Testimonies

For those of you who may not know me, (probably most, lol,) my name is Arlene – currently a Country Music Recording Artist. Here is a brief background …..

I am an ex-Air Stewardess of more than 25 years, & have been in the music industry for the past 15 years now, performing all styles/genres of music from ‘through the years’ at a variety of events. During 2017, I had a residency onboard a Cruise Ship with my ‘then’ musical duo partner Doug Stewart. We were ‘Guest Act/Resident Duo’ which was such an amazing, surreal experience & probably the pinnacle of my own music career at that time. I then began a new chapter in the music world & returned to my first love of Country Music as a solo artist.

I have since been on a whirlwind journey which has included a golden opportunity to record in Nashville, Tennessee with some of the Music City’s finest musicians. I have enjoyed No1 success in both the British/Irish & European Hotdisc Country charts. I have also had the great privilege of working with ex New Seekers group member & heartthrob of the 70s, - Marty Kristian. Marty & I have collaborated on many musical projects. Our single ‘Bring the Curtain Down’ was loved by many & a huge success. My most recent single ‘One More Time’ (a smooth country ballad) written by Ian St James & John Albert Griggs was released in Jan of this year (2023.) All my songs/videos can be viewed on my website www.arlene.biz

My involvement with Elma Robertson:-

I have known Elma for some years now. I first met her at Aberdeen City Council events where we were both performing, (Elma was teaching groups at these public events.) I then joined Elma’s Line Dancing Classes which I still attend today, & thoroughly enjoy her weekly sessions.

My latest project was to perform a solo piece at the Arts Centre, Aberdeen, as part of ‘Just Dance’ dance show “Step into the Spotlight”. I chose Kylie Minogue’s song “Dancing”, as I felt this would be a perfect number for the occasion since the song is a blend of Country Pop & Electro, & has a great disco beat. “Dancing” is from Kylie’s Country album ‘Golden’.

Since this was a dance show piece, I thought it would be kind of cool to incorporate a little choreography into my performance. I had a few basic ideas of what I wanted, so next step was to seek the professional expertise from Elma to guide, help & teach me with some fancy country footwork, flicks & kicks.

Elma was an absolute joy to work with and I learned so much from her on our ‘one to one’ sessions. Her teaching ethics & techniques are second to none. Elma came prepared for every lesson and I always walked away from each lesson with a sense of accomplishment, that I had learned another new section of the routine. She also made me feel at ease and built my confidence whilst incorporating dance to the song. Elma also provided online/video sessions for the times when we could not meet in person. I found Elma a dream to work with. The dance show was a great success and the audiences showed massive appreciation each night with the loudest of cheers and applause.

I can formally say, this was the first time in my entire musical career where I have sung to a choregraphed routine. I could not have done this without the invaluable help, encouragement & tuition from Elma.

Thank you for being amazing Elma Robertson

Arlene xx

Thank you very much for your help and time, we enjoyed dancing and our guests enjoyed watching it too.

Thanks

Dawn & James x

1st Grantown-on –Spey Guides had a wonderful Fitsteps session with Elma via Zoom. The girls as part of their Feel Good Skills Builder badge danced to 3 different Fitsteps routines and learned the importance of a proper warm up and cool down.

Elma was fantastic with the Guides, clearly explaining the steps and choosing great tunes. Afterwards, they said they enjoyed taking part in Fitsteps and would love to do it again.

One of our Guides created this picture as a thank you to Elma!

Had a blast at Lauren's hen party! Thank you Elma for choreographing a dance to her favourite song. Great fun, lots of laughs and memories made. xx

Started this class after a bad ankle/leg injury they want to fuse my ankle but doing this class has given me more movement in the ankle and made me a lot more stable on my feet.

The class itself is great fun and a wonderful group of ladies all ages.

Elma is a great teacher and if struggling with any moves is always willing to take the time to go over any steps or moves with you Really can’t recommend this class enough.

Fitsteps is the best, I love it, you can forget all your woes for 45 minutes and enjoy. The music is great and who knew that a fitness class could be such good fun and its all down to you Elma - your leadership and encouragement to all makes this class the best, you are our winner.

The fitsteps class in Ellon is a perfect mix of exercise and fun. You work hard and have a laugh too. Elma is encouraging and makes you feel good about yourself and ensures the classes are enjoyable.

When I started Fitsteps in November I'd gained 1.5 stone during COVID and hadn't properly exercised for years. I love dancing but I've never found any class that kept my interest for more than a few weeks. After my first Fitsteps I remember asking Elma if she would be adding extra classes...I loved it! Now 7 months later I'm going to 3 fitness classes a week and have even started cycling the 12 miles round trip to each class on my ebike!

Fitsteps reminded me that fitness can be fun, I just have to find the right class! Fitsteps is still my favourite though😉

PS I've lost the weight 🙂

I feel more flexible have more energy and I’m sure I have lost weight. I feel that FitSteps is a good all-round exercise for the body and enjoy it.

I started attending Fitsteps a few months ago having had the class recommended by a friend. I didn’t think the class would be for me as I have never danced and I suffer from issues with my Achilles and I also have Crohn’s disease and am sometimes limited to what I can do….. I absolutely love the class it has helped with my Achilles and I think I have only missed 2 classes because of my crohns .. the class is friendly and fun and you go at your own pace. I would recommend it to anyone Elma is a fab teacher x

Just like to say that Elma’s class on a Monday night is absolutely great. So enjoyable, fast with some of the dance steps. However this 70 year old can see the benefit and constant attendance to class l am coping very well. It’s a class that makes you smile and Elma makes it so much fun. You can go at your own pace . Always look forward to my class. Learning new dance steps and after a few sessions l feel l can grasp it.

I thoroughly enjoy Elma’s Fitsteps classes. She has a real knack for teaching us the dance steps in a totally fun, relaxed way. She creates a lovely, relaxed atmosphere where no-one feels under pressure to get it right!

I am delighted to have learned some of the dance moves that we see on Strictly!

I definitely feel the benefit attending the paracise class . The music spurs us on and you are very cheery and inspiring.

I always leave the class feeling as though I've improved my fitness level. Happy to continue.

Since starting my Paracise class a few months ago, I have noticed a great difference in the range of movement with a painful shoulder.

Elma is very knowledgeable and was able to advise me on specific exercises which helped greatly.

The class is very enjoyable and everyone is very friendly. I look forward to my class every week.

Elma makes it a fun session and even asks for requests of your favourite music for routines the following week.

I met Elma as a line dance instructor in Torremolinos in 2009. After that, I have been to several of her own events in Scotland and have enjoyed doing events together with her in Spain.

Elma is professional in everything she does and a pleasure to work with. Her events are very well organized and it is recommended for everyone to join!

Elite Promotions have used Elma and her team to help with various events over many years. We have always found her to be easy to work with and always willing to adapt to our requirements. Elma is equally comfortable working at a simple house party right up to a corporate BBQ or event when there are hundreds attending. We will have no hesitation in using her again or recommending her to others.

John Anderson

Partner

Elite Promotions, Aberdeen

1st Grantown-on –Spey Guides had a wonderful Fitsteps session with Elma via Zoom. The girls as part of their Feel Good Skills Builder badge danced to 3 different Fitsteps routines and learned the importance of a proper warm up and cool down.

Elma was fantastic with the Guides, clearly explaining the steps and choosing great tunes. Afterwards, they said they enjoyed taking part in Fitsteps and would love to do it again.

One of our Guides created this picture as a thank you to Elma!