For the Love of Dance
Caitlin began Highland dancing at the age of 8 with Jan Oakes in Arnprior. She was one of the original five who formed the ‘Paisley Dancers’, a Highland performance group. Caitlin loved to dance (and that’s an understatement!). Her enthusiasm to learn, perform, choreograph and teach others was contagious. In the three years that Caitlin danced, she successfully progressed to the Premier level in competitive Highland.
At the age of 11, Caitlin was in a fatal car accident. This competition was created in her memory to help celebrate her spirit, and genuine love of dance.
Important registration information
Registration can be found on the Entry Form page.
In addition to dancer registration, you will need to purchase a Family Day Pass. Please note: this event is not included as a benefit of OHDA membership. All families need to purchase one (1) pass per family. For example, if a household has multiple dancers competing, they only need to purchase one (1) Family Day Pass.
Intermediate and Premier dancers also have the option of Participating in our Special Choreography Event called ‘Caitlin’s Jig’. For more information on Caitlin’s Jig and the steps involved in this special choreography event, click on the links below.
Directions To Robert Simpson Park in Arnprior
From Ottawa: 417 West. Take Exit #180. At the stop sign, turn RIGHT toward Arnprior. Continue on until you reach Madawaska Blvd. Turn LEFT at the stop sign onto Madawaska Blvd. Continue on to centre of town until you reach John Street North (lights). Turn RIGHT onto John Street North. Follow this to Robt. Simpson Park. Free parking at the park grounds. Tents and dogs (on leash) allowed.
From the West: 17 East. LEFT at White Lake Road (lights) — name changes to Daniel Street. When you reach the T-junction at the top of this street (Madawaska Blvd. — lights), turn LEFT. Then make an immediate RIGHT onto John St. North (lights). Follow to the park. Free parking at the park grounds.
In the event of inclement weather, the competition will be held indoors at the Nick Smith Centre, 77 James Street in Arnprior, just east off of Daniel Street. (From 417, turn north on White Lake Rd/Daniel St heading into Arnprior. Continue north. Look for the sign on your left pointing to NICK SMITH CENTRE. Turn RIGHT onto James and travel to the end.
Special Choreography Event – Caitlin’s Jig
The special choreography event ‘Caitlin’s Jig’ is open to Intermediate and Premier dancers ONLY. Dancers can enter a choreographed number with TWO dancers (no more, no less).
Groups will be determined, depending on the number of entries, and by the average age in the pairing. Caitlin’s Jig will be judged as a Special Event Choreography, and therefore, is not eligible to be included in the trophy calculations.
Creativity is encouraged! Dancers must incorporate the 4 set steps into their choreographed number. Tutorials on these steps can be found on our website. Dancers will need to choreograph 32 counts of their own choreography into their submission. Dancers and teachers have creative freedom with the music, theme and costumes, with the understanding that these selections should be age appropriate. The overall feel of the dance should be Celtic in nature, and follow existing RSOBHD regulations regarding choreography. Choreographed numbers are not to exceed 3 minutes.
Dancers must submit an MP3 of their music via email to ahdacaitlinstewart@gmail.com no later than Sunday, August 18th, 2024.
STEPS and Instructions for Caitlin’s Jig – hosted on here on Youtube.
All proceeds generated from this event will directly benefit the Caitlin Stewart Memorial Fund, managed by the OHDA.
The objects of the OHDA’s Caitlin Stewart Memorial Fund include but are not limited to supporting the annually monetary award(s) for the Caitlin Stewart Memorial Scholarship, and maintaining the perpetual trophy and providing an annual keeper trophies for the Caitlin Stewart Memorial Jig special event, awarded annually at an OHDA competition to an 11-year-old Intermediate dancer for the best jig.