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 and Dance
Updated: 30/11/2015
Shakespeare's famous poem 'All the World's a Stage' highlights the seven phases of life and at the first phase of life many youngsters take the route to acquiring confidence by treading the boards. Indeed, the performing arts will help children secure a solid foundation of skills that will help them on the wider stage of life…
- They will gain self-belief. All types of performing arts throw an emotional challenge to children in a cushioned sort of way. Performing in front of others, be it dancing, acting, or playing a musical instrument requires focus and a level of self-assurance. As children grow, they will learn the best way to overcome fear is to face it.
- They will learn how to persevere. The performance may be fun, but it isn’t always easy. When the going gets tough, children are challenged to learn ways of coping. By being in the company of so many positive people, such as teachers, coaches and peers, youngsters often learn the priceless ability to pick themselves up and keep going.
- They will have a chance to flourish. The extrovert child will have the chance to show off his or her exuberance, whilst a more introverted youngster will have the opportunity to open up under the pretence of playing a different character or by getting absorbed in the performance.
- They will be taught the value of teamwork and empathy. As most performing arts disciplines involve working in a group, pupils are taught how to work as a valuable part of a team. They gain empathy by learning how to see life from another performer’s or character’s viewpoint.
- They will have fun. Many children want to get involved in a performing art because they find the workshops, classes and team-spirit fun and enlightening. Even if a future Oscar ceremony isn’t on the cards, children can gain enormous confidence and invaluable social skills from the performing arts which will help carry them through life.
To reap the rewards of the performing arts disciplines sign your child up to a class near you…
DanceEast Ipswich
Call 01473 295230
www.danceeast.co.uk
DanceEast at the Jerwood DanceHouse in Ipswich hosts over 50 dance classes every week in its beautiful dance studios for all ages and abilities. Choose from a range including, Ballet, Hip Hop, Zumba, Pilates, Tap and Egyptian Belly Dancing, to name just a few. All classes are Pay as You Dance, so go along and try something new.
Lait Dance Club
Tel: Pat Lait 07889 723358
www.laitdanceclub.co.uk
Josh and Izabell from the Lait Dance Club (pictured) proudly hold the trophies which they won in the under 8s Latin event at the ISTD Grand Finals at the famous Wintergardens in Blackpool. Lait Dance Club offers Ballroom, Latin, Hip Hop, Freestyle and Rock ’n’ Roll classes and private lessons for children and adults. They offer training for medal tests and competition work. Children’s classes take place at Ipswich, Bramford, Martlesham and Chelmondiston.
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Tel: 01376 501313
Be a Pop Star and record a CD! Soundmagic Studios is a professional recording studio situated just 2 minutes from Witham town centre and established in 2001. At a unique Soundmagic Studios Recording Party, the budding pop stars arrive at a professional recording studio to create their own CD. Soundmagic Studios provide the backing tracks of the child's favourite pop songs and the children sing along creating their very own recording. The studio is where Jessie J started her recording career!
Stagecoach Newmarket
Tel: Principal Jo 01353 667442
Email Newmarket@stagecoach.co.uk
Stagecoach Theatre Arts Newmarket is holding two separate Discovery Days for children aged 4 to 18 - on 8 and 15 January 2016. The Discovery Day is a fantastic opportunity to meet the fantastic teachers and find out more about what Stagecoach has to offer. Children can try its classes in singing, dancing and acting and also meet other children and have lots of fun too! Plus, it’s Free!
Stagecoach Sudbury
Tel: Katie - 01473 601078 or 07904 311960
Stagecoach Sudbury welcomes children aged between 4 and 18, offering singing, dance and drama. Students have enjoyed performing their Annual show in a wonderful space, with full costume and lighting, as well as having the chance to take part in Musical Theatre Exams. February 2016 sees Stagecoach Sudbury enter the Sudbury Festival following a Distinction for their debut last year. Call Katie to arrange a two week trial.