Our students are the lifeblood of EDA. We work with them, we laugh with them, we share tears with them and we rejoice with them. Each leaves their mark on EDA in some way and it is our aim that they take away the maximum benefit from their time with us. So very many have gone on to a variety of careers and lifestyles that would take too long to list. We welcome them back often, and love to hear of their achievements in whatever their field. We are principally a place of learning for the Arts though and some of our former students have reached for the stars……..and got there! Their achievements, are nothing short of exceptional. There are now three of our EDA family performing with Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, one of the leading Companies in the world. Carla Contini and Leonardo McCorkindale accepted their invitations to join this year and have been performing in the recent tour of Swan Lake.  On an emotional opening night here in Edinburgh we saw Rory take on the role of “The Swan”, Leo as “The Prince” and Carla as “The Queen”.  What a night, one we will never forget.  They are on the final leg of their tour now and we are excited to share that Carla and Rory will be coming “home” to EDA for a little while and will be doing some teaching for our lucky pupils! Finlay Watson was invited to dance with Scottish Ballet Company and moved on to dance with State Opera Varna Ballet Company (Bulgaria). Eve Roberts is dancing with Royal Caribbean and has also taken the Pilates world by storm whenever she is back in London.  Emma Kennedy is home from her second contract for Royal Caribbean and has just secured a job with La Nouvelle Eve in Paris!  Emma has also been doing some teaching for us on the run up to our show and it has been wonderful to have her home. Fabulous achievements all round and we are sure that this list will only get longer in coming years as we have so many ex pupils continuing their dance and stage training at:

Royal Ballet School, Performers College, Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, Central School of Ballet, Laine Theatre Arts,  Bird College, Urdang Academy, Wilkes Academy of Performing Art,  Addict Performing Arts, Liverpool Institute of Performing Art, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Hamilton Theatre Arts

Joanne Gay, Paige (who is continuing her dance training at Urdang Academy), Amelie and Orla’s mum recently sent us this beautiful testimonial..

As Amelie’s final show approaches, I find myself reflecting on our incredible journey with EDA. As a parent to three young dancers over the past 15 years, it’s clear to see the positive impact this dance family has had on my girls’ confidence, resilience, and personal growth- alongside their excellent dance training.  The supportive EDA community has allowed the girls to feel comfortable in their surroundings, develop a strong work ethic, and gain lifelong skills that reach far beyond the dance studio. Being part of this amazing team has given them the opportunity to travel the world and create memories they’ll cherish forever. We have all made friends for life and shared so many laughs and (tears) along the way. EDA is a professional, nurturing, and supportive dance school-but more importantly, they are all just genuine, lovely people.