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| Mrs Douglas with her daughter Zoe |
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| Hey I'm cute! Just like my mum! |
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 at the Broxburn classes and then at Uphall
Station 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 Pumpherston, Mid Calder and Broxburn.
As time passed, Mrs Mackie qualified in different forms of 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.
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