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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 Pumpherston, Mid Calder and Broxburn.
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! |
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