Baikie MacDonald Johnson! Margaret taught Highland dancing in the Chicago area for over 55 years. In addition to dancing, Margaret also played the
bagpipes, was an avid lawn bowler, and was “Miss Scotland” at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair.
Margaret was passionate about Highland dancing and she truly believed that effort was worthy of praise. She would have liked to reward the dancer that was trying the hardest, whether or not they were the best dancer. She had the ability to encourage all her students to do their best!
This award is given each year to a Thistle & Heather Highland Dancer who has shown great spirit, not necessarily defined quantitatively in terms of medals and trophies. True spirit comes from within.
As teachers, it is our job to instill this passion that keeps the dancers coming to lessons year after year. We all recognize it – Highland dancing gets in your blood! We are very proud of all our students and the effort that they put forth. It is wonderful to share in their journey from childhood, through the teenage years and on into adulthood, creating memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. Nancy Strolle Director, Thistle & Heather Highland Dancers
Previous winners of this award are: 2013 – Leanna Newell 2012 – Annika Strolle 2011 – Molly Babuk 2010 – Louisa Ishida 2009 – Arbie Karasek 2008 – Mally Ziegler
2007 – Emily Feller 2006 – Caroline Waas 2005 – Marissa Lawrence 2004 – Kristine Witte 2003 – Rachel Fleming
Pre-Championship – “In Memory of Isobel Smillie”
Isobel Smillie was born and raised in Ayr, Scotland where she learned Highland Dancing. After immigrating to the US in the late 1960’s, Isobel taught Highland Dance and formed the Gary Highland Dancers. She taught dances such as the Sean Triubhas, Highland Fling, Broadsword, Sword Dance, Foursome Reel, Strathspey and Reel. Her husband, Bill Smillie, played pipes for her dancers at Tartan Balls and Highland competitions. Isobel gave 100% to teaching and living her life to the fullest. After she retired from teaching, she could always be found cheering her husband and grandchildren’s bagpipe band in every band and solo competition from Illinois to Scotland, in addition to their parades, festivals and dances. Because of her passion for life and dance and everything Scottish, her family is proud to dedicate the Isobel Smillie Memorial to celebrate the finest young dancers of all ages from across North America. Isobel would be overjoyed to know that her legacy lives on through this celebration of life and dance.
Bill Smillie, Bill Peterson and Gail Correa, Isobel’s husband, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren , are here today to present the medals and trophies to the winners of the Pre-Championship they sponsored in memory of Isobel! In addition to the individual age group trophy, there is also a perpetual crystal trophy that will remain on display at the Scottish Home in North Riverside, IL. All age group winners will have their name engraved on the base panels of this trophy.
VENDORS
Rampant Lion Celtic Traders THHD Parents Association Northwest Designs
SPECIAL RAFFLE
Weber Grill “Smokey Joe” basket ($90) James Senior Jig Shoes (Highland XPress) ($110) Illinois Saint Andrew Society Highland Games VIP basket (value over $155) Eaglewood Resort Package ($150) Tickets are $5.00 each or 6 for $25.00
RAFFLE
RAFFLE
RAFFLE
The raffle today is being handled by the Thistle & Heather Highland Dancers Parents Association. Please deposit tickets in the box of your choice! Winners will be drawn following morning awards. Tickets are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00 The raffle moms have been busy throughout the year collecting items for the raffle baskets. Thanks to the many parents who have donated items along with: Illinois Saint Andrew Society * Eaglewood Resort * Highland XPress * Rampant Lion Celtic Traders * Babuk Ink
Be sure to stop by the registration table to pick up information on upcoming competitions, workshops, camps, etc.
You may still sign up for the workshops tomorrow! Workshop room assignments will be made in the morning – please report to the lobby at 9:15! The dance workshop instructors are Gemma Baillie, Dianne Blackman, Mary Munro, Sandra Weyman. NEW THIS YEAR Primary workshop will be led by Kyla Groeschel .
Special thanks to Walkers Shortbread for their generous donation of shortbread for the participants.
In Memory Of Patricia Brown LeNoble
“Larger than life” are words often used to describe my mother, Patricia Brown LeNoble. She was known for many things…..her vast collection of hats….always carrying a “kazoo” in her purse (because you never knew when you might be called on to entertain)…..never missing a birthday or anniversary or just sending a “thinking of you” card…..always matching her purse to her shoes…..her love of holiday sweaters…. and her rendition of “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas”!
While she was born in Ireland, she was a Scot through and through as my grandparents from Aberdeen, just happened to be living in Ireland at the time. Pat was a strong supporter of the Scottish Community in Chicago. Though she never did Highland dancing herself, it was important to her that I have the opportunity. Seldom did she miss an important event related to the dancers. She and my father regularly attended Spring Fling where they would sit with Margaret Callander in the front up by the announcer! (There is a good chance that my father can be found sitting there right now!)
