Centre Stage Dancewear shop owners open new Falkirk store

Lesley Ann Craig and Leigh White enjoyed a “very successful” launch weekend at Centre Stage Dancewear in Melville Street as they welcomed a raft of customers through the doors.

The businesswomen invited Irene Langlands, founder of Stenhouse School of Dance, to officially open the premises on Saturday.

The duo, who are both from Dennyloanhead, also co-own Centre Stage Dancewear in Linlithgow.

Having watched their daughters attend various dance schools from a young age, Lesley Ann and Leigh moved into business together two years ago with the aim of providing quality costumes at affordable prices.

The opportunity to set up shop in the heart of Falkirk was too good to pass up and, if the dazzling sales display of the opening weekend continues, the pair believe the decision will prove beneficial for all concerned.

Lesley Ann said: “We had a really good weekend. It was very successful and we got a lot of new customers which was lovely.

“We wanted to get another shop and in the middle of lockdown this became free. We thought it was a prime location and Falkirk needed something like this.

“We try to offer as much selection as we can so it suits everybody’s budget. We just want to help out dance schools as much as we can.”

Lesley Ann, who also works as a nursery nurse, is taking on the role of front of house, while Leigh, who runs a heating business, will mainly deal with the administrative side of things.

Lesley Ann, through daughters Niamh and Briana, and Leigh, courtesy of children Stephanie and Chloe, know how costly a passion dancing can be for families.

That’s why keeping their prices at a reasonable level is crucial to both women.

An efficient use of social made has enabled the businesswomen to make existing and potential customers aware of their mission, while a points-based rewards system has also proved popular.

Lesley Ann added: “We’ve got a system whereby every time a customer comes in and buys something, they get a point added and they can get money off because dancing is an expensive hobby.

“A huge thank you to Miss Langlands and thanks to all our existing and new customers for all their support. We look forward to working with all the dance schools.”

Visit the shop’s Facebook page for further information.

Message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you