The “Largs School of Ballet” was founded by Karen Aitchison in 1972, quickly becoming the “Karen Aitchison School of Dancing” as classes in tap and jazz expanded the school's timetable. Starting with just 16 pupils, classes were held in Largs, initially, but quickly spread to surrounding towns and villages including Fairlie, West Kilbride and Skelmorlie.
Alongside Miss Aitchison, at her nightly classes, was her pianist, Mrs Walker (pictured with Miss Aitchison and pupils). Mrs Walker lived in Largs, but 500 miles away, in Kent, she had a granddaughter, Sarah (me!) Sarah loved to dance, and would spend many of her school holidays in Largs, tagging along with her Grandma to the nightly ballet classes, where Miss Aitchison would kindly let her join in.
Fast forward to 2014, the Karen Aitchison School of Dancing was still going strong, and it had attracted two new pupils, Sarah and her daughter Grace. For over ten years Miss Aitchison taught Sarah, guiding her through Grades 7 and 8, as well as Intermediate-Foundation up to Advanced 1. During this time, she planted the seed of an idea in Sarah's head - how about training to be a ballet teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance, and taking over the dance school once Karen was ready to retire?
Under Karen's guidance and unwavering support, Sarah completed her RAD training, qualifying as an RAD Registered Teacher in October 2024, and in June 2025, after 52 years teaching, Karen hung up her dancing shoes and retired.
As planned, Sarah took over the dance school, and a new chapter, entitled North Star Dance Studio, began.