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Maureen Onesti Academy

Newsflash Page
~ This page will contain any news within the Academy ~
Remember, if you have any news you wish to share, please email me the details with any images and I'll put it up on this page

Nadia & Niamh getting measured for their new costumes at Celtic Yarns.

As usual, Tony and his team are looking after my girls really well.

*First Holy Communion*

Wishing all the girls who are making their
First Holy Communion in May the very best of luck.

Hope the weather keeps up for you and please remember and send
your photos x

New Class Venue....Greenock

All Greenock Classes will now be held in the

Hillend Park Bowling Club
Border Street
Greenock
PA15 2EF
The address is listed as Border Street as the club house is on Border Street but the hall is the next street over and called Hillend Drive. There is a lane that runs between the two streets so if people park on Border Street they can easily walk to the hall through the lane. This will save congesting the area immediately outside the hall.

Classes on a Thursday evening and a Saturday morning will now be held in Hillend Bowling Club
This change will be wonderful for all dancers as we no longer have to stop and start classes for church service etc.

Classes will be as follows......

All dancers up to under 10 will be in the first class along with older dancers who are still in grades, ie, beginners etc, with all other dancers attending the second class unless otherwise advised by me.

Due to the space limits in the hall, can I ask all dancers at the 1st class to
leave the hall as quickly as possible at the end of their lesson to allow the 2nd class to commence. All dancers who are waiting on their sisters may wait in the designated area/room outwith the class hall area. This area will be supervised.

No children are allowed in the Kitchen Area....it is strictly 'out of bounds'
as advised by the Hall Committee

Maureen

Midwinter Feis 2010
Saturday 30th January

Well done to all the dancers today ...a total of 22 first places
plus lots of other placings.
Thanks to Grace McNulty for a wonderful,
well run Feis....we all had a fantastic day.
A few photos of our dancers with our new class dress

Just a wee update on the lack of info on the website recently. As you all know, my PC broke
and it was too costly to repair, so I decided to purchase a new PC. I'm happy to say that my super duper PC has
been built to my specification and it's now up and running. It has taken me quite some time though to upload
all the files and software due to classes etc. I'm now happy to say that I'm up and running again (Wed PM)
and that I'll be able to keep you all up to date with the goings on within the Academy.

I'm a happy and I'm a PC...lol

New ...New...New...Class Dress

WE LOVE OUR NEW CLASS DRESS....Katelyn & Kara x

Hi everyone....just keeping everyone up to date with all the latest within the Academy. As you all will know, we have been undertaking major fundraising for our new class dresses. I'm delighted to say that we now have managed to purchase many for our dancers. We had our first feis on 20th January (Midwinter Feis) and I think I'm safe in saying that each and everyone of us enjoyed the day. The Feis was fantastic and I'm delighted with all your feedback.

However, as I always say, it's the dancers who are priority within the Academy and their 'happiness and enjoyment' will always remain a 'priority'. I loved to see all the kids so Hyper and Excited yesterday and that was before they even danced!!!! The Academy also did really well winning 22 first places and many many other placings throughout the day. Well done to the dancers for all their hard work and dedication. The fun and hard work will continue!

A big THANK-YOU goes out to Tony McGlynn at Celtic Yarns in Coatbridge who made the dresses. His team have, once again, not disappointed us. The dresses are stunning and thanks from the bottom of my heart Tony.

Below we have a photo of Alyson with the T-shirt....Alyson is always up for a good laugh

Our fundraising efforts will continue for the remaining dancers who will need a class dress
(all dancers up to under 9),
however participation in fundraising is essential so all children have one - I know lots of different events are taking place at all classes, so keep up the good work everyone. As anyone who was at the Midwinter Feis will testify, all the hard work fundraising is well worth it when you wee how chuffed you kids are when they get their new dress.....we just loved seeing all their little faces and seeing how excited they all were!

Below are just a few photos from the Midwinter Feis

Our next Feis is St. Francis's Feis at the Maryhill Halls in Glasgow on 20th & 21st February. Many of our dancers didn't take part in the MIdwinter Feis due to it being a beginner/pre-open Feis, so it won't be long dancers before you get your turn......I know you are all desperate. Thanks to many of these dancers who turned up and supported the other dancers at the Midwinter Feis yesterday, it's much appreciated. Thanks to.....

