Leukaemia charity cashes in with £3,500 from well-known Paisley dance school

Jul 21 2010 by Lynn Jolly, Paisley Daily Express

Leukaemia charity cashes in with £3500 from well-known Paisley dance school

BIG-HEARTED dancers have dazzled people with more than their snazzy moves by raising £3500 for charity through their annual display.

The Helen Young School of Dancing held its popular show at Paisley Town Hall under the guidance of Principal Christine O’Donnell.

This year’s extravaganza of dance was titled The Four Seasons and all proceeds went to Leukaemia Research in memory of past pupil Josephine Keenan, whose mum Janette accepted the cheque on behalf of the charity.

Christine said: “I am very pleased with the whole display from my dancers. We had an audience of 400 people at the town hall and also raised a great sum for Leukaemia Research.

“I would like to thank everyone who had contributed to the success of the show – the town hall staff, the sound and lighting crew and all the front and backstage helpers.

“Thanks goes to all the pupils for their hard work and the parents for their continued support throughout the year. And a very special thanks to Jane Mackenzie, who has been at the dancing school now for 38 years and her loyalty is greatly appreciated.”

Range

The show featured a wide range of dance styles, from modern and tap to ballet and Highland, based on summer, autumn, spring and winter.

The senior majorettes, advanced Highland, step class, beginners ballet and disco, nursery tap and nursery disco were some of the sections involved.

Five-year-old twins Rachel and Erin McLaren were among little cuties in the Picnic Time section performed by the nursery ballet youngsters.

Helen Young started her school in 1959 with weekly classes in Paisley, Johnstone and Barrhead.

Christine started at the school in 1962 and progressed through the grades to become a teacher in 1969 and was eventually promoted by Helen to head assistant.

Helen sadly passed away in 1987 at the age of just 45. Christine bought the school in 1988 and, together with her husband John, it has continued to grow and encourage young dancers throughout Renfrewshire.

Former pupils now have successful dancing schools throughout Renfrewshire, Ayrshire, Glasgow, Edinburgh and even Canada.

The new term kicks off in August and Christine is happy to consider dancers aged from two-and-a-half years old and up. To find out more, call 0141 884 4183.