22 June, 2020
Eilidh in her ballet costume for her 3rd DN Dance show
DN Spotlight: Eilidh Stewart has been coming to DN Dance since July 2011, when she was just 2 years old. She is one of our longest attending students and we’ve had the privilege of watching her grow into an talented and graceful dancer who is truly lovely young girl and a pleasure to teach. Eilidh has performed in every dance show with us, and even though she had broken her arm shortly before our last show, she was so determined to be on stage that she performed with a cast on. Today we’ve had the pleasure of hearing from Eilidh and her mum Donna about their time and experiences at DN Dance over the past decade.
When did your DN Dance journey begin?
Donna – “I really wanted to find a fun dance class for Eilidh that was close to where we lived. I think I saw a banner outside Craiglockhart Tennis Centre advertising DN Dance and contacted Nicky to see if there was a space in one of the preschool dance classes for 2 year olds, the class was called Tiny Twinkles at the time. Eilidh’s first class was a drop-in class over the summer because even back then there was a big demand for classes out with the term time.”
Eilidh in her bear costume for the first ever DN Dance show
What are your earliest memories of DN Dance?
Eilidh – “My earliest memory is being in the first DN Dance Show, The Toybox when i was 3 years old. I was dressed in a bear outfit which was a bit big for me and we were dancing to the gummy bear song. It was my first time being on a stage performing in front of lots of people and i can remember seeing my family in the audience and being excited.”
Donna – “My earliest memory is being in Tiny Twinkles (now Tiny Dancers). It was a parent and toddler dance class where the adults stay with the children due to them being so young. I can remember running around the studio with Eilidh encouraging her to jump into the hoops and wave the pom poms.“
What has kept you coming to dancing for so long?
Eilidh – “I find it really good fun and I think all the teachers are great. Also, i’ve really enjoyed coming through all the different levels with the friends i have made.”
Eilidh ready for her first ballet exam
Donna – “Nicky and the other dance teachers are brilliant with the children and are fantastic teachers. Right from the start, they have encouraged Eilidh and made the classes fun even though they are also a lot of hard work. They have the respect of the children who always seem to be listening intently in classes without being too serious and strict. Also, as there are a number of day/time options for the various dance classes and as they move to different levels, I have always been able to easily find classes over the years which fit in with my working hours and childcare arrangements.”
Eilidh in her ballet costumer about to perform with a cast on her arm
What are your best memories from your time with us?
Eilidh – “When i broke my arm a few days before the Newsflash dance show in 2018, I was really upset that I couldn’t do the show. However, Nicky and Jane agreed that if I felt like i could do the ballet dance routine then they were happy for me to do it because it was nice and gentle and they could adapt the bits for me that i couldn’t do. I wasn’t able to do the tap routine however, it felt amazing when i went on the stage to do the ballet dance with the rest of the class and i could see all the people in the audience.“
Donna – “My favourite memory is when Eilidh was in the first DN Dance show, the Toybox, when she was 3 years old, dressed up as a bear. There were only 4 from her class who were able to do the show that year and they looked so tiny on the stage. I wasn’t sure what to expect as they were so young and was so proud of them when they did the routine.”
What’s your favourite class and why?
Eilidh – “My favourite class is the tap dance because i love the way its so energetic and noisy.”
Eilidh before her Grade 1 ballet exam in 2019
How does coming to DN Dance make you feel?
Eilidh – “I feel excited when i go to dance class as i love the sense of achievement when i learn a whole routine and can perform it perfectly.”
What’s been your proudest achievements at DN Dance?
Eilidh– “My proudest achievement was getting a distinction in my Grade 1 Ballet exam. In the previous exams i had done i got a pass or merit and so it felt amazing when i got the results and it made all the practicing worthwhile.”
What positives has dancing had on your daughter?
Donna – “Dancing has been great for showing Eilidh how you can improve in something over time if you focus and put the effort in and it culminates in achieving a goal, whether that’s sitting the dance exams or taking part in the dance show. It also helps to keep her fit and has made her confident enough to perform in front of a big audience on a stage.”
A young Eilidh at the Charlie & the Chocolate Factory summer school
If someone asked you to describe what DN Dance was like, what would you say?
Eilidh – “DN Dance is fun, energetic and all the teachers are very patient and supportive.”
Donna – “I’d say its a great place to meet people, make new friends and learn something new which helps to keep you healthy. There is a family friendly atmosphere and there is always a relaxed and positive vibe around the studio. The teachers are extremely approachable if you ever need to talk to them about anything.”