Caragh, Maria, Kathryn, Kimberely, Caitlin and Lisa.....I know you were all itching to get on the dancefloor, but next time...lol -
Best wishes goes out to Chloe who injured her foot while warming up yesterday and was unable to dance. I know how much you were looking forward to dancing yesterday Chloe and I wish you a speedy recovery and hope to see you at the next Feis. Sending you a big

Maureen O x

Christmas 2009 Party Galleries

Wishing all my dancers, parents, friends and colleagues a
Happy New Year 2010

Hope 2010 can bring you all true happiness and may all your dreams come true...here's to an exciting year for all in the Academy...we have much to look forward to.

Check out the News Page for Updates!

Fundraising Update & New Class Costume plus other class information

There are many activities taking place at all classes at the minute. Please keep a check on the Academy News Page for updates. It was great to see our Irvine class kicking off with Fundraising Activities at the first class in 2010. We have a bagpacking event coming up before the end of January, organised by Steven Lewis and also a sponsored 'irish dance' organised by Maria McVey. If you need further details, don't hesitate contacting them both.

*

I have seen the new 'class costume' this week and it's a stunner. As you all know, there are many dancers who have been measured for their new dress. Can I ask everyone to not forget their 'fitting' with Tony at Celtic Yarns. Can I also ask.......If you are getting a new dress and have any embroidered skirt and polo shirts could you see if
of the beginners need an outfit. There are many beginners in the class who need outfits for the next few Feiseanna coming up.

*

The Syllabus for St. Frances's Feis in Glasgow is being circulated around all classes. The closing date for entries is week ending 22nd January. Please do not hesitate asking for any help if you need assistance filling out the entry form. Susan is taking all entries at the Greenock class.

*

Happy 18th Birthday to Hollie Morrison

Hollie, from Greenock, is 18 today 10th January. Hope you have a fab Birthday Hollie

Thanks for the cake at class on Saturday, it was lovely.

from Maureen, Cara & Louise and everyone at the Academy

New Class for 2010

• A new class is starting in St. Patrick's Hall in Greenock on a Saturday morning.
  This class is for ALL at the Academy and dancers from all classes can attend. This class will be a great one to attend as we will be able to get lots of work done each Saturday....always a great hard working class!
• Classes in Irvine won't start back until Tuesday 12th January as the hall doesn't open until next week. A second class in Irvine is being organised as per request, so keep checking the website for further announcements.
• Further meetings regarding our 'fundraising' events for our Euro Disney trip in October are being planned. As in previous trips, it is our aim to be able to make a major financial contribution to this trip to keep costs to a minimum.....participation in all fundraising events is therefore essential to ensure each dancer gets the opportunity to travel to Paris
  Please Note - This trip is for all dancers within the Academy as there is no age limit in participation.
• Our New Class Dresses should be ready in January...please make sure you make all the arrangements with Tony McGlynn at Celtic Yarns regarding your appointments etc

Up and Coming Feiseanna in Scotland in 2010

*January - Beginner & Pre-Open Feis in Maryhill Halls

*February - St. Francis's Feis in Maryhill Halls

*March - All Scotland Championships 2010

*March/April - All Ireland & International Championships 2010 in Dublin

Please Note....Information and Links to all up and coming Feiseanna will appear on our website....please keep a check as there is likely to be a Feis each month in Scotland, however, there are many other Feiseanna in Ireland and in England each month,
so please keep a check on the Official website for further details
Click Here

Our Academy finished on a high this year with much to look forward to in 2010. It's touching to see everyone so excited and thanks to all the parents and supporters who, like Cara and I, wish to make each dancer in the Academy have the best time ever.

Here's to an exciting and memorable year ahead for all

Maureen and Cara

Celtic Irish Dance Festival
Disneyland Paris
15th to 18th October 2010

As discussed at all classes, plans are underway for our trip to Disneyland Paris for this exciting trip. An event all dancers at the Academy will be able to participate in.

Please click on the image above for further details.

Many thanks to all the companies in the Greenock area for being
so kind in donating lots of wonderful prizes. Above are some pics of the
girls at some of the companies who have donated items.

