Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Performing Arts in Dorset
While many children who take on performing arts as a hobby are already outgoing and confident to start with, even the most retiring child can benefit from an arts related interest.
Apart from being fun, 
engaging in some sort of performing art enhances learning skills that will hold a child in good stead in their academic and then, adult lives.
First, there’s being consistent and reliable. For many children being on stage and in front of the spotlight is something they crave - but beyond the glitter and limelight there’s work.
Your child will soon learn that people on stage don’t just show up and perform with everything falling magically into place - it only looks that way because a team of people have worked hard at making it look effortless.
In fact, studies have shown that cognitive ability, verbal skills, critical thinking, motivation and concentration are all enhanced by being involved in the performing arts. It really doesn’t take an expert to figure out that drama can improve reading comprehension as well as verbal and non-verbal communications.
Dance classes, like being in a play, will teach your child to persevere as learning a dance routine takes time, rehearsal and practice.
Your child will need to invest time as well as effort as learning any sort of new skill helps to develop patience.
Physically, dance can help children improve their overall balance and fitness. Like other performing arts, dance requires concentration and focus. These are skills that they can also benefit from in the classroom.
If your child is not sporty then a performing arts class can help them develop the same skills that team sports engender - they will learn the value of collaboration, team work, responsibility and accountability. Apart from showing up and putting in the hours, your child will learn that if they miss their cue then the rest of the cast, orchestra or dance troupe is affected too.
In an environment like this the child will also get used to taking direction from an adult who is not a .png)
parent or teacher. They will also benefit from constructive feedback from this adult whether they are director, choreographer, music teacher or even juggling teacher.
So, even if the life plan doesn’t include stepping onto the red carpet at a future Oscar ceremony, by signing up to some form of performing art, children are able to gain confidence and invaluable social skills that will help carry them through life.
To reap the rewards of the performing arts disciplines sign your child up to a class near you…
BEAT
Tel: 01202 982716.png)
BEAT was founded in 2004. Its focus is to provide street dance classes and opportunities to all children and teenagers of all abilities. BEAT teaches all the styles of Street Dance, Hip Hop, Popping, Locking, House, Bboying and Krump. BEAT has grown organically and developed into the success it is today - a happy vibrant company which is an ideal place for children. They have recently won the under 12's and under 16's South Coast Street Dance Championships.
Big Little Theatre School
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www.biglittle.biz
Big Little is offering free trial classes in November, December and January, providing a great opportunity for children to get involved in the performing arts. RAD Dance classes (Pre-Stars, Pre-Primary & Primary) for children aged 3 to 7 years happen on Saturday mornings in Bournemouth, whilst the RAD Ballet classes for children aged 7+ take place on Wednesdays in Bournemouth. There are also classes in Performance Dance on Tuesday evenings in Bournemouth. Musical Theatre classes for children aged 4 to 15 take place on Monday’s in Bournemouth, and Wednesday’s in Ringwood; and for kids aged 4 to 8 on Saturdays in Bournemouth.
Blackwell Dance Academy
Tel: Clare 07886 406888
www.blackwelldanceacademy.co.uk
Blackwell Dance Academy prides itself on being a very friendly school with a high standard of teaching. It is priced very competitively and boasts a 100% examination pass rate. The Academy offers specialised 'Boogie Baby' and 'Dancing Stars' classes for children aged from 2 years at various venues. In the main studio there are classes in ballet, tap, modern jazz, musical theatre, acro and performance classes for older pupils. All children are involved in regular shows and older pupils perform in a variety of semi-professional events. Call today to book a free trial.
Dance For All
Tel: 01202 986717.png)
www.dancefourall.co.uk
DFA (Dance For All) is a local dance company that specialises in Hip Hop Dance. Established since 2004, DFA offer a variety of styles of dance such as ballet, tap, musical theatre, jazz and contemporary, along with Hoop Fitness, Pilates and African Dance. DFA will be offering a free taster day on Sunday 22 January 2017 to enable all to try a variety of classes, and choose the class which is right for them. DFA offer a free week of trial lessons at their Dance Studios in Haviland Road, Boscombe.
First Position Dance School
Tel: Miss Natalie 07867 808703
www.firstpositiondance.co.uk
First Position offers classes and performance opportunities for children aged 2 years+, and is the recent winner of the Dance School of the Year 2016 (International Dance Supplies Ltd: Anne Walker awards). First Position is much more than a dance school, which a new pupil realises from the first moment they step through the studio doors. Spaces will be available from January in Teeny Tap, Baby Ballet and in specialist classes for ages 2-4. Enrol now for 2017.
Helen O’Grady Drama Academy
Tel: 01425 47 55 77
Students, aged 5 to 18 years, showcased their many skills at this term’s Demonstration Day at the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy. The students put their vocal and acting talents into practice with scripted plays, improvised plays and mime to musical pieces. The students received a rapturous reception from the audiences.
