Be Happy Performing Arts Company
Bringing performing arts training opportunities to the people of Midlothian
Build confidence, make new friends, learn new skills or brush up on the ones you already have. Be Happy have something for everyone. Come join us!
All of our classes offer your first class as a FREE trial in order for you to meet the Be Happy Family before making any commitments. Make sure to book in advance to secure your place as spaces are limited. We'd hate for you to be disappointed, after all we're all about the happy vibes! All of our classes take place in Midlothian. Class details are below.
Be Happy was set up by Gorebridge girl Mairi Jayne Paterson M(Perf) as a performing arts company that will allow everybody access to professional training by professionals in the performing arts. From our sensory baby courses to classes for adults we've got something for everyone. If you can't see a class that you fancy then please get in touch as our timetable is continuously growing and new classes and courses are on their way. We also provide private tuition and audition preparation. Get in touch, we can't wait to welcome you to our Be Happy family 😀
Mairi originally hails from Gorebridge. She spread her wings and flew off around the country training and then working professionally in theatre and television. Her training included gaining her Masters in musical theatre from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and drama, now named the Royal Scottish Conservatoire. She then went on to perform in theatres across Scotland and England singing, dancing and acting before settling down to have a family and focus on her teaching career. Playing a major role from the early days at Open Stage Performing Arts Company in Northampton Mairi decided that she was going to bring their ethos back to Midlothian and give something back to the community that she grew up in. Once a performer always a performer though and you can still catch her in professional plays and musicals from time to time in Edinburgh. The main thing she hopes to achieve from setting up Be Happy Performing Arts? Accessibility to professional performing arts training for all the people of Midlothian. She strongly believes that nobody should be excluded from the magical world of performance just because of who they are, where they live or what their story. Be Happy Performing Arts will help to bring the community together as part of a larger, happy family through performing arts. Sing, dance, act but most of all Be Happy 😀
Our Classes
Wednesdays
Ryze (everyone’s hall)
Mayfield
3:45pm - 4:30pm
3.5yrs - 6yrs
MINI STARS
This class is the next step up from our Tiny Dancers class and covers technique and performance skills in ballet, tap and modern theatre dance. The ideal class for children who do not wish to take dance exams and would like to focus more on the performance side of dance.
First class offered as a FREE trial. £20 for a 5 week block.
Wednesdays
Ryze (everyone’s hall)
Mayfield
4:30pm - 5:15pm
6yrs+
SHINING STARS
This is a follow on class from our Mini Stars class and covers technique and performance skills in ballet, tap and modern theatre dance. The ideal class for children who do not wish to take dance exams and would like to focus more on the performance side of dance.
First class offered as a FREE trial. £20 for a 5 week block.
Fridays
newtongrange Scout hall
9:30AM - 10:15am
Newborn to new walkers
SENSORY BABIES
Come along and spend some one to one time with your little one in a twinkly world of fairy lights. This is a guided class in a darkened room focusing on baby led learning using sensory fabrics, music, singing, signing (makaton), bubbles, maracas, parachute and other sensory toys watch as your baby explores the world around them. Each week we have a new sensory material to explore eg sand, feathers shaving foam etc. (Prior warning will be given for wet materials and this activity is optional so if your little one would rather play with toys in the ball pit they can.)
First class offered as a FREE trial. £25 for a 5 week block. Sibling and multiples discount available.
FRIDAYs
NEWTONGRANGE SCOUT HALL
10:30AM - 11:00AM
16yrs +
BEGINNER ADULT BALLET
This class is suitable for adults of all abilities. Whether you’ve danced before and want to brush up on your knowledge or you’ve never danced before and want to learn a new skill. It’s a great way to strengthen your core, have fun and meet some new friends.
If you have no childcare bring your little people along. We have our baby class before and our toddler class after so there will be a space available for them to hang out with toys etc.
First class offered as a FREE trial. Pay as you go £5 per class.
fridays
newtongrange scout hall
11:15AM - 11:45m
18 months to pre-schoolers
STORYTIME STOMP
This energetic, engaging class sees toddlers and their grown up bring a story to life. Be prepared for movement, music, props, lots of noise and a whole lot of fun! Younger siblings are welcome in this class at no extra cost.
First class offered as a FREE trial. £20 for a 5 week block. Multiples discount available.
Saturdays
GOrebridge Parish Church hall
9:15AM - 9:55AM
2 years to 5 years
TINY DANCERS
This class covers first steps in ballet, tap and modern theatre dance in a fun way for boys and girls. Your child will develop new skills, be part of a class, learn to join in with others and discover the joy of dance.
Parents stay in class with their little ones and get to watch as they achieve new skills and share their joy.
First class offered as a FREE trial. £20 for a 5 week block.
SATURDAYs
gorebridge parish church hall
10:00am - 10:40am
5 years+
BE HAPPY SHOOTING STARS
Make new friends, learn new skills and build your confidence. These classes cover singing, dancing and acting. Stars of the future will receive training from Gorebridge's own Mairi Jayne Paterson M(Perf). With almost 25 years teaching experience (she looks too young right?!), professional credits and a Master of performance in Musical Theatre our students will learn all there is to know about the performing arts business.
First class offered as a FREE trial. £22.50 for a 5 week block.
SATURDAYs
gorebridge parish church hall
10:45AM - 11:15AM
5 years+
FUNKY POP
Calling all dancers! Have fun learning routines to the latest chart hits. Our Students get fit and burn off excess energy while busting some 'Lit' moves ready to own that dance floor.
First class offered as a FREE trial. £16 for a 5 week block.
SATURDAYs
gorebridge parish church hall
11:20AM - 12:00PM
8 years+
YOUTH DRAMA
Drama class focusing on acting and stagecraft.
Make new friends, learn new skills and build your confidence. These classes look at all aspects of drama and acting. Both acting for stage and acting for camera. Our students also learn the fundamentals of stagecraft and what goes on behind the scenes and behind the camera. Improvisation and script work are the main focus. We’re providing training for the professionals of the future.
First class offered as a FREE trial. £22.50 for a 5 week block.
