Denny High School dancers set for NYC spotlight at Tartan Day Parade
Thirty talented dancers from Denny High School’s Dance Academy will swap the stage for the streets of New York this week when they perform in the world-famous Tartan Day Parade.
The trip marks a long-awaited return to international travel for the school’s Dance Academy, whose former students last performed overseas at Disney World in Florida in 2014 - the year after dancing in New York for the very first time.
A planned return to the Big Apple in 2020 was sadly cancelled due to the pandemic, meaning none of the current S3 to S6 dancers have had the chance to perform abroad … until now!
Packed programme of activities
The five-day trip is packed with opportunities for the pupils to show off their dancing skills - which include ballet, lyrical, jazz, commercial and Highland Dance - from taking to the stage at Bryant Park to a flash mob at either Grand Central Station or Times Square.
The troupe will then take part in the iconic Tartan Day Parade on Saturday 5 April 2025, which will be led down Sixth Avenue by award-winning Scottish actor Alan Cumming, who takes on the iconic role of this year’s Grand Marshal.
Linzi Mackell, Deputy Headteacher and one of the trip leaders, said:
This trip will be a life changing experience for our students. Many of our former pupils have gone on to dance professionally and opportunities like this give them insight into the industry.
“The team have been rehearsing hard during and after school alongside preparing for their National Qualification practical exams which finished last week. We can’t wait to showcase their talent and represent Denny High on the world stage in NYC.
Invitation to perform
Following two successful London tours in 2023 and 2024, the school was approached by a sports and educational tour operator and asked if the Dance Academy would like to take part in the 27th parade in NYC, which celebrates Scottish culture and heritage.
The dancers’ itinerary also includes taking in two Broadway shows – Chicago and MJ the Musical – and professional dance workshops at the world-renowned Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway.
They also hope to meet up with members of Falkirk Schools Pipe Band, who’ll be performing in the parade too.
Team effort
Getting to the Big Apple wouldn’t have been possible without a dedicated group of families who formed a fundraising committee.
Together with the pupils, they raised an incredible £8,500 by organising a range of events, including a Ladies Day, Psychic Night and an Afternoon Tea dance showcase. All funds have gone towards travel costs and costumes.
Ready for take-off!
Now, the countdown is on to their departure day – Thursday 3 April – when they’ll fly from Glasgow to New York via London.
While in New York, they’ll be staying in a hotel right at the heart of Times Square, with time set aside for sightseeing.
Linzi added:
The trip offers a rare chance for pupils to perform on a world stage, build confidence and gain insight into the professional dance industry – all while making memories that will last a lifetime.