Stewart School: Celebrating
Irish Culture and Dance Traditions
VANCOUVER - Preparations are well underway for the 27th Annual Stewart School Feis. The largest Irish culture festival and competition in British Columbia, the feis attracts 500 to 600 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 over 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 11 dancers representing British Columbia in this year's Nationals which will be held in Ottawa 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. She was born Magdalene McCann in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
It's not all about classes and competing though. Music and dance are pivotal elements of the 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.
They participate at special events such as the annual B.C. Highland Games, Canada Day celebrations, along with a number of community events, festivals and parades.
The Stewart School feis will be held on June 16-17 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 vendors market for a sampling of traditional Irish goods, jewellery and dance supplies. Or pop upstairs to the concession for a spot of tea. You don't want to miss out on this fantastic weekend.
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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