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
Updated: 1/5/2015
The surge in popularity of performing arts activities has, in part, been associated with the increased knowledge of its benefits. The performing arts; be it dance, drama, singing or musical theatre; are renowned for instilling confidence in children, helping them to gain self-belief by facing fears and over-coming challenges. Self-discipline is tested as the performance may be fun, but it isn’t always easy and children learn that the will to persevere brings the greatest rewards. So, even if their life plan doesn’t include an Oscar performance, children will be equipped for life with invaluable social skills.
On these performing arts pages we’ve included details about a number of performing arts businesses in Dorset just for you...
Academy of Dance
Tel: 01202 829599
Email: info@academyofdance.co.uk
Academy of Dance delivers first class training through structured teaching and positive encouragement in a fun filled learning environment that is proven to motivate and encourage children. Classes are held for boys and girls aged from 3 years in RAD Ballet, tap, modern, jazz and there are also classes in adult tap. Academy of Dance offers workshops and master classes, accredited examinations, vocational and teacher training, theatre trips and shows. Come and share our passion and commitment. Contact Melinda to arrange a free trial lesson.
Acting Up
Tel: 07581 140983
Acting Up provides drama classes for 4-8 year olds that are designed to encourage boys and girls to enjoy the benefits of acting and provide them with the opportunity to express themselves within a fun, safe and caring environment. Acting Up believes in helping children develop key skills such as confidence, communication and focus whilst having a huge amount of fun! For more information on how to book your child onto a 3 week trial contact Claire the number above or email info@actingupdrama.com.
Big Little Theatre School
Tel: 01202 434499
Big Little Theatre School is renowned for dynamic, high energy productions, featuring Bournemouth’s young talent in the musical theatre world. Big Little runs a variety of weekday and Saturday classes in singing, dancing, acting (LAMDA) and Musical Theatre in Bournemouth and Ringwood. Dancing includes RAD Ballet, ISTD Tap and Modern, performance dance and performance tap. The school welcomes children from age 3 to 19 and offers free trials in all classes.
Blackwell Dance Academy
Tel: 07886 406888
www.blackwelldanceacademy.co.uk
Blackwell Dance Academy prides itself on being a very friendly school with a high standard of teaching. It offers classes in ballet, tap, jazz, street, breakdance and musical theatre at its fully equipped studio. Pupils aged 2 ½ years+ have the chance to take part in the fabulous annual shows along with other regular events. The dance academy offers very competitive rates and boasts a 100% examination pass rate.
Centre Stage School for Dance and the Performing Arts
Tel: 01202 951 362
www.centrestagedance.org
Established in 2011, Centre Stage is renowned for inspiring students to become confident, creative and talented performers. Ofsted registered and with a team of highly qualified, experienced teachers, Centre Stage offers classes in Classical Ballet, Tap and the Performing Arts (combined Singing, Dancing, Drama and Musical Theatre). Children and young people aged 2.5 – 19 years are welcome. Free trials available.
Emma Castle Performing Arts
Tel: 07595 336 327
www.emmacastleperformingarts.com
Emma Castle Performing Arts is a BTDA certified school for children and adults. Prospective students can experience this school’s unique passion for dance by experiencing unlimited classes free for a whole week with its special offer! Classes are now offered at Priory View Road, Moordown, Bournemouth and include tap, jazz, ballet, street, acrobatics, Zumba, fitness, cheerleading, vocal, drama, Pilates and toddler dance.
Helen O’Grady Drama Academy
01425 47 55 77
www.helenogrady.com
Demonstration days at the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy are wonderful showcases for the many skills developed by the students. The students put their vocal and acting talents into practice with scripted plays, improvised plays and mime to music pieces. When the youth theatre comes on stage for their performances they are a tremendous endorsement of how much a young person can benefit from the marvellously detailed programme offered by the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy.
