helen young school of dancing
Starting in 1959, Helen Young School of Dancing is a long established dance
school in Paisley. Since 1987 principal Christine O’Donnell has continued to
develop the dance school and maintain an exceptionally high standard of teaching
to all pupils. Following Christine’s retirement in June 2015, Helen Young School
of Dancing will continue in Paisley. This will continue with new principals
Claire Irwin and Julie McFall, assisted by Jane McKenzie all of whom are fully
qualified dance teachers and former pupils of Helen Young School of Dancing.
Claire Irwin Julie McFall I started my journey at Helen Young School of Dancing
in 1990, under former Principal Christine O'Donnell. Throuhgout my time at the
dance school I have participated in various B.A.T.D. examinations and annual
dance displays. I participated in B.A.T.D. amateur medal tests and gained my
first professional teaching qualification in 2006. I began to assist at weekly
dance classes and continue to increase my own teaching skills and
qualifications. I have also participated in Latin American, Ballroom Dance, Line
Dance and Rock 'N' Roll B.A.T.D. amateur medal tests and also in various dance
competitions around the country in these branches of dance. Qualifications
include: Associate B.A.T.D. Majorette Associate B.A.T.D. Modern Dance Associate
B.A.T.D. Stage Associate B.A.T.D. Ballet Fellow B.A.T.D Freestyle Fellow B.A.T.D
Traditional Step Dancing Dance continues to be a great passion of mine and I am
delighted that I am now joint principal and able to pass this on to our very own
Helen Young pupils. Claire x I began my time at Helen Young School of Dancing in
1991 and over the years have received training in a number of branches of dance.
In 2006, my time at the dance school changed in that I began to gain
professional teaching qualifications and help out with younger children's
classes. After the years of teaching I received, to a very high standard at
Helen Young, it has been very rewarding to pass on the knowledge and skills
which I have learned to other pupils. Being able to see children and young
people grow in confidence and ability is something which I particularly enjoy in
teaching dancing. As well as pupils progressing and improving throughout their
time at dancing, their enjoyment during time spent there is most important to me
and I believe ensures that they reach their full potential. Following Miss
O'Donnell's retirement in June 2015, both Claire and I are extremely grateful
that we are able to continue with the Helen Young School of Dancing. The dance
school has been a huge part of both our lives, both in the high standard of
dance training we received and in the lifelong friends we have made there. I
look forward to continuing this for all our pupils current and new.