Engagement
the happy couple....Natalie & Aaron

Congratulations to Natalie & Aaron
on their engagement and the success of their Fantastic party.

Wonderful news as Natalie is my very first dancer who started my class
at the age of 5. Natalie has proven to be loyal, dedicated and one of the nicest girls around. Aaron is a lucky guy indeed!

A big Thank-you to everyone who made our class competition 2009
a special day. Thanks to......
All the mums, dads and friends who were on 'rota' in the kitchen
keeping us all 'well fed'
To all the mums for donating all the kitchen items.....wonderful!!!!!
Susan, Eleanor and Jackie for setting up the hall on Saturday and
laying the flooring.
To Micheal for bringing the flooring down from Bellshill and to David
for laying the flooring.
To John for sitting at the door (for hours) thanks
To everyone who handed in raffle prizes...they were fantastic and
the dancers loved that there were prizes for them also.
The Hallkeepers of Boglestone who were so helpful and didn't mind too
much when the comp went over it's arranged time.
To all the sponsors who donated all the Championship Cups,
they were beautiful
To Cara, Louise, Hayley and Lorraine for helping on the day with the stages.
To our Adjudicators, Owen McAuley ADCRG and Val Jeffrey TMRF, for the wonderful job they did

and lastly

To all the dancers, whom without , this day would never have been possible.
Thanks for all the messages saying you all had a great day :)
I had a fantastic day and enjoyed it very much......I have to admit, it was the
best Class Comp ever and it will be hard to 'top' it next year, but we will try :)
my apologies if I have forgotten anyone....this is for you......
Thankyou

A video of the Class Competition will be available also with all proceeds
going towards Lisa Townsend's trip to
Philadelphia for the World Championships

Many Thanks to the Sponsors who have been kind to Donate

5 New Championship Cups
...sponsors
The Rosebank Garden Centre Cup
Paul James Kelly Jnr Memorial Cup
The Bryson Family Cup
The Smith Family Cup
Maureen Onesti Academy Class Cup (donated by anon' parent from the Academy)
Maureen Onesti Academy Class Cup (donated by anon' parent from the Academy)

Raffle Prizes by all parents and friends

Hall Decorations by Maureen & Cara

It's great to see everyone so involved in making this a special day.

Many Thanks......Maureen

Congratulations to...
Academy dancer Victoria Bryson

Victoria celebrated her 18th birthday at a spectacular party on Saturday 17th January
at the Old Mill Hotel in Motherwell. It was a double celebration as Victoria was sworn in this week as a
Police Constable with the Strathclyde Police. Congratulations from all at the Academy

Mum Marcia with Victoria and Maureen at her party
It was a fantastic evening

Lorraine, Maureen, Victoria, Marcia and Cara

For All Irish Dancers Everywhere
Are you suffering from an Irish Dancing Related Injury

specialist in Irish Dancing related injuries
Please read on....Click Here

Academy News ... Academy News
Now everyone at all classes have been informed

I am delighted to officially tell all that our Academy in now affiliated to
Comhdháil Múinteoirí Na Rincí Gaelacha

On Monday 23rd of November I gave notification of my resignation to An Coimission. It is with immediate effect that all dancers who attend my dance school will now dance under the ruling of An Comhdhail. All rules pertaining to this change has been fully explained to all within my Academy and I'm delighted at the wonderful encouraging response from all. As explained, I am no stranger to this organisation having danced and taught within this organisation for many many years and I am delighted to return.

Can I thank fellow teachers, dancers, parents and good friend for their kind wishes

Regarding the feis at Maryhill Halls, Glasgow in January - Can I ask all to take a look at the syllabus that is being passed around at class. Entries for this Feis are due now. All Ireland entries are also due asap.

For further details regarding An Comhdhail , please check out the website
Comhdháil Múinteoirí Na Rincí Gaelacha
This website will include most up and coming Feiseanna for 2010 and is most informative.....
bookmark it for future reference.

So it's business as normal........see everyone at the jiggin and once again, thanks for your continued support

Maureen & Cara

Academy student, Lisa Townsend, qualifies for the
World Championships
in
Philadelphia,
in 2009

Photo of Lisa and her proud mum Karen moments after Lisa found out she had qualified.

© Maureen Onesti Academy 2008
Email - onestidancing@aol.com

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