A PEEBLES dance school is preparing for a bigger and better programme in 2018, at its new home.

In August, the Fiona Henderson School of Dance moved into its own purpose-designed studios in part of the old Halyrude Primary building.

And teachers want to add to their already packed schedule, which includes more than 50 classes a week in tap, ballet, jazz, modern, contemporary, highland and Scottish national dance.

Principal Fiona Henderson told the Peeblesshire News: “The move to Halyrude has allowed us much greater flexibility and opportunity to expand our programme for 2018 for current and prospective pupils. 

“We have created two great new studio spaces which our pupils really like and which they feel is their dance ‘home’.”

The new studios also include filming and playback facilities, which allows teachers to immediately show pupils their movements from different angles and perspectives. 

Jess Johnson, a teacher at FHSD added: “The studios have really been a bonus in adding extra dance space to Peebles and our pupils are finding them to be a great place for creativity and learning.”

With the new premises, the school is now able to offer a range of new classes, including its ‘Little Stars’ sessions for children aged from 18 months to pre-school age group.

And there will be more adult classes on the itinerary covering tap, modern, highland and ballet.

Fiona said: “There is increasing interest in the health and general wellbeing benefits of dance for adults and the school has seen increased demand for its adult classes – both for those new to dance or returners who danced in their youth.”

As well as its classes, the school also helps prepare pupils for their dance examinations.

And the new studios have allowed the teachers to offer more private sessions, to teach new styles or prepare students for competitions, examinations or shows.

Fiona added: “Last year was a great year for FHSD with increased pupil numbers, continued scholarship nominations and we’re proud to maintain our exam record and delighted to see our pupils enjoying success on the dance competition circuit. The opening of our FHSD studios in central Peebles was a lovely early Christmas present for the pupils and teachers alike and we’re looking forward to 2018 being another great year for our school.”

For more on the full range of FHSD Classes call 07894 881747 or visit http://www.fionahendersondance.com