Stewart School: Celebrating Irish Culture and Dance Traditions
VANCOUVER - Planning and preparation are well underway for the 26th annual Stewart School Feis. The largest Irish culture festival and competition in British Columbia, the feis attracts 700 to 800 competitors each year.
Dancers from across Canada and the Western United States travel to Vancouver with their families to participate in a variety of cultural competitions, including traditional Irish dance, baking, art, music and poetry.
Competitors of all ages (four to 65+) participate in cultural, solo and group dance competitions, adjudicated by a panel of international judges. Several commemorative trophies will be awarded along with the standard trophy and medal competitions.
The Stewart School feis is a key preparatory competition for the annual North American National Irish Dance Championships. Each year many B.C. dancers of all ages qualify for this prestigious five-day competition which attracts championship dancers from all over the world.
The Stewart School is proud to have 13 dancers representing British Columbia in this year’s Nationals which will be held in San Diego this summer.
One of the oldest and largest schools of traditional Irish dance in the Pacific Northwest, the Stewart School of Irish Dance was founded in 1974 by Magdalene Stewart, TCRG, ADCRG, born Magdalene McCann in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
It's not all about classes and competing though. Music and dance are pivotal elements of Celtic community and Magdalene’s lifelong dedication to Irish cultural and dance traditions ensures that the colourful black, green and pink costumes of the Stewart School are a frequent sight throughout the Lower Mainland at special events, such the annual BC Highland Games and Canada Day celebrations. Stewart dancers also participate in a number of community events, festivals and parades.
Sponsored by Tara Rince, a non-profit association dedicated to the preservation of Irish traditions and culture, the Stewart School feis will be held on June 18-19 at the Bonsor Recreation Centre, located at 6550 Bonsor Avenue in Burnaby, B.C.
Everyone is invited to join in this lively celebration of Irish culture. Dance and cultural competitions will be held throughout the weekend. You can also visit the vendor’s market for a sampling of traditional Irish goods, jewellery and dance supplies, or pop upstairs to the concession for a spot of tea.
For more information on registration, pricing or general enquires about the Stewart School feis, visit their website at www.stewartschoolofirishdance.com, or call Ann Kroeker at (604) 526-6602.
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