Jane Farrell Ballet School
Tel: Jane on 01202 761878
Jane Farrell believes ballet is a great way for children to enjoy exercise while developing confidence and creativity. Most pupils dance simply for fun, but those with exceptional talent can aim for a dance career. Jane trained in the Russian style, worked as a ballet dancer and then opened her school in 1991. She is a member of the Association of Russian Ballet Schools and Theatre Arts, and offers their exam syllabus. Classes are for children aged 3+
Kids Camera Action
Tel: 01202 509089
The new term at Kids Camera Action Saturday film school will see the young crews taking on the Kids Camera Action challenge which will be a term long project announced in January. Other workshop highlights will be a February half term animation workshop along with a brand new workshop 'Movie Special Effects Wizardry'. Inspired by the Harry Potter films, this workshop sees children creating their own magical scene which they will star in and create the effects to go with it.
Music Works Academy
Tel: 07968 791812
Children can really engage with music, be it by learning a musical instrument, playing in a school band or by joining the school choir. Music is also a wonderful way for a child to explore emotions and is often used as a tool for controlling moods. The Music Works Academy based in Parkstone, Poole offers music lessons in piano, brass, keyboard, guitar and percussion by fully qualified tutors. Single lessons cost £8 and shared lessons cost from £4.
Pavilion Dance South West
Tel: 01202 203630
Pavilion Dance South West hosts an array of fun, creative and inspiring activities for young people. With storytelling, music and movement, interactive performances and exciting physical theatre, there are some fantastic performances coming up for children. As well as shows to watch, children can get moving too, with an array of different dance classes each week including break-dance, ballet and even parkour. PDSW even hold workshops and courses in the school holidays.
Pop Idol for a Day
Tel: 01202 746049 or 07941 429313
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.
Prompt Corner
07757 259199
Prompt Corner now in its 6th year continues to grow and has earned the reputation of achieving outstanding results in exams and at the All England Dance Competitions. Pupils have also been successful having been accepted at the Royal Ballet and Tring Park Associate programmes. The school aims to encourage all students to reach their maximum potential within a friendly and caring environment. Classes are offered in Ballet, Tap and Modern/Jazz for children aged 2 ½ years old to advanced pupils. Adult Pilate’s classes also available. A free trial class is available.
Renate Diallo
Tel: 07961 960483
Email: freespiritandson@hotmail.co.uk
One to One is a drama development agency run by local teacher, Renate Diallo, who has worked in professional theatre and has over twenty years teaching experience. Individual and small group lessons are tailor-made to suit each pupil's needs, nurturing their talents in a safe and supportive environment. Flexible and affordable tuition is offered in the Purbeck, Bournemouth and Poole areas for students of all ages. To arrange a free initial tutorial contact Renate on the number above.
Showbiz Academy
Tel: 07910 187564
Showbiz Academy is a family school that focuses on the well being and happiness of its students and nurtures their singing, dancing and acting talents. Individuality is rewarded and pupils are given the opportunity to appear in pantomimes, at Pontins, on TV, on Heart Radio, at musical shows and can take LAMDA exams in acting and musical theatre. Some past students have moved on to Guildford, Italia Conti, Mount View and are already working in the industry. New - Showbiz Academy is now offering Street dancing with Ash Knight, the current UK Champion! Free trial morning.
Stagecoach Theatre Arts School
Tel: 01258 474690
www.stagecoach.co.uk/dorchester
Stagecoach Theatre Arts Schools, currently celebrating its twenty fifth anniversary, caters for children aged 4 – 18, providing education in the three disciplines of dance, drama and singing. Students are enrolled in small classes according to age, and are taught by experienced professionals. ‘Early Stages’ classes for younger students aged 4 – 6 run for one and a half hours. Ideal for aspiring performers and those who wish to build confidence, Stagecoach is education for life.
The Stagedoor School of Dance and Drama
Tel: 01202 291497
Christmas is coming and for The Stage Door School of Dance and Drama, so is Pantomime! This year, twenty children aged between 8 and 11 years will be performing in Aladdin at the Pavilion Theatre alongside a host of stars including Scott Maslen and Cbeebies, Chris Jarvis. All the girls learn to dance with at the school and are representing all the branches - Bournemouth, Bransgore, Christchurch and Sopley.