Performing in Outer Space

As mentioned below, here is the Perform article. The group is a performing arts collective for the under 8's, which I discovered online while searching for potential stories in the local area, for the Wood & Vale. The staff were great, very open, and, though I must confess to not being the best with kids...the kids were great too. Just check out those expressions!!!

Kids to Perform...in Outer Space.

A St. John’s Wood performing arts group is embarking on an ambitious project to bring out local children’s true potential... on a visit to outer space!

The group, Perform St John’s Wood, is offering drama workshops free of charge to local primary schools, helping to improve children’s understanding of vital curriculum subjects.

Perform has been offering young children the chance to mix drama, dance, and singing since its inception in 1999.

The current undertaking, to explore the curriculum subject of outer space, will allow children to collect friendship dust on Venus, and experience the cold and mysterious planet of Pluto, all under the guidance of a trained teacher.

Site Manager Rebecca Dummond said: “The games really focus the children’s minds.

“We have had great reports from parents concerning the knock on effect in the classroom.”

Every game and exercise undertaken at Perform aims to improve one of the “four C’s”; communication, confidence, coordination, and concentration.

Current principal Lucy Quick, who started Perform eight years ago, said:

“Just because children are learning about a curriculum based subject it does not mean it cannot be fun and creative.

“By working with their imaginations, children gain a new and exciting understanding of the subject, which encourages their interest in the classroom even more.

“Whether it's a game about eye contact, an exercise to focus attention or improvisations about making friends and understanding others, we put the child at the centre of everything we do.”

The group, which started with two schools, now runs over 100 workshops across London and the south east, all offering a similar mix of fun and energetic activities.

Perform St John’s Wood meets at 4-5pm and 5-6pm on Mondays and Thursdays at the Mansergh Club, 26 Hill Road, off Abbey Road. Call 0845 400 4000 for more information.