Doreen Bowie

Doreen, Principle of Wallace School of Dance, is truly inspirational. Children and young adults from all social and ethnic backgrounds attend her classes, and she pushes them to achieve the highest standards in their chosen disciplines. Having retired as a PE and Pastoral teacher 4 years ago, Doreen could be forgiven if she wanted to relax; instead, she is Principle of a Dance School with over 100 members aged from 3 to 27. They follow a punishing but motivating programme of group classes and private lessons in gymnastics, tap and modern dance, but most importantly, in Highland Dancing, which is Doreen's speciality and passion. Her desire to promote our cultural heritage has had award-winning results, with several of her pupils dancing successfully as Premier Level competitors, and one pupil has won the Cowal Highland Gathering (the Highland Dancing equivalent of the Olympic Games) not once but twice! Doreen also presents a bi-annual concert to a packed auditorium to showcase the talents of her pupils, boosting their confidence and instilling in them a desire to succeed and perform at the highest level. The fact Doreen now teaches the children, and even grandchildren, of former pupils is testimony to the enduring high esteem with which she is regarded in our community, and she plays a pivotal role in promoting the area through the annual Stranraer & District Highland Dancing Competition. But crucially, Doreen is fun and supportive, and her pupils simply adore her!