Nora's Victoria Feis Photos *UPDATED*

Samantha, Tess, Josie, Lucy, Reese, Zoe and Malia

At the Victoria Feis on Monday

NPIDA at the Victoria Feis

Justine

Congratulations Kristen and Julie!
3rd and 4th in the 15+ Novice/Prizewinner
Treble Jog Trophy

Our U-12 Open dancers

Josie (3rd), Samantha (2nd) and Tess (1st)

Nora and Poppy

Congratulations on advancing to Prelim Poppy!

Congratulations to sisters Aki and Yuka;

they both won their Prelim competitions!

Aki is now half-way to Open; Yuka has advanced

to Open Championships.

Congratulations Esther and Zoe!

Esther: 3rd in U-12 Prelim;

Zoe: 2nd in U-10 Prelim

Josie, Tess and Samantha

Maya, Erika, Shu-in and Anna

Congratulations Alexis!

3rd in 16+ Prelim Championships

Thank you to Nora for submitting these photos from the Victoria Feis. Nora is also pleased to confirm the following dancer advancements:

- Yuka has advanced from Prelim to Open Championships.
- Poppy T and Riley T have advanced to Prelim Championships.
- Shu-in has qualified for a red dress.

Congratulations girls!

More Victoria Feis Photos

Justine and Poppy at the Victoria Feis.

Justine placed 2nd in the U-11 Novice/Prizewinner Treble Jig Trophy

and 2nd in the U-12 Novice/Prizewinner Treble Reel Trophy.

Poppy placed 1st in the U-12 Novice/Prizewinner Treble Jig Trophy

Justine with her trophies

Thank you to Kendall for submitting these photos taken yesterday at the Victoria Feis.

Today at the Victoria Feis! *UPDATED x 2*

Catharine and Olivia

Congratulations Olivia!

3rd in U-18 Open Championships

Congratulations to our U-12 Open Championship dancers:

Josie (3rd), Samantha (2nd) and Tess (1st)

Back: Tess and Reese. Front: Samantha and Josie

NPIDA has 31 dancers competing at the Victoria Feis today. This is an outdoor feis taking place in association with the Victoria Highland Games. Good luck to all competitors! Thank you to Leanne (photos #1-2) and Dawn (photos #3-4) for submitting these photos.

Here are the NPIDA results from the Victoria Feis today:

PRELIM CHAMPIONSHIPS
U-10
Zoe C: 1st in Soft Shoe, 2nd in Hard Shoe, 2nd in Set Dance, 2nd overall
Reese T: 1st in Soft Shoe, 3rd overall
Malia K: 2nd in Soft Shoe, 3rd in Hard Shoe, 3rd in Set Dance

U-12
Esther X: 2nd in Hard Shoe, 3d in Set Dance, 3rd overall

U-14
Yuka H: 2nd in Soft Shoe, 5th in Hard Shoe, 1st in Set Dance, 1st overall!

U-16
Aki H: 3rd in Soft Shoe, 1st in Hard Shoe, 2nd in Set Dance, 1st overall!

16+
Alexis B: 3rd in Soft Shoe, 2nd in Set Dance, 3rd overall

OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS
U-12
Tess M: 1st in Soft Shoe, 2nd in Hard Shoe, 1st in Set Dance, 1st overall!
Samantha S: 2nd in Soft Shoe, 1st in Hard Shoe, 3rd in Set Dance, 2nd overall
Josie S: 3rd in Soft Shoe, 3rd in Hard Shoe, 2nd in Set Dance, 3rd overall

U-14
Eloise C: 4th in Soft Shoe, 4th in Hard Shoe

U-18
Olivia A: 2nd in Soft Shoe, 1st in Set Dance, 3rd overall

PRELIM/OPEN TREBLE REEL TROPHY
U-10
Zoe C: 3rd
Malia K: 3rd

U-12
Samantha S: 1st!
Josie S: 4th
Esther X: 4th

U-14
Eloise C: 4th

16+
Olivia A: 2nd

PRELIM/OPEN SLIP JIG TROPHY
U-12
Lucy F: 1st!
Esther X: 2nd

U-14
Eloise C: 3rd

16+
Olivia A: 1st!

