Award-winning dance school opens in Biggar

The award-winning Fiona Henderson School of Dance (FHSD) has announced plans to open in Biggar later this month.
Fiona Henderson School of Dance (FHSD) has announced plans to open in Biggar, with classes for children starting at the end of April and adults in May.Fiona Henderson School of Dance (FHSD) has announced plans to open in Biggar, with classes for children starting at the end of April and adults in May.
Fiona Henderson School of Dance (FHSD) has announced plans to open in Biggar, with classes for children starting at the end of April and adults in May.

The school was originally established in Edinburgh over 35 years ago with just five pupils.

Over the years it has continued to grow, establishing its own set dance studios in Peebles and, in 2020, opening new branches in Moffat and Penicuik.

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It offers over 80 dance classes a week to over 300 pupils, ranging in age from 13 months old through to adults.

Dance classes will be available for all ages.Dance classes will be available for all ages.
Dance classes will be available for all ages.

Founder and principal Fiona Henderson is an ex-championship dancer who has danced internationally, as well as performing at the opening of the Commonwealth Games, on the QE2 and at the Edinburgh Tattoo.

In addition to running one of the largest dance schools in the country, she is also a championship judge.

FHSD has gained recognition throughout the UK and internationally having been a shortlisted finalist in the Dance School of the Year Awards in 2017; winning gold the following year for schools with over 200 pupils and then silver the next year in the larger category for 300 pupils and above.

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Fiona said: “It’s great to be recognised by the industry professionals and judges – it means a lot to all our teaching staff and our pupils are chuffed that they attend an award-winning dance school.

"However, the most important thing is that our pupils of all ages come to share our love of dance and we can’t wait to start our classes in Biggar on Monday, April 26.”

Like many organisations, the school has had to adapt to Covid-19.

Fiona said: “We carry out detailed risk assessments, we have ensured all our teachers are Covid-19 trained and certified and we have a very detailed set of procedures and cleaning protocols which are designed to minimise the risk in all the venues where we operate.

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"We have also restricted our class numbers to ensure the required social distancing requirements are always achieved and our on-line class registers ensure we have full customer data for contact tracing.

“For several months in 2020 and 2021 we have successfully moved our classes on-line and delivered hundreds of classes to pupils of all ages so they could continue to learn and develop, see their friends and teachers, keep fit and occupied as well as loving their dancing.

"Obviously, we’re absolutely delighted to be able to resume face to face teaching which we will do in a safe, secure way.”

Biggar classes will be held at the new FHSD Dance Studios at Biggar Arts, Loaningdale – a fabulous, new purpose-built dance studio.

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Fiona added: “We’ll be offering pupils the chance to take dance exams with recognised examination bodies – this gives them something to aim for and is a great way for them and their parents to see their progress.

"We also hold shows which gives them an opportunity to perform on stage and showcase their talents.”

Initially, FHSD will be offering some of its most popular subjects in Biggar, with the class programme including ballet, Highland, tap, modern, contemporary, Irish, line dancing and street dance.

There will be classes for pre-school ages right through to adults, as school principal Fiona Henderson believes dance is for everyone – no matter your age.

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She said: “I’ve been teaching dance for over 35 years and it’s wonderful to see pupils attend their first class and how quickly they settle and start to develop.

"In addition to the obvious fitness benefits they also develop confidence, self-belief, co-ordination, concentration, self-discipline and teamwork.”

Classes starts on April 26 for children and May 19 for a dults. To find out more, visit fionahendersondance.com.