A PERFORMING arts school in the Wee County has embraced digital technologies to keep classes going for children during the coronavirus lockdown.

Forefront Stage School had to close the doors to its Mar Street studio in Alloa, but dance teachers are making sure their young talent are not losing progress.

Utilising the increasingly popular Zoom video conferencing application, teachers are able to bring their classes right into the living room.

The virtual tutoring has been going for around a month, four our five times a week, with positive feedback from parents.

Indeed, some classes have seen as many as 40 young people joining, following routines from the safety of their own homes.

Amber Rennie, the school's principal, told the Advertiser: "The kids get to see their friends, their peers and it's just nice to be able to still have that contact with them while we are not in the studio.

"At the start, there were some technically issues, but all the parents have done really well, downloaded all the software.

"Everyone has been really supportive, all the parents are taking it on really well and they have been really appreciative that we are still running classes for their kids."

During a time when many a struggling to keep up home schooling and activities for their children in general, the sessions have been a welcome addition to the daily schedule.

"And it's a bit of normality to their day, rather than just being in the house it's something to look forward to," added Amber.

"They get their uniform on so it's like they are going to be at class.

"It's working really well."

Forefront was due to take to the Alloa Town Hall stage next month, but that had to be cancelled with the restrictions in place.

It is hoped, however, that the school might be able to return with a pantomime in January, which would see the young talent perform their rendition of Pinocchio.

While it is nearly impossible to predict when restrictions might be lifted, or to what degree, the winter show could go ahead if the young people are back in the studio come August, when rehearsals would usually start.

But in a bid to spread some positivity for passers-by, the children also created some pieces rainbow art during lockdown, which were shared, printed out and placed in the windows of the studio.

And generally, Amber remains hopeful.

She added: "We are just trying to keep the spirit alive, even though we are not there [in the studio]."