Pat always enjoyed watching the choreography competition, so it seemed a fitting tribute to introduce a perpetual trophy in her honor. All the winners names will be engraved on the base and the perpetual crystal trophy will remain on display at the Scottish Home in North Riverside along with the other Spring Fling trophies.
My father, John LeNoble, along with my daughters, Rachel and Annika, will be presenting the medals and trophies for the Choreography events.
“Our Bonnie Dancer, Sydney Smith”
Sydney Smith, age 10, joins us today from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Shortly after Sydney’s first birthday, a critical illness left her on life support with kidney and liver failure and significant brain damage due to two cardiac arrests. Even as she began to recover, she was unable to hold her head up or even swallow for weeks. But Sydney is a fighter, and has worked hard to regain those skills and so much more. She’s now a third grade student who loves to color, read, sing, and dance! We first met Sydney at the Milwaukee Highland Games in June of 2011. When the competition was finished, she asked her dad to bring her on stage so that she could “dance!” Sydney showed up again at the Wisconsin Highland Games that September and had the chance to come up on stage and “dance” with us during the workshop. She won our hearts and we invited her to be an “honorary” dancer with the Thistle & Heather Highland Dancers. We found her a kilt and hose and the required “jacket and headband”. She and her dad have marched with us in the State Street Thanksgiving Day Parade, while her mom and sister cheered us on from the sidelines. Although Sydney is unable to walk or stand without assistance, that has not quieted the dancer in her. She practices all her hand positions and can bounce to the Highland Fling with the best of them! Indeed, one of the highlights of the Wisconsin competitions comes at the very end when Sydney joins all the dancers on stage for "Sydney's Massed Fling!" A proud member of MacDonald Clan Ranald, Sydney loves everything about being Scottish. We are pleased that she is here with us once again to help hand out the awards.
CHOREOGRAPHY COMPETITION
SOL O CHO REO GRA PHY - 12 & UND ER 404 Kearra 405 406 407 408 409
SOL O CHO REO GRA PHY - 13 & OVE R 414 415 416 417 418 419
DeJack
Brighton MI
10
Kayla McKenna Bronwyn Erin Emma
Sutherland Lindsay Garden-Smith Blair Schiff
London ON Chesterfield MI Stratford ON Laguna Niguel CA Oak Park CA
10 9 12 10 12
Laura Shelby April Kaylee Gabrielle Erin
Hester Matthews Thomas Finnegan Rosenthal MacNeil
Gainsville FL Cincinnati OH Northville MI Laguna Niguel CA Atlanta GA Oceanside CA
26 19 13 13 15 13
Simi Valley CA Thousand Oaks CA
DUE T CHO REO GRA PHY 442 McNicoll/Watson 443 Schiff/Watson
Oakdale CT Downers Grove IL
GRO UP CHO REO GRA PHY 447 Peitzsch-Gibbs School 448 Thistle & Heather
PRE-CHAMPIONSHIP
“Special Scholarship”
The Ohio Scottish Arts School is pleased to offer one $100.00 scholarship towards attending dance camp in Oberlin, OH from June 28th – July 3rd. Dancers in the Pre-Championship from age 12 – 15 will have their names placed in a “hat”. The first name called will be the scholarship recipient. The second name called will be the alternate should the winner choose not to accept the scholarship by March 22, 2014. Please see Margaret Callander or Missy Gentry if your name was called.
For more information regarding OSAS please visit: www.ohioscottishartsschool.com
2013 OSAS Participants
Pre-Championship Challenge Sword Dance
The Pre-Championship Sword is donated in loving memory of Mel Ploessel by his daughter Violet Kilby and his granddaughter Brenna Kilby. Mel had strong Scottish roots and loved playing the bagpipes. He also loved Highland dancing and playing his bagpipes for dancers. Mel loved to watch his granddaughter dance, and was thrilled that she was carrying on her Scottish heritage. With the sword dance being his favorite dance, Violet and Brenna felt it was the perfect way to honor his memory. PRE SWORD -CH AM
PIO NS HIP CH ALL EN GE
289 248 249 251 252 294 277 298 257 394 278 259
Morgan Cameron Heather Grace Heather Melissa Alastair Devon Rosalyn Adeline Rebecca McKenna
Woodring Goldie Hobson Grant Magallanes McBrayer Bolton Spencer Agapito Byrne Butler Lindsay
19 12 11 12 10 26 15 32 9 10 13 11
Batavia Grand Blanc SanMarcos London Brampton Smithville Oakville Amston Windsor Novi Norwood Chesterfield
OH MI CA ON ON MO ON CT ON MI MA MI
Special thanks to the Village of Itasca and the Eaglewood Resort for sponsoring the Championship Trophies this year!
“Discover Scottish Dance” Merchandise Available
Decals are $1.00 Your choice of either static cling for interior application or adhesive on the back for exterior application. Black t-shirts with “silver bling” logo are $20.00! Please make checks payable to FUSTA FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT: www.discoverscottishdance.com powered by FUSTA
