Primary school pupils across Badenoch and Strathspey are stepping into winter with energy and creativity thanks to a series of dance sessions led by young leaders from the Cairngorm School of Dance.
The Aviemore-based dance school has teamed up with High Life Highland’s Active Schools team to deliver the fun dance classes right across the Strath. The initiative is designed to inspire pupils through movement while building confidence and leadership skills.
Furthermore, those primary pupils who wish to do so, could find themselves on the most famous stage in the Highlands – Eden Court Theatre – in February, as part of the dance school’s annual showcase. 
Heather Cooney of Cairngorm School of Dance explained: “We have coached several of our senior dancers here at the dance school to deliver these fun sessions to local primary school pupils. We have choreographed a ‘Minecraft’ inspired dance, which they are teaching to the young participants with a view to them all coming together to perform it at our dance spectacular in Eden Court next year.
“We have delivered several sessions already and everyone is doing an amazing job learning the routine. The structured choreography along with freestyle elements, encourages pupils to express themselves while learning new dance skills. The leaders have been fantastic – they have been well organised and are delivering engaging sessions. It’s wonderful to see pupils enjoying dance and increasing in confidence.”
There are 14 young dance leaders in total – who all attend either Grantown Grammar or Kingussie High School. They are delivering the sessions, supported by High Life Highland’s Active Schools staff, in Newtonmore, Kingussie, Aviemore, Abernethy, Grantown, Deshar and Carrbridge Primary Schools, with lots of enthusiastic P4-P7 pupils getting involved.
Tori Ritchie, Active Schools Coordinator for the Kingussie cluster commented: “We are having a brilliant time so far at these dance sessions – the ‘Minecraft’ inspired routine has really captured the imagination of all the children involved. It is great to be working with Heather at the Cairngorm School of Dance and her young dance leaders on delivering this project. It’s a great opportunity for pupils to learn new skills and develop their confidence and a wonderful chance for them to perform in front of an Eden Court audience, bringing together all of their creativity and hard work.” 
Kerrie Dickson is the Active Schools Coordinator for the Grantown cluster. She said: “This project highlights the power of collaboration, creativity, and leadership in local schools, offering pupils a memorable experience that combines fun with personal growth. We are really grateful to the Cairngorm School of Dance – we could not have offered such a tremendous series of dance sessions and performance opportunities without them – and it’s a great way to keep all these young people active through the dark winter months. We are really excited to see the culmination of all their efforts in February.”
