But for the woman behind the school, it will also be time to reflect on over 50 years of teaching dance and putting on the annual displays of her pupils' work across Central Scotland.

When Irene Langlands took her first dancing class in the Plough Hotel in her home town of Larbert in 1956 little did she ever think that over five decades later she would still be putting youngsters through their paces.

And, when the first display was held in the nearby Dobbie Hall in 1958, she never imagined that the school's Summer Revels would still be such an important date in the dancing calendar in 2008.

While some dancing teachers might think it a milestone when they begin to teach the children of some of their original pupils, Irene is now teaching the great-granddaughters of hers!

So what keeps her pulling on her dancing shoes and teaching girls – and
boys – the finer points of classical ballet.

"The children are the reason I'm still doing this," said Irene. "It's all about relating to them and trying to get the best out of every child.

''I've been very lucky and had some talented pupils go on to great things, but, although the majority won't, you still get great satisfaction seeing them develop.

''Their confidence grows, they develop good posture and learn team work.

"When you get a little quiet one who comes along to classes and hasn't got a clue what she's doing, then does well in her first exam, you can see such a difference in them. That's what makes it all worthwhile."

Irene got the 'bug' for performing when she was just four years old.
After her father Allan was posted to India during World War Two, her mother Martha took Irene and her sister to live with her own sister in Prestwick.

They started dance classes and in 1944 she took part in her first ever performance at Ayr Town Hall.

However, her vocation got off to a bad start when her cousin accidently hit her a wallop and the young Irene fled the stage in tears.
Coaxed to go back on, she was greeted with a rapturous round of applause.

"That was it. I decided I like this and you could say that's when I decided to make dancing my career," she admitted.

Originally she had hoped to do remedial dance work with children but there wasn't a lot available and instead she started her classes – never expecting to still be heading her own school all these years later.

As well as Larbert, classes are now held in Camelon, Denny, Bo'ness and Linlithgow, with the school's base at The Studio in Melville Lane, Falkirk.

Originally the Summer Revels for all the classes used to all take place at the end of the summer term, but, after spending too many late nights trying to wash and dry costumes that had just been worn by one dancing troupe to turn them around for another group of youngsters to wear, it was decided that it would be much less chaotic to spread the displays over a couple of months.

The only problem is this now means that Irene's Arnothill home is transformed into a colourful wardrobe of lycra, net and lace from March to the end of June.

Rails upon rails of dancing costumes in all shapes and sizes cover several rooms, while ballet tutus are heaped on every piece of furniture.

The rainbow myriad of costumes would do justice to any professional dance company and have been collected over the years. Yet Irene appears to be able to put her finger on exactly what she needs.

Summer Revels are also another opportunity for Irene and her pupils to add to their fundraising totals.

Children 1st is the main beneficiary but over the years, cash has also been given to Strathcarron Hospice and Cancer Research, as well as numerous other charities.

The 40th anniversary of Stenhouse School of Dance was marked with a surprise dance gala in Falkirk Town Hall.

Organised by her daughter Judy Brown and most senior teacher Lisa Ambrose, it starred 350 children ... and not one of them let the secret slip to Miss Langlands before the event.

"It was a fabulous night and could never be repeated. I walked into the town hall and couldn't believe what they had done.

''Every time I looked at the audience I saw another relative or friend or former pupil. It was an unbelievable evening," she said.

For this year's special anniversary, a reunion ceilidh for former pupils from 1956 onwards is being held in Falkirk Town Hall on Saturday, June 28.

Partners are welcome and anyone interested in attending should e-mail lisa.ambrose@ yahoo.co.uk, with tickets costing £5.

A disco for current pupils takes place in Rosie's on Friday, June 20. Tickets are available from the dance school.

Irene has been supported over the years by her team of teachers, Lisa Ambrose, Sheila Morrison, Ruth Brammah and Louisa Ross, as well as 'right hand woman' Alison Swan.

"I couldn't have done it without them," she said.

Although she always said she'd retire after 50 years, Irene, a youthful 68, has vowed to keep going because she doesn't know what else to do.

"It's a job that makes you feel good. I feel so lucky to be doing something I absolutely love – and get paid for it!"