PRACTICE makes perfect is the motto at Ardgowan Primary School as pupils take a step in the right direction ahead of the Inverclyde Music Festival.

The school’s primary six and seven youngsters are having a ‘reely’ great time rehearsing their Scottish Country Dancing routines before performing at the renowned event later this month.

One of the school’s dedicated dancers Lucie Thompson can’t wait to take to the stage with her friends.

The 11-year-old told the Tele: “Country dancing is really good fun.
“We’re doing extra practice after school but I don’t mind as it’s very exciting.”

Lucie’s friend Holly MacDonald is also working hard to learn all the steps before they step into the spotlight.

She said: “I’ve performed at the festival a few times so I feel that I’m going to be fine.

“But I do get really nervous just before we go on.

“We’ve been learning lots of different steps including the ‘pas-de-basque’.”

Dance teacher Helen Cunningham says country dancing is an enjoyable team building experience for the children and gives them the opportunity to perform.

She said: “We dance throughout the year at Ardgowan. It is great for teamwork, self-esteem, fitness and fun.

“At this time of year the Inverclyde Festival provides the young people with an opportunity to perform and show the skills they have developed.

“The annual festival is an important local event where the pupils meet others and get sound advice from the adjudicator.

“It is important to support this and help maintain its profile in the community.

“So in the next two weeks there will be blood, sweat and tears as we prepare for the big day!

“It is always an exciting time which the young people very much look forward to.”

Former Aileymill Primary head teacher Isabel Lind, who is the president of the festival, says it’s going to be spectacular.

She said: “We have about 1,400 entries for the festival this year which is fantastic.

“There will be something for everyone to enjoy from action songs and singing games to the secondary school orchestra and choirs.

“Inverclyde is very supportive of the festival and we are indebted to the Telegraph for helping us to promote it.”

The annual Inverclyde Music Festival extravaganza gets underway on Monday January 25 through to Saturday February 6.