This year saw an expansion of the Centre’s summer programme for local and disadvantaged families. Activities included a five-day performing arts camp for 4-11 year olds run by Huzzah and based on the film “Sing.” Throughout the week, the 17 participants were guided through the process of learning, rehearsing, and putting on a show. At the end of the week, parents were invited to see the final performance and applaud all the hard work!
As well as dance, drama, and singing lessons, Huzzah led drama games and activities to increase the children’s confidence and grow more comfortable expressing themselves.
Also, another partner organisation – Creative Futures – is dedicated to using the arts to boost children’s learning, build self-esteem and bring families together.
They facilitated two weeks of activities for 9 families at the Centre. London Rhymes for parents and children aged 0-2 was an experience of music, singing and song-writing in an intimate and nurturing environment, exploring the joys, challenges and routines of being a parent while developing each child’s early musical skills. Musical Stories for parents and children aged 2-5 was a story-based project in which familiar stories were explored and embellished with music and movement. New stories and songs were created, devised and enacted through music and dance.
In addition, with the help of teams of corporate volunteers, subsidized days out were organised to London Zoo and to Brighton. These attracted 18 and 24 families respectively.
