Why getting your child in performing arts could change their life!

by Rachel Crouch, Director of PPA kids.

I have worked with children from the age of four years to eighteen years for the last seven years of my life. I have taught them musical theatre, singing, drama, tap, ballet, modern and street jazz. I have seen twenty-six children go into West End shows and hundreds in TV programmes and commercials. However there was nothing more rewarding than seeing that little child who a term ago, was hiding behind her mummy’s leg screaming “I don’t want to go!” and is now standing in the centre of the stage singing a solo in the end of term show!  That for me is what performing arts training for children is all about.

Parents and teachers have even called me up to say ask what on earth have we done, because their child is now confident in class, asking questions in lessons, putting themselves forward for parts in the school Christmas concert, and in general is a completely different child.

There is something special about performing arts training for children. It seems to get the best out of every child. However it is important that parents choose the right performing arts school. As there are many who won’t get the best out of the children. So how do you know?  My advice is to go and watch the classes; a good school will have happy and confident children. All the children should be running through the door and the atmosphere should be exciting and full of energy.

The other great benefit of putting your child into a performing arts school, is to give them another circle of friends outside of school life. Children at my theatre school are all very good friends and support each other in class. Drama and musical theatre in particular teaches children team work and to respect other people’s ideas and opinions. It teaches focus and discipline and most importantly it is wonderful fun!

Ballet and modern have so many physical benefits as they work on core stability. Ballet improves co-ordination and is also fantastic for focus and discipline. Children can find ballet ‘boring’ so it is important to find a ballet school that teach this discipline in a fun way.

However the class you cannot beat as the children’s favourite is street jazz, there is nothing more fun than dancing like Cheryl Cole on a Saturday morning!

For further information on children’s dance and drama classes in the Guildford area visit www.ppakids.co.uk or call 01483 684 067