Bright Lights show their paces and awards

Bright Lights School of Dance in Belfast last month celebrated the success of its star students at an awards ceremony in Castlereagh Borough Council Buildings.

   Special mention was given to Alana Wright, from East Belfast, who had just become Northern Ireland's second fully qualified "home-grown" highland dance tutor.

   The 21-year-old was presented with the United Kingdom Alliance Associate Examination Award by the Mayor of Castlereagh, Councillor Tommy Jeffers.

   Other awards went to Kelly Forsythe (17), Linzi Hanna (17) and Clayre Evans, who are currently completing the Bright Lights Teacher Training Project.

   Proud parents and friends also gathered to enjoy promising performances by young highland dance students taking part in the Bright Lights Outreach Development Project.

Pictured, right: Alana Wright (21) from East Belfast receiving her award from the Mayor of Castlereagh, Councillor Tommy Jeffers, and Michael McCullough of the Ulster-Scots Agency.

   "This event is another milestone in the development of Ulster-Scots culture in Northern Ireland and Bright Lights are proud to be part of it," said organiser Tilly Hay.

   The training project is sponsored by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Ulster-Scots Agency and the Local Strategy Partnership.