DANCING queens and kings across Peeblesshire have kept their toes tapping during the lockdown thanks to online classes from the Fiona Henderson School of Dance (FHSD).

After holding their last face-to-face class on March 19, FHSD has been forced to go digital with classes for pupils.

In the first week of virtual classes, beginning March 23, FHSD ran a total of 65 sessions, including those for their 'Little Stars', Irish dancing beginners, and their graded ballet and tap pupils.

School principal Fiona Henderson told us: "We did some initial planning in anticipation of having to move some classes online but that weekend was a whirlwind of activity getting all the technology in place, new timetable finalised as well as ensuring all the teachers were trained and established in their new home-studios."

Fiona has praised the school's ability to transition with ease during what was predicted to be a difficult time for the dance school.

All classes are up and running online, with teachers leading pupils over the video conferencing app Zoom. The only class which has not been carried across to the app is Acro (acrobatics) which was axed due to health and safety concerns.

"It’s important that pupils retain their fitness and general wellbeing during this lockdown period," said Fiona.

“Our classes are ‘business as usual’ as far as it is possible using the online classrooms.

"Our pupils are continuing to learn – each class will be focusing on different things in different subjects and grades, but in general they will be continuing to learn technique, exam syllabus content and routines for their forthcoming shows and performances."

Fiona added: “The lockdown is affecting people in different ways. I know all our teachers are really missing our pupils, so it’s great being able to see them and be with them ‘virtually’ in the meantime.”

Every 45-minute class has to begin on the hour to make the most of the teaching. And theory-based work has also been introduced to enhance each session.

All pupils have to be in the class, in their uniform, five minutes before the start, and are still given homework and at-home practices to work on before their next class.

Like many other businesses during the COVID-19 crisis, FHSD is facing financial problems. But dancers' families have been nothing but supportive.

Fiona said: "The support from our pupils families has been fantastic and we’ve received lots of lovely messages over the last couple of weeks saying how great it is that our pupils can continue their dancing during the current restrictions and how much it means that they can continue to ‘be with’ their teachers and dance friends.”

And as the classes have continued, maintaining a sense of normalcy for many of the pupils, one dancer said, "I want to thank you and your team for the fantastic effort all of you have put in to arrange online classes for the students during this difficult time," and another added, "I just wanted to say a huge 'thank you' to you and your teachers for doing what you are doing!! I really enjoy the classes and appreciate all your hard work."

"Planning too far ahead in the current environment is impossible," added Fiona.

"The teachers and I are simply focused on our pupils and providing them with the best dance tuition we can.

"We’re all looking forward to getting back to face to face classes – and there’s sure to be a party atmosphere for our first day back in our dance studios.

"In the meantime, though, we’re all just aiming to keeping dancing!"

For more information, visit: www.fionahendersondance.com/