Rockettes make a splash in Annan

Apr 20 2011 by Julie Watt, Dumfries Standard Wednesday

Rockettes make a splash in Annan

ANNAN youngsters were given cheerleading tips by the professionals – the celebrated Scottish Rockettes.

Three of the girls arrived at Annan Swimming Pool last Wednesday to teach local youngsters cheerleading skills with a twist of Glee and community safety.

The Rockettes, who are the official cheerleading team for the Glasgow Rocks Basketball team, showed the youngsters how to dance to songs made famous by the hit TV show Glee which culminated in a performance watched by parents.

Claire Nimmo, Claire Ford and Deone Robertson, who are in the final 10 of the current Miss Scotland competition, taught dance, drama and singing with an emphasis on bullying, antisocial behaviour, effects of alcohol and drugs amongst a range of other community safety issues.

They were also joined by police officer Marie Marshall from Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary community safety unit who worked with the Rockettes to reinforce the important message being put across.

It was part of the Dumfries and Galloway’s Annandale and Eskdale’s Sports Academy.

Calum Graham from the academy, said: “The Rockettes are without doubt Scotland’s, if not the UK’s, top dance team so the children were learning from the best.

“It is great to use these girls who perform at many high profile events to encourage the less sport minded girls to become more active.”

Dance squad manager Carol Anne Deeney added: “Our girls had a lot of fun and the children did really well. We always like coming down to Annandale and Eskdale and hopefully we have made a few more fans today but more importantly, inspired the children to be who they want to be, to lead more active lifestyles and sent out some important safety messages to the children.”