By Lucy Ashton
MSP Jackie Baillie and Provost Douglas McAllister tripped the light fantastic when they joined members of Dumbarton-based Boogie Box Jive recently.
The MSP visited the outfit in Dumbarton to see first-hand the dance skills of members, which have been put to good use to raise vital funds for charity.
Boogie Box Jive began life at Dumbarton’s now defunct Denny Club, more than 20 years ago, providing jive classes for locals aged 14 and over.
Under the instruction of dance teacher Paul McKenzie – certified by the UK Alliance of Professional Teachers of Dance – the group has gone from strength-to-strength.
Members have raised more than £200,000 for good causes, such as the Beatson Cancer Charity, Glasgow Children’s Hospital and the Skylark Trust.
In addition, Boogie Box Jive members have brought joy to the residents of nearly every care home in West Dunbartonshire, by visiting to treat them to a dancing display with a difference.
They paid a visit this week to residents of West Dunbartonshire Council-run Crosslet House Care Home, to show-off their skills.
Dancers, who come from across the West of Scotland, also strut their stuff for patients in the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital’s stroke and dementia units.
Dumbarton constituency MSP Jackie recently raised a motion in Parliament, recognising the work of the group.
Jackie said: “I was delighted to join Provost Douglas McAllister in visiting Boogie Box Jive’s Dumbarton class and to raise a motion in Parliament recognising the group’s dedication to fundraising and the good work they do for our community.
“I am impressed by the skill of members and their commitment to giving back by providing entertainment for some of the most vulnerable members of society.”
Boogie Box Jive classes take place three times a week, at locations throughout the West of Scotland.
Jackie Baillie MSP, Paul McKenzie of Boogie Box Jive and West Dunbartonshire’s Provost, Douglas McAllister.