BEGINNER LIGHT JIG TROPHY
U-8
Sophie X: 5th

12+
Maya S: 2nd

NOVICE/PRIZEWINNER TREBLE JIG TROPHY
U-11
Justine F: 2nd
Eliana K: 4th

U-12
Poppy T: 1st!

15+
Julie C: 3rd
Kristen L: 4th

NOVICE/PRIZEWINNER TREBLE REEL TROPHY
U-10
Naomi N: 2nd

U-12
Justine F: 2nd

Thank You: 2016 PMAE

The McAndless Foundation would like to thank all those NPIDA dancers who submitted their application for the Patrick McAndless Award for Excellence (PMAE) - your participation is greatly appreciated knowing you have taken an important step towards making a difference in the community.

Thanks is also extended to the PMAE Committee members for their involvement, to Kali McAndless for her dedicated and outstanding PMAE website management, and to Dan Anderson for his ongoing support and guidance with the PMAE application process. Last but not least, a special thank you to Nora for allowing the PMAE to be a part of the growth and development of her school and students.

Winners of the 2016 PMAE will be presented by former winner and PMAE Ambassador Jessie H at the NPIDA Year End Show Our Celtic Celebration on June 8th.

For more information about the PMAE please click HERE.

Year End Show on June 8: Ticket Reminder!

2015 Canada Day (photo by Steve T)

Reminder to all NPIDA and EBIDS Parents and Dancers:

DO YOU HAVE YOUR TICKETS YET?

Year End Performance for all NPIDA classes

JUNE 8th, 5PM - 8PM

Location: Two Lions Restaurant, Westview Shopping Centre.

We can make it easy for you; simply e-mail Cheryl (NPIDA Studio Manager) at infoATeireborn.net with your ticket order; you can request that your order be charged to your credit card if we have it on file. You can also pick up your tickets from Cheryl at the studio.

We hope to see all NPIDA families on June 8!

Samantha at the World Championships

Nora and Samantha at Worlds, March 2016

Samantha at Worlds

Samantha and family at Worlds

Sightseeing in Scotland after Worlds

Thank you to Dawn for submitting these photos from the 2016 World Championships, which took place in Glasgow in March. This was Samantha's first Worlds competition; congratulations!

Please click HERE for a March 23 article in the Scottish newspaper The Guardian, which featured a photo (below) of Samantha. Thank you to Dawn for submitting this link.

Photo credit: The Guardian newspaper

Jessie: PMAE Ambassador

Jessie

The McAndless Family Foundation is pleased to announce that Jessie H has accepted the role of Ambassador for the Patrick McAndless Award for Excellence (PMAE).

Jessie, a former PMAE winner, is thrilled with this opportunity and will be attending the NPIDA year-end show Our Celtic Celebration on June 8 to present the PMAE awards. Her role will involve promoting the concept and value of the PMAE and the importance of volunteering to EBIDS members and NPIDA dancers.

For further information about the PMAE award, please click HERE. (Application deadline was yesterday, May 15).

EBIDS Doughnut Fundraiser

Eloise, Zoe, Poppy, Willow, Bridget and Sylvia

Willow and Zoe

Lucy

Thanks to Janice (photo #1-2) and Stefanie (photo #3) for these photos, taken yesterday at a Krispy Kreme doughnut sale (EBIDS fundraiser) in North Vancouver.

Emerald City Feis Results: Saturday

Naomi and Jessica at the Emerald City Feis today

Naomi

Mary: 6th in U-17 Open

Congratulations to these NPIDA dancers at the Emerald City Feis in Seattle today! Thank you to Nancy (photos #1-2) and Shelley (photo #3).

OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS
U-17
Mary M: 5th in Hard Shoe, 6th overall

NOVICE/PRIZEWINNER REEL AND TREBLE JIG TROPHY
U-9
Jessica J: 4th

U-10
Naomi N: 1st! Congratulations and welcome to Prelim Championships Naomi!

NOVICE/PRIZEWINNER TREBLE REEL
U-10
Naomi N: 3rd

Dress For Sale (#2016-4)

Information about this dress from the owner:

Dress for sale, made by Siope Rince in September 2015.

Total length: 27 inches

Arm length: 21 inches

Never been altered!

Price: $1950

Please contact Bridget at msbcoutureATgmail.com (please replace AT with @).

PMAE Applications Due By Sunday May 15!

The McAndless Family Foundation would like to remind all 2016 PMAE applicants that your applications are due by Sunday May 15.

