South Ayrshire Council News

Councillor Margaret Toner is pictured with the girls who took part in the dance workshops

South Ayrshire Council has launched Phase 2 of the Active Schools Network in South Ayrshire. This follows the announcement by the Scottish Government that funding is available for the Active Schools Network in Scotland, through sportscotland for 2008 to 2011.

The Active Schools Network in South Ayrshire motivates children and young people to adopt active, healthy lifestyles now and into adulthood, and provides them with opportunities to take part in a range of sporting activities.

Councillor Margaret Toner, Depute Leader of the Council and Portfolio Carrier for Community Services visited Dansarena Dance Studios in Ayr to see girls from schools across South Ayrshire taking part in a Dance Festival.

After meeting the young dancers Councillor Toner said: “A Hip Hop dance programme has been taking place in Council secondary schools and all pupils who have been participating were invited to attend the Dance Festival. The girls had an opportunity to try out different styles of dance and to make new friends with pupils from other schools who share the same interest.
“Dancing is a great form of physical exercise and there is a style to suit everyone. It is important to encourage young people to be active and to cater for all tastes.”

S1 and S2 girls from Carrick Academy, Marr College, Prestwick Academy and Ayr Academy took part in three different dance workshops that were led by the Dance Instructors who currently teach the classes in schools. The workshops focused on Jazz, Hip Hop and Cheerleading styles of dance.

Another dance event will be held later this month that will be attended by pupils from Girvan Academy, Kyle Academy, Belmont Academy and Queen Margaret Academy.