AFTER a time when things could not have been darker, a local dance school are now seeing some light at the end of the tunnel.

A couple of weeks ago we highlighted the concern of Stacey Gunn, that her Zodiac Dance School, in Lochgelly, was being forgotten as the lockdown restrictions eased.

Stacey's business, and 139 other dance schools across Scotland, were remaining shut.

But now Stacey is delighted that the Scottish Government have at last given an indication that the Zodiac Dance School, based at the Miners Welfare Institute, could re-open in September and also a number of local companies have stepped forward to sponsor their dance teams.

Said Stacey: "All the media coverage over Scotland managed to get us on the ScotGov Pathway.

"We were given a date of September 14 for an announcement to be made then with a possible opening date to follow with guidelines.

"This delayed time has put further financial strain on the business and the risk of having to close our studio doors has been slowly becoming closer to a reality.

"Indeed, it'll be seven months' closure for us on announcement day.

"There have now been further dance schools over Scotland that have had to close their doors and I really hope it doesn't come to this for us at Zodiac".

Went on Stacey: "Since the announcement, and the realisation of possible closure, the parents of the dancers have rallied round to support the studio financially with organising fundraising events.

"The community spirit and support from all over Fife has been amazing.

"We have 11 competitive teams at the studio, eight streetdance teams and three lyrical teams.

"Local companies have stepped forward to sponsor our teams by donating £500 each in which the dancers will all receive a hoody with the sponsor's name on the back".

The local companies who have sponsored the teams are: K.SCAFF, KINGDOM WASTE MANAGEMENT, KWIK ACCESS, BLACKROCK ROOFING, SS JOINERY, F.F.D.R, OUR TRAVEL INSURANCE, RESOLUTION JOINERY LTD, RINUS ROOFING SUPPLIES, and A&R ROOFING SERVICES.

Concluded Stacey: "Myself and the pupils at Zodiac School of Dance are very thankful and grateful for these local businesses stepping forward to help another small business.

"Also a thank-you to Lochgelly based business, Personalise Me, who are supplying the dancers hoody's at a discounted price.

"So for now we continue as many dance classes as we can in the unpredictable Scottish weather outdoors and pray that First Minister Nicola Sturgeon gives dance studios the green light sooner than later to re-open, so that our safe place and dance family home can be together under a roof and not under the rainy clouds!"

If there's any community funding sources available to help the studio contact Stacey Gunn on 07792612157.