Applicants who have not already done so are encouraged to finalize and submit their PMAE applications on or before May 15, and check to see that all of their references have submitted their reference forms.

Need more information? Please click HERE for the PMAE website.

Sound Crew Workshop: Saturday May 14

Vic and Pat at the Steveston dock shows, August 2015

NPIDA parents: You are invited to join Pat and Vic on Saturday May 14 at 10AM at the NPIDA studio for an introductory Sound Crew training workshop. These two long-time NPIDA dads/volunteers have been doing the sound for Eire Born shows for the past 16+ years!

We need some enthusiastic NPIDA parents to learn the basics of operating the sound equipment for Eire Born shows. No previous experience needed!

Sound teams are an important part of Eire Born shows year-round, and particularly during St. Patrick's week when we have multiple troupes performing across the lower mainland.

Please RSVP to Bridget at msbcoutureATgmail.com

Supporting the Brady Academy in Fort McMurray

Photo from the Brady Academy fundraising page

You have no doubt heard about the devastating forest fires which are still raging out of control in the Fort McMurray area of Alberta. The Brady Irish Dance Academy in Fort McMurray has lost their studio to the fire. Along with all other residents of Fort McMurray, 15 Brady Irish Dance families were forced to evacuate the city. All of these families are safe; some have lost their homes to the fire.

Please join us and other members of the Western Canadian Irish dance community in showing our support to these families who have been directly affected by the fire. An online relief fund has been set up; if you are able to make a donation to assist our fellow Western Canadian Irish dance families, please consider doing so.

Click HERE for a direct link to the GoFundMe fundraising page for the Brady Academy in Fort McMurray.

Eire Born in Action - April 2016

Eire Born at Ocean Concrete on April 30

At the North Shore Celtic Ensemble Ceili on April 23
Back: Alexis, Reese F, Claire, Sophie and Kristen
Middle: Poppy, Eloise, Ciara, Justine, Cara, Lucy and Julie
Front: Willow, Reese T and Holly

Thank you to Stefanie (photo #1) and Cheryl (photos #2-6) for submitting these photos from recent Eire Born performances. The first photo was taken at Ocean Concrete on Granville Island (April 30), and the other five photos were taken at Eire Born's performance with the North Shore Celtic Ensemble on April 23. Thank you to all the dancers and parents!

REMINDER: Don't forget the EBIDS Car Wash this Saturday May 7 from 12PM-4PM at the Superstore parking lot! If you can volunteer to help (2-hour shifts) that would also be greatly appreciated! You can still sign up on the poster in the NPIDA studio.

NPIDA's Year-End Celebration: June 8!

Nora is pleased to announce that NPIDA's annual year-end show, Our Celtic Celebration, will be held on WEDNESDAY JUNE 8, 5:00-8:00PM.

Location: Two Lions Restaurant

2601 Westview Drive

North Vancouver

Tickets:
Adults (19+): $25 (burger, house beer/wine or highball, and door prize raffle ticket)
Teens and Seniors: $17 (teen menu item and unlimited soft drinks, tea, coffee)
Children age 12 and under: $10 (child menu item and unlimited soft drinks)

This event will be an informal fun social event for ALL NPIDA dancers to shine on stage with their Irish dancing! Special guest musicians from the Celtic Ensemble Alumni. Annual awards and scholarships will also be presented at this event. Don't miss it!

More details and ticket sales to follow within the next week! Meanwhile please mark your calendars for Wednesday June 8!

We look forward to welcoming

all NPIDA families to this fun family event!

PMAE Reminder: Applications Due May 15!

This is a reminder from the PMAE Committee that all PMAE applications are due on or before the May 15 deadline. Applicants are encouraged to check with their references to ensure that reference forms have been completed and submitted prior to the application deadline. Please click HERE for the PMAE website.

Eire Born at Granville Island

Thank you to Leanne for submitting this photo, taken yesterday at Granville Island. Eire Born performed three outdoor shows at Ocean Concrete. Many thanks to all of the dancers and parents who helped make this happen!

Eire Born Floor and Van Moves to North Van

Andrew, Sophie, Erik, Chris, Vic,

Bridget, Janice, Laura and Kendall.

