More Than Just Fun

There are few things in life more rewarding than seeing a child engrossed in a new hobby. Filled with enthusiasm and energy, getting kids involved in a recreational activity has endless benefits ranging from the development of social skills and independence to the possibility that they’ll discover a lifelong passion. Covering a range of artistic disciplines, Paisley town centre has an assortment of inspiring and fully qualified instructors that are ready to take a new generation under their wing.

DIANE MITCHELL MUSIC SCHOOL At the Diane Mitchell Music School. based at Brick Lane Studios, Diane and her team’s primary motivation is to unleash each child’s musical potential.

“Our children’s classes include Musical Tots Age (0-3 years), Piano Tots Age (3-4 years) Musical Maestros (Age 3-5 years), Musicianship (Age 5-9 years) and Grade 1-5 Theory classes for all ages,” said Diane. “We also have a go kids ukulele group, a popular musical theatre group and classes for children with additional support needs. We use the Kodaly approach to music in many of our classes so that children subconsciously learn the basic musical elements: solfa, rhythm, hand signs, memory development, singing, and more in a fun, structured way.”

The school also offers one to one lessons in a wide range of instruments including piano, singing, keyboard, violin, cello, double bass, saxophone, guitar, ukulele, drums, flute and more. www.dianemitchellmusicschool.co.uk JENNIFER SCOTT DANCE STUDIO Jennifer is a professional dancer, choreographer and teacher who set up her dance studio on New Street, teaching children of all ages, while continuing to work in the professional industry, she is also a lecturer in dance colleges.

“We teach children from 2 and a half years to adults in various styles including - contemporary, jazz, ballet, tap, lyrical, hip hop and commercial offering both competitive and non-competitive classes,” said Jennifer. “There are many performance opportunities on offer including annual shows, charity events, festivals and Go Dance at Theatre Royal.

“It’s beneficial to young people because not only are they learning skills and dance technique, but also how to develop their own style and creativity, make friends and benefit from improved mental wellbeing, becoming self-motivated with improved social skills but most of all, they have fun!” www.jenniferscottdance.com

ELMA WHYTE PERFORMING ARTS Based on Incle Street, Elma Whyte Performing Arts was originally opened by its namesake when she was just 18, now the Global President of the British Association of Teachers of Dance, Elma’s daughter Adelle Maasz now oversees this family business.

“We have more than 50 years of class leading experience, training generations in performance, dance technique and discipline,” said Adelle. “Our performers are taught with the whole of life in mind. We work on attitude and approach to life and the discipline of dance as a means for self-improvement and we are proud to have played a role in the development of many young people in Paisley. We offer classes from age 2 ½ in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary, Highland & Commercial, not forgetting our Zoom ‘Gin & Tone-ic’ class which is a big hit with our dance mums too!” www.elmawhyteperformingarts.co.uk

LET’S DANCE With more than 30 years’ experience, Let’s Dance is Paisley's only dancewear specialist. Originally the store was opened by Irene Drummond in 1987, who found it difficult to buy quality dancewear for her three dancing daughters. Now Irene’s youngest daughter Ann owns the business at 60 Causeyside Street, offering a vast range of dancewear and gymnastic wear. Along with assistant Morgan, Ann has come to the rescue of many dance mums over the years.

“We cater for all types of dancewear and pride ourselves on sourcing everything a dancer needs from our tiny tots to our professional dancers. We also cater for our many budding gymnasts,” said Ann. “We love that many of our customers come to us as children and we are now looking after the next generation. Although it makes us feel old, we will always try our best to get what you are looking for.”

With everything from leotards to skirts, jazz pants to ballet cardigans, and all kinds of accessories, not to mention footwear for tap, ballet, cheer, jazz and highland dance, Let’s Dance is your one stop shop for all your dancewear needs. www.letsdancescotland.co.uk

MADE IN PAISLEY Headed up by the dynamic duo of Caroline Gormley and Sandy Guy, this art studio and gallery on the High Street has been the catalyst for countless kids to get in front of the easel, while also giving many of Paisley’s adults an avenue to focus on the creative side of life. For Caroline and her team, it’s a labour of love.

“At MADE IN PAISLEY, we teach adults and children drawing and painting, but we also offer exhibition opportunities, showcasing our students’ work at least twice a year, said Caroline. “So, everyone gets to live the whole artist experience.

“MADE IN PAISLEY isn’t just about learning a skill, it’s also about the social interaction amongst those who attend and improving confidence and self-esteem. We have such a great time and the children who come along have all made friends. We hope that we can help create great memories for them to look back on and that they'll be inspired to continue with their art throughout their lives.” www.facebook.com/MadeInPaisley

We’ll be focusing on classes and workshops available for adults in our next issue of the Love Paisley magazine.