Dance Platform celebrated its 20th year at the Nevis Centre in Fort William last week with dancers from all over Lochaber performing over three nights to show case various styles of dance and movement.
Jasmine Adams was part of the inspiration for the first Dance Platform in Fort William in 2004 and she was keen to be part of the 20-year celebration. The Lochaber Active Schools’ team was delighted to have her return as part of the planning and realising the anniversary showcase.
Jasmine pulled together a display of photos and videos of dancers and performances from previous years and it was great to see some of this year’s young performers recognising mums and aunties who took part when they were still in school themselves.
This year 255 dancers performed in 40 varying performances spread over three nights, ranging from Hip-hop, Jazz, Lyrical, Highland, Step dancing, Dance for all, Gymnastics, Cheerleading and even an energetic audience participation Zumba session.
As with all great events it is easy to concentrate on the performance nights but the amount of time, effort and energy that the dancers and young leaders have put into their choreography and pieces over the last few months needs to be celebrated too.
Dance Platform has inspired children, teenagers and adults to exercise regularly, to have fun and enjoy being with friends. Although many of the performances were from dance schools in the Lochaber area, most of the dances were choreographed and organised by Kinlochleven, Ardnamurchan, Mallaig and Lochaber high school’s young Dance Leaders. Their dedication to their local young people and dance is exactly what Dance Platform is all about.
Back stage was supported by a fantastic team of specialists and volunteers, David Ogg supported by three young leaders made sure that the sound and lighting was on point and ensured the show ran smoothly each night.
As well as dancers, two Lochaber high school students also took charge of the photography whilst Rachel Chalmers of the Lochaber Youth Work team along with two of her young leaders provided hair and make-up support to any groups who required it.
Mallaig Active Schools Coordinator Pam MacDonald had this to say of the event: “Dance Platform is the biggest event in the Lochaber Active Schools calendar and despite the long hours and hard work to make it happen it was worth all the blood, sweat and tears to see the joy it brings to those involved. Here’s to next year! A huge thank you to all the performers, helpers and audience members who made it a fantastic event. We would also like to thank Mark and the team at the Nevis Centre for their support and help in making the event possible.”
