Performing Arts and Dance

Some children truly bask in the glory of the bright lights whilst others benefit enormously from the confidence-boosting aspects of learning how to present themselves in a self-assured fashion. The personal rewards achieved from the performing arts are plentiful. Self discipline, good deportment, strong assertion and clear presentation are usually the results leading to a positive boost to the self-esteem. Simply put, children learn how to manage the way they project themselves through expressive forms such as dance, drama and music, which will equip them with useful tools in other areas of their life.


Bravo Theatre Workshops

Tel: Anna 01449 675 395 or 07908 724472

Budding performers aged 6 -16 can enjoy a 2 ½ hour dance, drama and singing lesson at a Bravo Theatre Workshop. Pay as you go Bravo Theatre Workshops are held in Newmarket on Thursdays at The Rutland Arms Hotel’s function rooms; and in Stowmarket on Fridays at Combs Ford Boys Brigade Hall. Children will gain confidence, have fun and can perform in musicals, community and fundraising concerts and in London’s West End.


Spotlight on Dance

There are several governing bodies for dance, all who offer their own examinations, medals and competition standards. There are many dance styles but the most well known can be grouped within five key disciplines.

Ballet was always the most traditional discipline for youngsters to take up. To excel at ballet requires great dedication, stamina and motivation.

Modern ballroom dancing incorporates five dances Modern Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Slow Foxtrot, and Quickstep which are danced socially and in competitions.

Latin American is a fast moving exciting discipline which includes Rumba, Cha Cha Cha, Samba and Jive.

Tap dancing is still a popular style in musical productions in particular, and is considered to be an important discipline for potential professional dancers.

Disco dancing is currently the most popular style amongst young people - offering them the chance to learn the dance routines of their favourite pop artists.


Spotlight on Drama

Through drama, students learn many things, to work in a group, to work alone; to listen, and follow instructions; to use their creativity and imagination; to communicate through thought, action and words. They learn to explore their feelings in a safe and controlled environment.

Stage schools provide the opportunity to learn theatrical techniques. Learning to breathe properly helps with voice projection and control. Some schools feature script work getting students involved in writing and performing their own to give them an appreciation of the material itself.

Characterisation, the art of developing characters and presenting them as believable to an audience, is an important skill for would be actors and improvisation enables students to develop the flow of a performance and increase their creative impetus. As you would expect singing and dancing also play a big part in a drama school’s timetable.

Whilst pure dancing classes often still attract more girls than boys, stage groups do seem to prove equally attractive to both.


Spotlight on the Performing Arts

Getting children involved in the performing arts provides a positive way to help them build life skills, enhancing their natural talents, which helps to increase their confidence and self belief.

Being involved in the performing arts expands their opportunities in life and gives them the chance to get involved in stage shows, local festivals or local theatres. Pushing the boundaries in creative environments can help children realise just what’s possible in life, which can be applied not just in the arts but whatever career they choose to follow.