Fairytale ending for Angus dancers after scooping top group award

Young Highland dancers have returned triumphant from a major international gathering in the fairytale setting of Disneyland Paris.

The 10 youngsters from the Beattie School of Dance, which draws pupils from the Fettercairn and Brechin areas, scooped a haul of 71 medals, eight trophies and their first champion title at the International Gathering of Scottish Highland Dance over four days.

With teacher Sara Beattie, the girls and their parents started fundraising for the trip more than a year ago, raising almost £7,000.

Sara said: “The girls and I were overwhelmed with the support received and I think it’s safe to say their success was worth every penny raised. The girls worked relentlessly in and out of class for the best part of a year and I am so proud to be their teacher.”

The girls opened their event with the choreography competition where they performed Disney-themed solos, duets and a group dance all choreographed by Sara.

Sophie May, 8, Ellie Dalgetty, 11, Kenadie Sivewright, 11, and Emily Scott, 12, all competed solos. Jodi Dalgetty, 10, Isla Paterson-skene, 12, Lexie Sivewright, 9, Shelby Willox, 12, Libby May, 11, and Logan Forbes, 13, all competed in duets, winning the overall trophy for the musical interpretation of their Aladdinthemed group dance.

Kenadie Sivewright,

Ellie Dalgetty and Emily Scott competed in the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing-regulated championship, with Kenadie triumphant in the 11 years section.

The achievement marked a double success as a first championship for both Kenadie as a student and Sara as a teacher.

Other pupils secured a string of excellent results at premier, intermediate, novice and beginner level.

The dancers who competed at Disneyland Paris.