Photo taken by Stefanie

For the past 14 years - since summer 2002 - the NPIDA portable dance floor has been stored in Richmond. Pat and Vic originally built it for the Eire Born shows during the 2002 Tall Ships Festival on the Steveston docks. The Eire Born van has also been stored in Richmond since it was generously donated to NPIDA several years ago.

It's now time to relocate the floor and the van to North Vancouver! Recently Pat and Vic relabelled all 25 of the floor pieces and created written instructions and a diagram for assembling the floor. Vic transported the van and floor to North Vancouver yesterday, and also held a brief instructional session for several NPIDA parents.

Thank you parents! And thank you Pat and Vic for building and caretaking the floor for the past 14 years!

Interview with Jessie, 2015 PMAE Winner

Interview with NPIDA dancer Jessie H, who was the top ($2000) winner of the 2015 PMAE. Interview and video by Kali McA.

NPIDA dancers: have YOU entered the 2016 PMAE yet? Please click HERE for full details! Your reference request forms are due by this upcoming Sunday May 1; completed applications are due May 15.

EBIDS Car Wash: Saturday May 7

The EBIDS Board has submitted the following announcement:

Hello NPIDA dancers, Dads, and Moms;

WHAT: EBIDS Fundraiser: Mother's Day Car Wash!!
WHEN: Not on Mother's Day but Saturday May 7th from 12:00PM-4:00PM.
WHERE: Superstore, North Vancouver
HOW: Sign up for a 2-hour shift on the poster in the studio or by e-mailing Cheryl. Shifts are 12PM-2PM or 2PM-4PM.
BRING: A bucket and a sponge/cloth, and a parent (preferably Dads as Mother's Day is on Sunday).
AFTER: Everyone is invited to the Raven in Deep Cove for pizza after the second shift; approximately 4:30-6:30PM.

Clip art from Google Images.

PMAE: Have You Applied Yet?

The PMAE deadline is May 15; reference requests must be submitted by May 1. You have two weeks left to submit your reference requests and four weeks to complete your application; have you applied yet? Check out the PMAE website HERE for full details!

Everyone Has An Opportunity To Be A PMAE Winner

PMAE trophy

The PMAE recognizes dancers with NPIDA who demonstrate the highest qualities of passion, work ethic, dedication, persistence and leadership in pursuit of excellence in Irish dance, academics and voluntary community service. The PMAE is available as a $5000 donation that is divided into six awards for excellence:

      * 4 recipients each receive $500

* 1 recipient receives $1000

* 1 recipient receives $2000

To apply for the PMAE, applicants must be:
* a registered dancer with the NPIDA
* 10 years of age or older
* currently enrolled in elementary, secondary or post secondary school

For further information about the PMAE

and to apply, please click HERE.

Please note:

Reference Request forms must be submitted by May 1, 2016.

Applications must be submitted by May 15, 2016

Eire Born at Ceili in the Cove

Eire Born backstage tonight

Eire Born at Ceili in the Cove

Thank you to Nora for submitting these photos, taken at the Ceili in the Cove in Deep Cove tonight. Nora says "Amazing group of talented Eire Born dancers performed tonight at the Ceili in the Cove. Congratulations girls!"

Your EBIDS Board for 2016

EBIDS held their AGM last Sunday April 3 and are pleased to confirm the EBIDS Board members for this upcoming year as follows:

Bridget C: Chair
Janice R: Secretary
Sylvia T: Treasurer
Dawn W: Member-At-Large
Cara F: Show Attendance
Stefanie B: Show Booking and Marketing
Sophie M: Show Booking and Marketing
Shelley M: Fundraising

For inquiries regarding EBIDS matters please contact Bridget at msbcoutureATgmail.com.

Thank you to this dedicated group of parents for their service to all NPIDA families and EBIDS members!

St. Pat's: Thank You and Attendance Sheets

On behalf of EBIDS, Bridget has submitted the following message:

Thank you to all the amazing Eire Born dancers, guests and sound teams who gave their time and talent to help make the St. Patrick's Day season a huge success! A special thanks to our dedicated troupe captains. We appreciate your enthusiasm and leadership. 

Go raibh maith agaibh (thank you in Irish!)

Attention St. Pat's troupe captains:

Cara (Reese's mum) will now be collecting show attendance sheets. Please complete these sheets noting the attendance of each dancer in your troupe. There is a folder at the studio where you can put your attendance sheets. Thank you!