In a full-circle moment, a Clacks-born choreographer is set to stage a dance competition in the Alloa Town Hall this summer —decades after she first performed there as a child.
Sarah Stenhouse Kerr, 29, grew up in the Wee County, attending Forefront Children's Theatre from as soon as she could walk until an adult.
Now she's preparing to welcome young dancers from across the country to Clacks for a sold-out competition, from June 20-21.
"I was doing shows in the town hall from a really young age, and always looked up to people who were judging and running things like this.
"I wanted to bring it to Alloa because I know the town hall inside out, and it's nice to be somewhere I grew up performing in," she said.
Over the years, Sarah played many leading roles in Forefront's pantomimes and shows, before going on to train professionally in Musical Theatre at the MGA Academy of Performing Arts in Edinburgh.
Since graduating, she's performed across the world, including in Dubai, and, more recently, played Tracy Turnblad in Royal Caribbean Cruises' production of Hairspray.
Soon, she will be appearing in a hit Netflix TV program, but is tight-lipped on the name of the show for now.
Developing a name for herself in the choreography world, Sarah is now the leading choreographer for Team Scotland and is heading to the Dance World Cup in July, boasting the largest number of routines created by one teacher.
On her excitement for the summer's competition, she continued: "It's exciting for Clackmannanshire because we're not used to having events like this, and even though it's a dance competition, and it's not a show, it's nice for kids from all over Scotland to be competing.
"It's a really high-level event because most of the kids competing are going on to compete in the Dance World Cup, and this is a bit of a warm-up event. Industry-level judges are travelling to it.
"There will be some of the best talent from across Scotland. "
The competition will be hosted by Strike Dance Events, a company Sarah recently established.
She said: "Strike welcomes and encourages dancers from all backgrounds, levels and schools to mix, learn new skills, work with leading choreographers and be scored and judged by industry professionals.
"I'm running the competition myself with the help of my mum, Linda Kerr and a few family friends. I'm mega grateful for their help!"
In February, Sarah received a letter from MP Brian Leishman congratulating her on nominations for Teacher of the Year and Creative Choreography Awards at the Scottish Dance Awards.
In an official letter he'd written: "It's wonderful to see someone from Clackmannanshire making waves across the UK, doing what you love and accomplishing so much along the way.
"Your journey from Clacks to London to Tracy Turnblad on the Royal Caribbean is an inspiration for young people at home who are finding their feet in dance and the wider performing arts.
"Your skill and determination are clear to see. Further to the nominations above, to have 70 qualify for the Dance World Cup is another great achievement and truly is a testament to your talent and hard work."
To find out more about the competition, visit @strikedanceevents on Instagram or Strike Dance Competitions on Facebook.
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