TWENTY Stirling primary schools took part in performances in celebration of the 10th anniversary of Active Stirling’s Think Dance programme.

They took place at the Macrobert Arts Centre over four dates and involved 27 schools with 244 groups performing.

Active Stirling started the Think Dance programme in 2008.

During the last ten years every primary school within Stirling Council has been involved.

Since the programme started there have been 4,529 children taking part in the project.

Cath Taylor, teacher at St. Ninians Primary School, has been leading Think Dance in her school for 10 years.

It has also provided staff schools with the opportunity to attend continued professional development (CPD) sessions. 

Sammy Hibbert, Support for Learning Assistant at Killin Primary School, said: “I really enjoy being part of the Think Dance programme and look forward to it each year.

"It has become a permanent fixture in our school calendar and the children look forward to when they are old enough to take part.

"Every year, I’m blown away by the enthusiasm and ideas that the children bring to each session and the great ideas they have.

"One of the best experiences is watching how the children grow in confidence during the programme and then seeing their excitement when they perform at the Macrobert.

"Our pupils love the Think Dance programme because they lead it and have fun!!”

Angela Hunter, Active Stirling Active Schools Coordinator and programme creator, said: “I’m enormously proud of the Think Dancing programme. 

"I’m grateful to all the school staff that took the courageous step and participated in the programme when it launched.

"When you take part in an artistic endeavour you agree to give not just your time but also a little bit of yourself.

"Their enthusiasm and hard work has allowed us to increase the quality of dance in Stirling schools and created opportunities for so many children in Stirling."