What other things do you enjoy about DN Dance?
Eilidh – “I love the summer schools that DN Dance do and over the years I’ve attended the Wizard of Oz, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Hairspray, Mary Poppins and Mama Mia. Its a great way to spend a week over the summer holidays and finishing with a show for your family at the end of the week.”
Eilidh in costume for her tap dance in her for DN Dance Show, Stardust
We’ve loved shining the DN Spotlight on Eilidh and her mum Donna about their time at DN Dance. Her teacher Miss Jane describes Eilidh as “a super enthusiastic hard working student who brings an infections energy to every class”. Eilidh has been an important part of so many fabulous memories over the last decade and we’re looking forward to making many more, starting with our 10th Anniversary show, Stardust.
A huge thank you to Eilidh and her mum Donna from all the DN team for everything you bring to the #DNDanceFamily
15 June, 2020
Amy in costume for her ballet number for our upcoming show, Stardust
DN Spotlight: Amy Yule has been coming to DN Dance for almost as long as we’ve been running. She has kept on coming even after moving miles away and now travels further than any other DN student to get to her dance classes. We’ve watched Amy grow from a tiny tot into a beautiful young dancer and we love that she has danced in almost every dance show with us. Today we’re speaking to Amy and her mum Suzanne about their time and experiences at DN Dance over the past decade.
When did your DN Dance journey begin?
Suzanne – “Amy started DN Dance in 2011 just before her second birthday. Classes were at Craiglockhart; it had been recommended to us by friends and Amy loved it from day one.”
Amy with her very first ballet rosette
What are your earliest memories of DN Dance?
Suzanne – “I remember one of the songs they used to sing in her preschool dance class; ‘Little Hands, Get Ready’, we were singing it all week”
Amy – “My earliest memory was being in the first dance show at the Pleasance Theatre in Edinburgh when I did my tap dance to ‘It’s Magic’”
What has kept you coming to dancing for so long?
Suzanne – “Amy has really enjoyed dancing. We moved out of Edinburgh in 2013 but Amy was so happy we decided to keep her dancing at DN Dance”
Amy in costume for her first show dance
What are your best memories from your time with us?
Amy – “My best memories are of doing all the dance shows and also getting good grades in my dance exams”
What’s your favourite class and why?
Amy – “I love my Friday ballet and tap dance class because all the girls in my class are so nice and I really enjoy doing ballet and tap”
What’s been your proudest achievements at DN Dance?
Amy – “My proudest achievement was getting a distinction in my Grade 2 Modern dance exam this year”
Amy in her ballet costume for her second DN Dance show in 2018
What positives has dancing had on your daughter?
Suzanne – “Dancing has really helped build Amy’s confidence in so many ways. From the shows, to the exams, to meeting new people, dancing has helped Amy overcome her shyness”
If someone asked you to describe what DN Dance was like, what would you say?
Amy – “I would say that DN Dance is great fun and friendly”
Amy in her tap costume for her dance in stardust
We’ve loved shining the DN Spotlight on Amy Yule and her mum Suzanne about their time at DN Dance. We’re so proud of Amy and how she a grown such a confident, beautiful and talented young dancer. Amy was a shy little girl when she first started coming to classes and it’s been a privilege to watch her transformation into the wonderful person she is today. Amy has given us so many fond memories over the last decade and we’re looking forward to making many more with her, starting with our 10th Anniversary show – Stardust.
A huge thank you to Amy and her mum Suzanne from all the DN team for everything you bring to the #DNDanceFamily
12 June, 2020
Alina at her first ballet exam in Craiglockhart
DN Spotlight: Alina Mackenzie has been a student at DN Dance since she was just a little girl and has participated in almost every dance show with us and is a member of our dance competition team. Today we’re speaking to Alina and her mum Jenny about their time and experiences at DN Dance over the past decade.
When did your DN Dance journey begin?
Jenny – “Alina was 4 years old when she started at DN Dance, she went to a different dance school originally but then changed DN Dance to join one of her nursery friends”
Alina – “I became friends with Emma Anderson at nursery and when I was 4 and she told me about DN Dance”
What are your earliest memories of DN Dance?
Alina – “I remember dancing on Children In Need day with Pudsey at Craiglockhart. Miss Nicky was meant to go first but we kept beating her and we were all dressed in pajamas”
Jenny – “Fun sessions at Craiglockhart and the energy and enthusiasm from the teachers”
What has kept you coming to dancing for so long?
Alina – “I’ve kept coming dancing because I love it. It is so much fun to do”
Jenny – “Because Alina just loves it”
Alina in her scarecrow costume in her first dance show
What are your best memories from your time with us?
