Talented dance teacher takes a bow
A Larkhall teacher is hanging up her dance shoes after 48 years.
Linda Bolton (née Paterson) is credited with training hundreds of dancers over the years.
And in a final push before she steps down Linda pulled out all the stops to get six students through their highland dance teacher diplomas.
The successful pupils were Milly Bell, 16, Sarah Mooney, 16, and Mhairi Swan, 18, all Larkhall residents.
Sarah and Milly passed with distinction and Mhairi passed with merit.
Chelsea Gordon, 18, Carluke, also passed with distinction whilst Danielle Mccafferty, 19, and Emily Turriff, 18, both from Wishaw, passed with merit.
The six now have associate membership to the Scottish Dance Teacher Alliance (SDTA).
Linda said: “These were outstanding results from all pupils who are now fully qualified dance teachers.
“Milly and Sarah have become new teachers after sitting their final exam at the youngest allowable age, 16 years old.
“This is an amazing achievement as they had also been studying for and sitting five Highers at Larkhall Academy at the same time as their associate dance study.”
She added: “Through the years I have fondest memories of watching pupils dance in the opening and closing ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games, travelling on many occasions to Seclin, France, for shows and watching pupils dance in Christmas pantomimes.”
Linda has always taught highland, tap and modern theatre, while her daughter Donna, who has also called it a day after 30 years of dance, latterly taught hip hop/ street, tap and cheer dance within the dance school.
Linda started teaching in Ashgill in 1971 and later had successful classes in Hareleeshill, Birkenshaw and Larkhall.
She also taught classes in Wishaw from 1996. The first dance shows were held in Netherburn Primary School from 1972 to 1978.
The final shows were staged in Carluke Lifestyles Centre in 2017 and 2018.
Linda said: “These are memories I will treasure forever’’.
The kind-hearted dance teacher has also donated thousands of pounds over the years to local charities after each annual dance show.
She would like to thank all parents for their support over the years and especially the dancers who have made her proud every single dance lesson.
“Of course I will miss all of my dancers but I now hope to find time for more holidays in the sun and relaxation with my family. There is a quote which says ‘When you dance, your purpose is not to get to certain place on the floor. It is to enjoy every step along the way.’”
“That is something I have certainly done over the years,” she said.