McCorkindale’s golden dancers celebrate 50 years of success

The first half of each event focused on the school’s own annual shows which took place in its earlier days, with photographs of the original dancers displayed as 31 of the school’s current members, aged from six to 18, took turns replicating their routines. 

With show topics varying from ‘The Eurovision Dance Contest’ and ‘Shamrock and the Thistle’ to the school’s own take on various musicals, the 50th anniversary show was diverse and invariably entertaining. 

Anne Leith, who played the part of Grizabella and sang the song Memory during the school’s version of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Cats in 2000, reprised the role for last weekend’s shows.

Throughout the last 50 years, the school’s students have travelled far and wide displaying and sharing their talents, including trips to France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, multiple trips to the USA – to Las Vegas and Virginia Beach – and seven visits to Canada.

The second half of each show was dedicated to the school’s winning entries at the Highlands and Islands Music and Dance Festival, which is held annually in Oban.

Since 1993, dancers from Campbeltown have triumphed at the Oban event, between the festival’s juvenile, junior and adult age groups, an amazing 23 times.

Of the winning routines, 13 were recreated last weekend, covering a wide and wonderful range of themes.

One performance, ‘Monarch of the Glen’, featured the original music, recorded by Ian McKerral, John Brown and Alex and Archie McAllister in 1994 for the original performance.

The final two routines – Where the Red Poppies Dance and Scottish Fiddle Orchestra – were performed by their original dancers, who are are still students of the school and whose Oban wins were in 2023 and earlier this year.

Before the finale, a moment was taken to remember the dancers and supporters of the school who have sadly died in the last 50 years.

Addressing the audience at the end of each show, James said: “Thanks to everyone for your support, not just tonight but over the last 50 years. The support from the community has been exceptional.”

After Saturday’s show, James introduced to the stage Christine Lacey MBE, chairperson of the Royal Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing, which is the world governing body for Highland Dancing. 

Ms Lacey presented James with an award from the board to commemorate his 50 years of teaching Highland dancing.

He also received gifts from fellow teacher Yvonne Arkell and the dancers for all his years of dedication to the school.

James said: “My thanks to all the dancers, past and present, for their time and dedication to the art of Highland dancing.

“Over the years, I have had the pleasure of teaching many delightful children, and I am thankful the dance school has allowed me this wonderful opportunity.”