Alina – “It would have to be when I did my very first competition and my first dance show”
Jenny – “The proud and nervous feeling when they came out to do their first dance show”
What’s your favourite class and why?
Alina – “My favourite class is Tap Dance because it is so so fun and I love making all the different noises”
How does coming to DN Dance make you feel?
Alina – “It puts me in a better mood if I am ever upset or angry it makes me feel happy and I can relax”
Alina performing her ballet solo at a dance competition in 2019
What’s been your proudest achievements at DN Dance?
Alina – “Getting all my splits when I was younger and then getting into the competition team because I have come a long way from where I started”
What positives has dancing had on your daughter?
Jenny – “Alina has the most amazing time. No matter what mood she goes in to a dance class she comes out happy. Her confidence and skills have increased and I do feel that is down to dance”
If someone asked you to describe what DN Dance was like, what would you say?
Alina – “It is a place where you can 100% learn what you want to learn in dance with all the styles to pick from and everyone is one big family and so kind to each other”
Alina performing her Tap Dance solo at a competition
Jenny – “I often describe DN Dance to people. The key is the teaching staff, they are so enthusiastic and vibrant and clearly love what they do which comes across in their classes. Each child and family are able to get what they need out of dancing. They are given the opportunity to shine at every level”
We’ve loved shining the DN Spotlight on Alina Mackenzie and Jenny about their time at DN Dance. We’re so proud of Alina and how she a grown from a shy wee girl into the beautiful and talented young dancer that she is today. Alina is such kind natured and eager student and is a delight to teach. She has been a part of so many fabulous memories over the last decade and we’re looking forward to making many more, starting with our 10th Anniversary show – Stardust.
A huge thank you to Alina and her mum Jenny from all the DN team for everything you bring to the #DNDanceFamily
5 June, 2020
DN Spotlight: Amy McKenzie has been coming to classes since a few months after we first opened our doors. In celebration of our 10th Anniversary we’ve been looking back over the last decade with some of our longest attending students. Today we’re speaking to Amy and her mum Jacqueline to learn about their experiences at DN Dance.
When did your DN Dance journey begin?
Jacqueline – “Amy started dancing with DN Dance in January 2011 at the Chesser Branch. We discovered the class when out for a walk past the Craiglockhart Leisure Centre and there was a banner advertising an open day with Nicky. We went along and met Nicky and that’s how it all started.”
What are your earliest memories of DN Dance?
Jacqueline – “Amy was only 2 years old at the time, so started in Tiny Dancers which is a parent and toddler dance class that I would join in. When she turned 3, she moved up to Little Dancers where she would go in by herself. She wasn’t keen on me leaving her initially. I had to stand at the door where she could see me for the first few weeks but she settled in quickly and began to really enjoy her classes.”
Amy – “My first memory is being excited about my pink leotard and then getting upset when the class did “good toes, naughty toes” as I didn’t like everyone shouting. I also remember the music sounding like we were in a forest and it was a bit scary when your only 3.”
What has kept you coming to dancing for so long?
Amy – “I would say it’s because of the teachers. I get along with all off them and they make classes fun even when we are learning new things. Also, the friends i have made at dancing is a big part of why I keep wanting to come back each year.”
What are your best memories from your time with us?
Jacqueline – “For both off us it has to be the dance shows. From her being a train driver in her very first show at Forester High School to dancing on the huge stage at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. Amazing experiences.”
What’s your favourite class and why?
Amy – My favourite class is Tap because I feel like this is the class where I have learnt and progressed the most over the years.”
How does coming to DN Dance make you feel?
Amy – “It makes me feel happy when I come to classes; they always cheer me up. I look forward to dancing because it’s fun and I get to meet up with my friends.”
What’s been your biggest achievements at DN Dance?
Amy – “I would say achieving a merit for my Tap and Modern exams, taking part in all the dance shows and being named “dancer of the term”.
What positives has dancing had on your daughter?
Jacqueline – “Dancing has been amazing for Amy, she started just before going to nursery and I think the classes helped her settle into nursery as it gave her something to do without me being there. Her confidence has grown hugely throughout the years and I have seen big progression from her as she works up the levels, doing the rosettes and exams and also performing at shows as they get bigger and better each year.”
Jacqueline – “She has made lots of new friends which are not at her school so it has increased her circle of friends and has given her the confidence to make friends with new girls. I also think it is an amazing hobby for her to have as it keeps her fit and strengthens her body which helps keep her healthy all in a really fun way.”
