The Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council have combined to ensure that the cream of young Scottish dancers can continue to attend Scotland’s top dance school. 

The lease of the existing residential accommodation at Knightswood Dance School of Scotland is about to expire, and an additional £224,000 from the Scottish Government will help the council with plans to secure new accommodation. 

Education Secretary Michael Russell said: 

“Scotland has a fine history of producing talented professionals across a whole range of the arts and dance is no exception. As one of our six national centres of excellence, Knightswood Dance School offers its pupils the benefits of expert dance tuition while also taking part in a full secondary school curriculum. This is a significant grant in difficult economic times which will allow the school and Glasgow City Council to progress plans for a new residential accommodation solution. This will make sure Scotland’s dancers of the future can benefit from this great facility, no matter where they are from.” 

Bailie Jean McFadden, Executive Member for Education at Glasgow City Council, added: 

“Glasgow City Council is extremely proud of the Dance School at Knightswood Secondary. Former pupils of the Dance School have successfully followed their dreams to study at prestigious colleges in London and America and now tread the boards across the world.” 

Former pupil Jennifer Leung, who has acted and danced in films such as Mamma Mia, Nine, and Streetdance 3D, said:

“It was the most important years of my life. It gave me the discipline and skills to go on to build a successful career. We worked so hard and appreciated the special privileges we had at the school, like the talented teachers and the amazing dance studios.” 

Read the story in full here.