Helen O’Grady classes are run in; Bearwood, Winton, Verwood, Christchurch, Swanage, Ferndown, Southbourne, Colehill, Ringwood, Branksome, New Milton and Broadstone. There are also classes for 2-4 year olds in Westborne.
Kathy Davies Dance
Tel: 01305 262062
www.kathydaviesdance.co.uk
Kathy Davies Dance, Dorchester is a friendly, professional dance school offering classes in Classical Ballet, Modern Dance, Tap Dance, Jazz Dance, Musical Theatre, Pointe Work and Stretching.
Each pupil is treated as an individual and encouraged to reach their full potential. Students have the opportunity to work towards ISTD graded exams, take part in the bi-annual show and enter dance festivals. Pupils are accepted from 2 ½ years. Adult classes include Ballet and Tap.
Kids Camera Action
Tel: 01202 509089
Kids Camera Action is kicking off 2017 with Challenge Term - when crews will have ten weeks to complete a top secret filmmaking challenge, as they write, direct, film and star in their own short movie to compete for the Crew of the Year award! Then, back by popular demand, the animation workshop will return in February half term with two days of fun, creativity and non-stop stop-motion animation.
Pavilion Dance South West
Tel: 01202 203 630
www.pdsw.org.uk
Join the fun and friendly atmosphere at Bournemouth based Pavilion Dance South West. Offering a super selection of quality classes for mini-movers, including Street Dance, Creative Dance, Mini Street, Breakdance, Mini African Dance and more! Led by professional teachers in beautiful, modern studios, the classes inspire children to get moving, learn, play and share in the joys of dance.
Pop Idol for a Day
Call: 01202 746049 or 07941 429313.png)
Website: www.popidolforaday.co.uk
It’s the X Factor time again! If your budding starlet has what it takes to be a pop star or just loves singing why not book a session in Pop Idol for a Day’s recording studio? They have several packages available including a kid’s birthday party package, with a solo vocalist and musician sessions. Every child goes away with a souvenir CD and party bag.
Prompt Corner
Tel: 07757 259199
www.promptcornerdance.co.uk
Prompt Corner has been voted Best Dance School 2016 by Kallikids parental recommendations. This has been a result of its excellent reputation and achievements including the Dance World Cup. Pupils are associates of the Royal Ballet and are involved in TV and professional theatre.
Prompt Corner encourages all students to reach their full potential within a friendly and caring environment, enjoying the arts as their hobby or preparing children wishing to further a career in the profession. Everything provided under one roof - Ballet, Modern, Tap, Musical Theatre and Acro.
Renate Diallo
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Email: diallodramatics@gmail.com
Local teacher, Renate Diallo, has worked in professional theatre and has over twenty years' teaching experience. As a registered L.A.M.D.A. teacher, she helps pupils prepare for graded examinations, drama school entry and auditions. Individual and small group lessons are tailor-made to meet the needs of pupils of all ages and abilities, building their confidence and nurturing their talents in a safe and supportive environment. She has particular expertise in supporting students with dyslexia. To arrange a free initial tutorial, contact Renate.
Stagecoach Performing Arts, Blandford
Tel: Di Waterman: 01305 777308 or 07947 104368
Web: www.stagecoach.co.uk
Stagecoach Performing Arts School in Blandford can now expand and will be running classes for 4/5 years olds in addition to the classes for 6 - 18 year olds they already run in Blandford. "We are very excited to be able to offer the little ones classes after Christmas and will be taking names for this class from now onwards. The children will have an hour and a half of singing, dance and drama on Saturday afternoons in a relaxed atmosphere,” says the Principal Di Waterman.
The Stage Door School of Dance and Drama
Tel: 01202 291497
The Stage Door School of Dance and Drama is thrilled to be supplying the juvenile and senior dancers for this year’s Cinderella at the Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre. The children are really excited to be performing alongside Tracey Beaker! This is the 44th year the school has been involved in the professional pantomime. This follows a busy term with many exams taken in ISTD Modern and Tap. Congratulations go to all the talented dancers who recently competed at the Weymouth Dance Festival.
Stagewise Performing Arts
Tel: 07702 309 486
If you want a stage school that is inclusive, with a family feel, where your child matters, somewhere that will give them a sense of purpose, friendship, confidence and happiness - then, choose Stagewise. Since 2000 it has been nurturing and developing talent.
The Stagewise team of industry professionals provide an inspiring, creative and supportive environment enabling young performers to reach their potential and follow their dreams. Stagewise offer a whole month of free workshops, enabling children to discover and experience some amazing opportunities. Book a free workshop now.
Swish of the Curtain
Tel: 01202 418999
Swish of the Curtain Theatre School has been tutoring young people aged 2-20 years since 1991 in Musical Theatre, acting and dance. Specialist classes take place throughout Dorset and Hampshire at weekends and during the week. With a thriving television and film agency as well as professional stage productions, don't miss Annie the Musical at the Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth in February Half Term.