If someone asked you to describe what DN Dance was like, what would you say?
Jacqueline – “I would say DN Dance is a very friendly relaxed dance school which has amazing staff who work brilliantly to build relationships with all the pupils and help them progress to the best of their ability in a fun encouraging atmosphere.”
Amy – “It’s friendly, fun, exciting and challenging at times”
We’ve loved shining the DN Spotlight on Amy McKenzie today and Jacqueline about their time at DN Dance. Amy has been such a lovely student and a delight to teach. She certainly has a special place in our memories over the last decade and we’re looking forward to making many more, starting with our 10th Anniversary show.
A huge thank you to Amy and her mum Jacqueline from all the DN team for everything you bring to the #DNDanceFamily
4 December, 2019
Chloe Headshot
DN Spotlight: Chloe Lynch is particularly special to DN Dance as she is the first of our students to go on to college to study performing arts and pursue a career on the big stage. We were delighted to have the opportunity to catch up with Chloe and her mum Laura about their time at DN Dance, about what Chloe is doing today and her career aspirations to become a West End superstar.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
(Chloe) – I’m 16 years old, and I’m from Portobello near Edinburgh. I love dance and drama and being in big productions on stage. I’ve performed with the The MGA Academy of Performing Arts in Edinburgh and the Lothian Youth Arts & Musicals Company (LYAMC). I also trained with with DN Dance for about 5 years and I’m now on the musical theatre course at The Dance School of Scotland, Knightswood in Glasgow.
Where did your interest performing come from?
(Chloe) – I’ve always enjoyed performing. I remember from back when I was young, I loved dressing up and playing a character. But my interest in being on stage actually came from watching my older brother Kieran performing when I was about 7 years old. I remember looking up at him and thinking, ‘I want to be up there’.
What are some of your highlights?
(Chloe) – It would have to be when I played Molly in the musical Annie with LYAMC, when I was 9yrs old. I remember the feeling of standing on stage during that performance, that was the first time I thought ‘this is what I want to do’. It helped that it was a really good cast. I remember feeling so calm that I only learned my lines the week before the show.
(Laura) – I was really worried for her, because the year before, when she was 8 years old, she had a really bad time with stage fright. But even though she learned her lines at the last minute, she got on that stage and you would never think that she had been nervous before going on.
Chloe & Nicky on exam day
What are your earliest memories of DN Dance?
(Chloe) – I remember feeling absolutely terrified before going in. I was 10 years old, which is quite late to start dancing, and I was joining a class who all knew each other and had been dancing together for a while. I always remember how Nicky brought me in and took me over to two girls, Amiee and Ava. They were really nice to me that day and it became the start of a friendship that’s still important to me. I think we’ll always be close now.
(Laura) – Chloe was absolutely petrified before going in to her first class. I remember I couldn’t tie her ballet shoes and I was nervous for her, as we lived on the other side of town, I would stay out in the corridor during her class. That’s where I met some of the other mums, some of whom I’m still in touch with today.
Chloe in her Lost Boy’s costume for our 2016 show
What is your favourite style of dance and why?
(Chloe) – When I was at DN Dance it was tap, but since leaving it’s become Jazz or Lyrical. But it really depends on the class, the style, the music, and the teacher. If you don’t have the right teacher, it can be difficult to connect with what you’re doing. So, it really depends on a number of things.
What are your best memories from your time at DN Dance?
(Chloe) – There isn’t one overriding memory, rather it’s all the little memories over the years, like preparing for the biennial DN Dance shows, being at the theatre, all the little chats in class, and the togetherness. I loved how we would be pushed hard and challenged, but in a good way that was fun and positive, never in a negative way. Also, all the times spent learning different dances that I loved; there was one from Tarzan, and one called ‘Lost Boy’, the song, the costume, everything about that dance was so good.
(Laura) – For me it was the Panto in St Serfs and then watching the shows every second year. We didn’t get to see them dancing too often, so seeing the difference in Chloe’s ability, the progression from show to show, that was always a highlight for me.
What were your proudest moments and greatest achievements at DN Dance?
(Chloe) – It was all the little moments. Like in class when I had been working on something and was maybe struggling with a certain move, but then it clicked, and I did it right. I remember we’d been working on fouetté turns and I found them so hard at first, then when I finally got it , it was so satisfying, but also a relief! Also, when I was dancing, and I would get all the steps right. Then when I got a distinction in my ballet exam.
(Laura) – Again, it was watching the shows; the last one at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre in particular. Just seeing the progression over the years. I remember my mum turned to me and saying “I just can’t believe how much she has come on”.
