A CROSSGATES dad has played lockdown for laughs by joining his daughter's online dance class – complete in a tutu!

In looking to keep his children entertained at home, Malcolm Burnett took to the virtual stage alongside five-year-old Anna for her class with Centre Stage Performing Arts.

The dance school, which is run by owner and principal teacher Louise Ferrier, are not letting have to temporarily close its base at Crossgates' Royal British Legion stop their students showing off their talents.

They've found a new rhythm by using video technology to host classes and Malcolm, 45, decided to raise some smiles by tapping alongside Anna for some ballet.

His moves – and look – went down a storm but most importantly to Malcolm, whose son, Callum, participates in street dance, was how much it meant to his wee girl.

"Last week I was on holiday and we were planning out our day when Anna said 'do you want to do my dance class'?", he explained.

"I said to her I'll do it. She was starting to get ready and I remembered that we had old tutus in the garage.

"It was good fun. I'm someone who can laugh at myself, and it was a good laugh. Seeing what it meant to my daughter was brilliant; she had a lot fun.

"She was beaming from ear-to-ear and was chuffed I was doing it."

Malcolm, who is a show director in musical theatre, and was part of the Lochgelly and District Musical Association team who put on Evita last May, paid tribute to the work of Louise and dance tutor, Mark Cameron, in keeping classes running to keep youngsters active and smiling during an uncertain time.

"They're trying to make it as fun as they can, and that helps us," he added.

"There's a balance there between a bit of education and having a bit of fun, but having online things to take part in is great.

"It's important for us to break the monotony of what's going on."

Centre Stage also runs classes in Kelty and Rosyth, offering dance, acro and performing arts to all ages and abilities, and have taken students to Disneyland Paris, and Walt Disney World in Florida, to perform.

Louise commented: "When the Government came out with their guidance that said we couldn't run face-to-face tuition, I thought that we can't stop dancing.

"There's a couple of online platforms that are interactive, so the kids can do classes at home. We sent an email out to parents that said if any siblings, or you, want to join in then you're welcome to.

"Anna was ecstatic to see her dad see her dance, and join in. He didn't miss a beat!

"Other parents and students could see and it gave everyone a massive giggle. It's a dance community that we have and it's not just the kids - the parents are a big part as well.

"You never know, it could inspire other dance dads!"

 

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