Inverness TFX Performing Arts Academy celebrates 25 years growing local talent
A popular Inverness performing arts school is marking a quarter of a century since first opening its doors to pupils in January 2000.
Having becoming an integral part of the Highland capital’s community, with its students regularly performing at events in and around the city, TFX Performing Arts Academy has come a long way from its early days.
The school, which has now seen many students grow up to become performers or come back as teachers, has celebrated the occasion this month by throwing a special party - as well as announcing a big show set to come to Eden Court this summer.
Founder and owner Sally Robertson said she can’t quite believe how far her school has come.
“If you'd told me 25 years ago that TFX would have gone from Saturday classes with 90 kids, to classes six-days-a-week with around 500 students, I am not sure I'd have quite believed it,” she said.
“It's just such a privilege to see the business where it is now after the years of hard work that were put in.”
Sally started TFX after choreographing pantomimes at Eden Court and recognising the talent in the junior chorus.
“Each year they would blow me away,” she said. “But I could also see a real potential to teach them more.”
She said that seeing the talent shown by kids she saw every Christmas inspired her to create a class to teach dancing styles which were different from the ubiquitous traditional Highland dancing.
“It was the best decision I'd ever made,” she declared.
Over the past 25 years the business has had its ups and downs - particularly with the challenges during the pandemic. However, Sally said she is incredibly proud to see the school grow and go from strength to strength.
She explained: ”A highlight for me is always our show time. We hold our shows in Eden Court Theatre to give out students the most professional experience we can.
“There is nothing quite like seeing it all come together and the talent and joy that just oozes out of the children.
“Another personal highlight is the amount of ex students who keep in touch with us. From students who are now staff, students who now send their own children to TFX or students who just stop me whilst out walking the dogs to say hello.
“There is a phenomenal amount of our alumni who have gone on to professional training and excelled in their careers but also a huge amount who have gone on to other industries and credited TFX with giving them the skills and confidence they needed.
“It’s such an honour to have been a part of people’s childhoods and create memories that will last forever.”
One of those pupils is Amy Crook, who was among the first pupils when TFX opened - and is now its head of drama and creative assistant.
“I still remember walking through the doors on that first day and being nervous but so excited,” she recalled.
“TFX opened so many doors for me, it carved friendships that are still going strong today and gave me the most wonderful childhood memories.
“When I listen to how Sally started this business with just a notepad beside a house phone, I just think it's incredible and such a testament to her hard work.”
She said that TFX has grown beyond belief, however it remains a very close family.
“You can't go anywhere without bumping into a TFXer, and I love it,” Amy said. “I've been on holidays in the middle of Spain and bumped into students!”
Being back as a member of staff, for her, is a brilliant experience.
“I get to work alongside people that I shared my childhood with, whether it's former students Kayleigh and Ashley or Ali who taught me 20 years ago, there is something about that that is so magical.
“We get to work together as a team and bring the children of the Highlands the amazing experiences I had as a child.”
The school had its ‘biggest party ever’ to mark the occasion on January 11, with more than 150 kids in attendance - as well as a very special cake showing posters from the past 25 years of TFX shows.
And one more will be added this summer as TFX's 25th anniversary show will be staged on Sunday, June 15.
“Our younger students show is called 'Wish Upon a Silver Star' making a nod to our special silver anniversary. This show features our smallest students taking on some big Disney adventures,” Amy said.
“Our older students show will feature music and dances from some iconic musicals as well as some of the most recent hits.”
