THE Wee County's MP has this week visited a Sauchie dance studio to celebrate its continued success and expansion.

John Nicolson was at Just Dance Elite Dance Centre to meet with co-owner Natalie Couper, and coach Shannan MacAulay during an open session.

The dance centre's other co-owner is Danielle Mckinsley.

Natalie has been running the centre since its early days when the studio was still in a smaller shop in Sauchie while sister Shannan works as a coach.

Together they have grown the dance centre into a space where hundreds of boys and girls have developed skills, taken part in competitions and begun careers in dance.

Just Dance Elite Dance Centre marked its 10th anniversary during the winter and moved to a larger dance space on Sauchie's Main Street just over a year ago.

It allows the duo to meet the needs of even more talented young dancers from the area.

Mr Nicolson, who visited just as an open session was underway with children aged 4-17 practising their moves, said: “Just Dance is an impressive place. It has such a buzz.

“Sisters Natalie and Shannan are clearly passionate about what they do and have a great rapport with the young dancers.

“It was a joy seeing so many people here taking part and performing such tremendous feats of gymnastics too. 

“I love seeing start ups like this succeeding in our area.

“Natalie and Shannon are providing a pathway for so many young people. The sheer number of trophies on display for the team competitions wins is a testament to their professionalism.

“As soon as I’ve had my second hip replacement I’ll be back here on the parallel bars.”

With classes for boys and girls all the way from preschool age upwards, with hours of after school classes all week, sisters Natalie and Shannan are hoping to provide a service accessible to everyone.

Natalie said: “It was great getting to show our MP what we’re up to, the kids all enjoyed having John in.

“I enjoy building relationships with the kids, watching them grow as dancers and young people, so I was proud showing off their progress!

“We really want to be accessible to everyone. We’re the cheapest place around, we keep our prices low and we have so many levels, for all age groups right and abilities from beginners upwards.

“We get messages all the time saying ‘I’d love to come along but I’ve not got experience.’ But really, we’ve got so many classes that we’ll find space for you.

“Three of our seniors are going off to dance college this summer, two to Glasgow and one to a dance college in London, which is so good.”