In 2017 I asked my sisters-in-law, Claire and Jenny, if I could do back stage photographs of their dance school’s annual show. It just so happened to be their 10 year anniversary of putting the show on at the Cooper Institute in Cathcart so it was perfect timing.
The McCarthy School of Dance is a dance company who are based in Clarkston and Giffnock. They have gone from strength to strength over the years and now have over 400 pupils. The show was many things to many people. It wasn’t only for the Mum’s and Dad’s, Aunties and Uncles, Gran’s and Grandad’s chance to see their wee star up on the stage. It was an important social event for those who performed in it. Having had my own two children in the show for several years I saw all the back stage goings on for the kids and it was manic but loads of fun. I thought it would be a great idea to capture this in black and white for everyone to see. My absolute favourite type of photography is reportage and I was thrilled to be able to tell the back stage story of such a wonderful dance show. I had a great time!
Four years on and sadly, because of Covid, the show had to be cancelled this year and last year. It makes me sad that this event will again not be here this year as it really is a fantastic event to watch and be a part of. The memories that events like this create for children will never be forgotten by them. I am hoping that next year the show can come back even bigger than before, not only for Jenny and Claire but for all the family members seeing their wee darlings on the stage and for all the children who put on their dance shoes and get a chance to shine (and eat loads of Haribo’s with their pals in the dressing rooms!) G x
