Lochaber Dance Platform performs to sell-out crowd

A sell out performance of “Dance Platform 2009” was recently held (12 November) at the Nevis Centre, Fort William.

The event, run as part of The Highland Council’s Active Schools Programme, was a showcase of dance talent by local young people.  The majority of dances were choreographed, rehearsed and performed by groups of pupils from Lochaber High School and the school’s feeder primaries, involving 180 pupils from 8 to 18 year olds.

Groups from six primary schools including: Lochyside, Spean Bridge, Upper Achintore, Inverlochy, Fort William RC and Banavie performed on the night. 

With just one exception, these dances where choreographed by pupils from Lochaber High School, who lead sessions each week at the primary schools supported by school staff.

The weekly classes provided the High school pupils with an opportunity to develop leadership skills and to give something back to their community, while the Primary pupils learnt new dance moves, contributed their own ideas to the finished dance and had the opportunity to perform on stage to friends and families.  The enthusiasm of the girls was great to see, and it is hoped that many will wish to carry on dancing as they move into High school.

The event also featured wonderful performances from three local dance classes, the Nevis School of Highland Dance, Ballet West and Feis Lochaber Step Dancers, as well as professional input from Eden Court’s bodycurrents project dance tutors.  The night finished with a performance by Scott Fairley, who has become a Dance Platform favourite, followed by a grand finale choreographed by Scott and danced by over 40 pupils from the High school, both boys and girls.

Highland Council’s Active Schools Coordinator Bridget Thomas, who co-organised this year’s event with PE teacher Carol Cairns, said:  “The overall standard of the High school dancers was very good this year.  For many, now in their 6th year, this will be their last performance. It has been a pleasure to watch their skills and confidence on stage grow and develop at each successive Dance Platform. 

She added: “This event is a great opportunity for young people who are interested in dance to show off their talent.  It’s wonderful to have so many pupils involved, both in the dances themselves and in working with others.  Many girls stop taking part in physical exercise, which is so important for so many health reasons, when they reach high school.  Dance is really good exercise and the Dance Platform is an opportunity to keep pupils active in an enjoyable way. Thanks go to everyone who worked so hard to prepare for and stage this year’s event and to all the performers.”