Chloe in her Supercala tap dance costume in out 2016 show
How would you describe DN Dance?
(Chloe) – It was always the one place I looked forward to going to. It was a safe place where I could just leave everything else behind. I went in, had fun, and learnt so much. It was always a place I looked forward to being because of the relationships I had with the other students and with the teachers. It was like a family.
I knew everyone in class and the teachers were always the same each week. The consistency was so important as it always made me feel so comfortable. There was never something that made me feel I didn’t want to be there.
I’ve been really fortunate to have been involved in performing with so many great organisations, and it’s never easy to move on. But leaving DN Dance was especially difficult, I remember coming in on my last day, it was so emotional. I still miss it today.
(Laura) – The main word for me is “family”. It felt like a big family. I was always made to feel welcome, you could tell Chloe just loved going to DNDance.
Chloe practicing her Pointe in the garden
Tell us what you’ve been doing since you left DN Dance
(Chloe) – Well, I left DN Dance to go to The Dance School of Scotland in Glasgow, after being offered a musical theatre course. Half of the week is in normal classes mixed with the rest of the school, and the other half is musical theatre in the dance school where I learn singing, acting and dancing. Now that I’m studying three disciplines I don’t do as much dancing as I used to. I still do Jazz and ballet, but not so much tap these days.
(Laura) – Chloe decided to defer a school year and go into The Dance School at S3 – Preparatory Theatre. She will be there for four years. She stays there during the week. This has taken some adjustment on the family as Chloe is only home at weekends, but it has definitely been worth it for her.
It is quite a tough process to get in to The Dance School. They only take a small number of people each year who fit their profile. Only 7 people got selected from Chloe’s year, and last year only 4 people got selected.
Chloe and classmates at the Dance School of Scotland
How did you feel when you got in?
(Chloe) – Surprised. I really wasn’t expecting to get in because they don’t take very many people each year. I knew I had done a lot of dancing, but I wasn’t as confident at the singing and acting.
(Laura) – We were extremely proud of Chloe getting a place, she doubted herself but she earned her place and deserves to be there.
How do you overcome you nerves?
(Chloe) – Well, I just go for it. I have a mindset of ‘this is what I’m doing, just go for it’. I have to consciously tell myself to overcome the mental barrier.
(Laura) – When watching her on stage, you would never think she was lacking in confidence.
Chloe dancing at the Dance School of Scotland
How have you found the residential at The Dance School?
(Chloe) – It’s hard in some ways because I’ve had to get used to being around people all the time and not having my own space. But it helps in other ways getting to know my surroundings, also learning how to get on with different types of people. It’s forced me to become more independent.
(Laura) – The residential is brilliant as there is 24-hour care, so I know that she is safe. But they are also expected to look after themselves so she’s becoming more independent every day. It’s like a stepping stone into what life would be like at university or professional college.
What are your biggest achievements since moving on to college?
(Chloe) – Learning to live with people. Learning how to be more independent. Learning to relax a little bit more and just get on and do things. I used to take things so seriously, now I’ve learned to let myself enjoy things a bit more.
(Laura) – As a person, she has become more confident, she’s grown up. Watching her gain her independence, much more now. That’s been my proudest moment as a parent.
What are your future career aspirations and goals?
(Chloe) – I’d love to go to a professional college in London. I’d love to perform on the West End at lease once, but so long as I am performing, I’d be happy. Then after I perform, I want to do some directing. I’d also love to do some choreography, to see my vision and creation being danced on stage would be amazing.
Chloe receiving an award in her final competition with DN Dance
Our DN Dance students who are thinking of their own next steps, will be looking up to you and how progress in your career. How does that make you feel?
(Chloe) – It’s really nice but also scary to think that people would be looking up to me. I hadn’t thought about it before. But I’m also watching them to see how they get on; particularly the girls who were in the competition team with me. Seeing how all the girls are developing and where they are going to end up is so interesting. It’s also lovely when I see them at events and workshops, as they react to me like I’m still one of them. It’s a special feeling.
(Laura) – The parents all keep in touch through social media which is lovely. They will send you very supportive messages when they see things on Facebook or Instagram, and I do the same when I see them. The whole experience has been very positive both for Chloe and for me as a parent.
Having started dancing quite late by usual standards, Chloe is an example of how hard work and dedication can take you as far as you want to go. It was a real pleasure chatting to Chloe and Laura. We’ll be watching with anticipation as Chloe progresses in her training and we’re super excited to see where her career takes her.
