A dance group from Cumnock recently celebrated their 20th anniversary with their first show following the pandemic.

LE Dance Fusion got back on stage at the Barony Campus earlier this month, with their first stage show in over two years.

The show was aptly called ‘Our Rainbow after the Storm’ and all routines were based on ‘colours’.

The Cumnock branch pupils, who are aged 3-18 years, performed routines in Modern, Acro Gymnastics, Disco, Hop Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary and Freestyle to a packed auditorium on Thursday, September 15. 

Cumnock Chronicle: A brilliant performance (Image- LE Dance Fusion)A brilliant performance (Image- LE Dance Fusion) (Image: LE Dance Fusion)

A great night was had by pupils and audience alike.

The group's principle teacher, Libby Graham, was overjoyed to see them be able to get back on stage and put on a stellar show after so long away.

“It was so good to have the kids back on stage performing for an audience," Libby said.

Cumnock Chronicle: Great to be back (Image- LE Dance Fusion)Great to be back (Image- LE Dance Fusion) (Image: Image- LE Dance Fusion)

"During the pandemic, we were unsure if and when we'd return to classes or if we’d even have a school to come back to.

"So to see our kids up there, performing to a sold out audience was just amazing. I am delighted to say classes are bigger and busier than ever and our show was a huge success!

"Here's to the next 20 years!"

It's been a busy 20 years for the group, with Libby taking the step from student to teacher, after learning the trade in Netherthird.

Libby added: "The school first started in 2002 when I took over classes from my own teacher, Karen Douglas, in Netherthird.

Cumnock Chronicle: "Here's to the next 20 years!" (Image- LE Dance Fusion)"Here's to the next 20 years!" (Image- LE Dance Fusion) (Image: Image- LE Dance Fusion)

"I continued to teach in Netherthird and subsequently opened classes in Auchinleck, Ayr and Douglas. I've trained thousands of local kids over the years in our Stage classes; from our tiny Starlite infants to our Associates who have gained their Professional teaching Diplomas.

"Our competitive Freestyle classes has seen many pupils reach Championship level in competitions nationwide. We now have classes in Cumnock, Kilmarnock and Dalmellington. 

"Myself and my co-Principal and daughter Eleace McConnell, along with our Associates Sarah, Iona and Kenzie teach classes at the Barony Sports Village, Cumnock every Monday."