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History - Where did it all start?
Mrs Myra Mackie started teaching (a long time ago!) alongside her former dance teacher. It all began
in 1969!
She was Miss Myra Hagart then and to begin with she assisted by teaching younger dancers as well
as playing the piano or the accordion at the Broxburn classes. Miss Hagart also helped out during lengthy examination centres
and at dance displays/shows. This progessed and developed into assisting at Uphall Station too where she was given
the class to take over with other senior pupils who were also studying to qualify as teachers of dance.
A
show was organised for the following Spring however as time went on, the show preparation - including playing the piano, organising
costumes to be made, choreography, printing tickets etc was left to Miss H! The others for various reasons had left!
The show was a sell out - leaving Miss Hagart enthused and completely fanatical about teaching dance.
Classes sprung up throughout West Lothian where she also taught in East Calder, Winchburgh, Uphall, Livingston, Mid Calder
and eventually Pumpherston and Broxburn.
In 1978 she got married to Max and became Mrs Mackie. The arrival
of two talented and beautiful girls followed in 1981 and 1984. Needless to say, they are now also qualified dance teachers!
The dance school is now very much a family business and continues to be popular with children and adults
alike.
Some other former pupils (in fact approximately 95% of qualified UKA dance teachers in West Lothian)
were taught by Mrs Mackie and are now teaching elsewhere including Canada and Japan!
Due to the fact that
this dance school has been up and running for a considerable time, Mrs Mackie has welcomed more than 100 second generation
dancers! She taught their mums!! Many are now returning to dancing and attend the adults' classes in the evenings.
Whether a beginner, professional or someone returning from a long absence, a warm welcome is always extended. Come along and
join us!
Private tuition
is also available for those who lack in confidence and would like to gain a little knowledge prior to attending group classes.
The Myra Mackie School of Dance now concentrates teaching in Livingston and
Mid Calder.
Mrs Mackie was also the founder of the Mid
Calder School of Dance - a community based dance group. However, due to a busy and hectic schedule she decided to relinquish
teaching there.
As time passed, Mrs Mackie
qualified in different forms of dance, including her favourite - highland, followed by theatre, freestyle and cheer dance.
Not only to Associate level but to Licentiate and eventually after a great deal of study gained her Fellowship in 1992. She
is also qualified to teach Contemporary, Line Dancing, Scottish Step, Celtic Pacific and Rock'n'Roll however
does not have the time to fit all forms in!
Mrs Mackie was also a highland dancing competition organiser,
an experienced scrutineer for other organisers and a judge for disco and rock'n'roll competitions.
In recent years, many of her highland dancers have danced at Edinburgh Castle. This includes 'The Beating of the
Retreat' and the world famous 'Military Tattoo'.
Dancers also perform for local Gala Days, Senior
Citizens, Scottish Societies and various charity dance displays. Many have also successfully auditioned for various colleges
to study dance and the performing arts and have appeared on TV.
 Present and Future - The next generation!
| Lesley Mackie, Mrs Laura Douglas & baby Zoe. |
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| The next generation of dance teachers! |
Dancing for the Future!
The
Myra Mackie School of Dance is pleased to announce that we are accredited by the Scottish Qualifications Association
(SQA) for the delivery and assessment of Nat 4 & 5 , Higher and Advanced Higher Dance.
We are the first
dance school in West Lothian and one of the few private centres in Scotland for delivering SQA qualifications!
Only
enrolled dancers with the Myra Mackie School of Dance will be permitted to apply for this exciting opportunity.
We are now looking for interest from dancers of primary 7 plus high school age and above who are interested in working on Nat
4 dance now to be completed by June 2019.
Senior pupils who wish to gain SQA dance qualifications are
invited to join the Myra Mackie School of Dance at the next intake, August 2018 and will be auditioned in September for
the following season 2018 - 2019. New pupils are always welcome, whether any dance experience has been gained or whether
this is a new venture.
SQA qualifications shape your future! Do not miss out on this exciting
opportunity!
Contact us via the website - we are here to help!
| Zoe loves dancing with her shiny pom poms! |
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| Now 2 years old - amazing how time flies by! |
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