SCHOOLS from across East Ayrshire took part in the area's biggest celebration of dance in Ayr recently.
Taking place at the Gaiety Theatre, Dance Fest 2026 showcased the very best of dance from local schools, community groups, private dance schools and stage schools.
Choreographed by Louise Chudleigh and Carrie Craggs respectively, the youth company gave a wonderful performance in a jazz style to Hit the Road Jack while the junior company performed an incredible hip-hop routine to Sparkling Diamond from the stage version of Moulin Rouge.
Lochnorris Primary gave an amazing musical theatre performance from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, and Auchinleck Primary P6/P7 put on a performance of Run DMC’s It’s Like That!
Dance Fest was produced by Zara Smith, cultural co-ordinator, dance and movement from East Ayrshire Council’s creative minds team, and featured a range of different dance styles and musical tastes, including musical theatre, street, jazz, lyrical and hip-hop.
Zara Smith said: “Dance Fest represents the culmination of weeks and months of practice by pupils and their teachers in schools across East Ayrshire who come together to share their love of dance on stage.
"It is a spectacular celebration and showcase, and it is also an opportunity for people of all ages to express their emotions through dance.
“I know that many people in the audience felt uplifted and energised but also had moments where they felt incredibly emotional by the thoughtfulness of the dancers and the choreography. It was a special shared experience for us all.
“I would like to recognise and give thanks for the ongoing and much-appreciated support and encouragement from parents, family members and carers.”
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