The person behind Retro Dance.
Katie creates relaxed, welcoming dance experiences designed to help people move, enjoy music, build confidence and feel comfortable being themselves.
Whether she is teaching an adult class, helping a couple prepare for their first dance or leading a group session, the focus is always on making dance enjoyable, accessible and free from unnecessary pressure.
Katie combines a professional background in dance, health promotion and community programme development, bringing that experience into every Retro Dance class, private session and event she delivers.
In 2017, Katie graduated from Performing Arts Studio Scotland in Edinburgh with a BA (Hons) degree in Dance. She began running her own dance classes that same year, building experience delivering sessions for different groups and creating welcoming, accessible dance experiences.
In 2020, Katie graduated from Robert Gordon University with a Master’s degree in Health and Health Promotion, bringing together her two areas of expertise — dance and wellbeing.
During the pandemic, Katie adapted her teaching from traditional in-person classes to online dance sessions, continuing to provide opportunities for people to move, participate and stay connected.
Katie later worked with Sport Aberdeen, where she developed and implemented Chance to Dance — a dance programme created to give children across the city of Aberdeen the opportunity to take part in affordable, inclusive dance sessions. She later progressed into a Programme Manager role, further developing her experience in programme delivery, participation, accessibility and community engagement.
After several years in Aberdeen, Katie relocated to be closer to her family, bringing her experience in dance, health, wellbeing and community programme development back home.
Today, through Retro Dance, Katie delivers three weekly adult dance classes, works privately with wedding couples and other couples, creates bespoke dance experiences for events, and delivers corporate wellbeing sessions for organisations and their teams.
At the heart of everything Katie does is a simple belief: dance should be welcoming, inclusive and enjoyable — giving people the opportunity to move, connect, build confidence and have fun, whatever their previous experience.
ADULT CLASSES — Welcoming Retro Dance classes focused on movement, music, confidence and enjoyment.
COUPLES — Relaxed private sessions for wedding first dances and couples who want to learn together.
CORPORATE WELLBEING — Inclusive workplace sessions designed to help teams step away from the working routine, move, connect and enjoy a positive shared experience.
EVENTS — Fun, adaptable Retro Dance experiences for celebrations, community events and special occasions.
View Classes · Explore Couples Dance · Corporate Wellbeing · Explore Events
Retro Dance was created to make dance feel more approachable, enjoyable and inclusive. It is a place where adults can move to music, learn something new, meet people, build confidence and enjoy time away from everyday routines without the pressure often associated with formal dance training.
Come as you are, join in at your own pace and enjoy the music.
No. Retro Dance is designed to feel approachable, and you can join in at a level that feels comfortable.
Relaxed, clear, encouraging and people-focused, with simple guidance and no unnecessary pressure.
Yes. Katie breaks movement down clearly and gives people time to find their feet.
That is completely understandable. The aim is to create a friendly, supportive atmosphere where you can take part at your own pace.
Sessions can be shaped around the people taking part and what feels comfortable for them.