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After School Activities

It's the end of another school day and there’s a few hours to fill before bedtime routines begin. Children in the first few years of school will often be tired and content relaxing at home. For others, it will be a question of choosing the right after-school activities to spark their interest, develop a talent or simply keep them entertained! The benefits are huge too - regular activities bring structure, team spirit, new friends and self confidence.  So, whether it’s singing or swimming, it’s all going on in your local area and here’s our pick of the best. 

Life skills and more with Stagecoach 

There’s more for children to discover at Stagecoach than just new found skills in acting, singing and dancing. Their classes, led by inspirational and experienced teachers, are specially designed to help boost self-confidence, creativity and curiosity - skills that will stay with them for life! Outside school hours, Stagecoach offers weekly classes for 4-18 year-olds during term time at local schools. Sign up for a two-week trial to see if Stagecoach is right for your child. W: www.stagecoach.co.uk  

SHINE in September!

Shine Performing Arts welcome children who are shy, under confident or less likely to speak up and build their self esteem through singing, dancing and acting. See pictures and clips of their recent end of term production, Alice in Wonderland, revamped with pop songs and street dance, on their website, Facebook and Twitter pages.
Classes take place on Thursdays 3.30-5pm and Saturdays 10am-1pm. Sign up for a free session and watch your child SHINE in September. Plus receive a 10% discount off your first term. E: info@shineperformingarts.co.uk T: 07912 289777  W: www.shineperformingarts.co.uk

Let your child be a shining star!
Shining Star Productions offers Performing Arts coaching to children from the ages of 4 to 13 years. Based around Berkshire they run after-school drama workshops, holiday workshops and dance and drama birthday parties. It’s a great club for children to learn how to perform, build confidence, have fun and make friends! 
Book your child on to a free taster class today to experience what it is like to be a shining star! W:  www.shiningstarproductions.org 

Dance Arts Academy goes from strength to strength

Dance Arts Academy have had an outstanding year so far, with two ISTD exam sessions resulting in 100% pass rates for all their pupils, and a spectacular summer show at Bearwood College Theatre, and are now set to add exciting Acrobatic Dance to their range of classes! Dance Arts Academy (DAA) is an established local dance school with over 160 pupils, offering weekly classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Acro and Street, alongside fabulous themed dance parties and holiday workshops. 
Classes are offered in Sonning Common, Emmer Green, Caversham, Wokingham, Bracknell and Burnham, and cater for children and adults from 2 years and up. T: 07985 535357 W: www.danceartsacademy.co.uk  

News from Allenova School of Dancing

Allenova is one of the longest established schools in Berkshire with many years of outstanding success and has recently won medals in both The All England London Finals and British Arts Awards finals. Nurtured with care and attention, every pupil gets the chance to enter examinations with The Royal Academy, Imperial Society, National Association and LAMDA, Stage medal tests, Dance festivals and to participate in local pantomime and competitions. Catering for toddlers through to adults, classes include ballet, contemporary, tap, modern, street dance and more. They also run Saturday College which includes Latin, musical theatre, cheerleading & acro gymnastics. You can choose from a fantastic range of dance wear from their shop onsite Elite Dancewear. Allenova will soon be launching the Thatcham Youth Junior Ballet Company dancers who would be interested in auditioning can apply now. T: 01635 201701 E: allenovadance@aol.com W: www.allenova.co.uk

Steppin Out performing arts school secures patrons!

Top performing arts school “Steppin Out” is the talk of the town! Having secured two industry patrons enabling its students to be closely mentored, a filming job for 15 of its children and West End show appearances, “Steppin Out” is really carving a name for itself. The patrons are actor Tom Chambers (famous for winning Strictly Come Dancing, Holby City and Waterloo Road) and Matthew Stirling, Professional Stuntman in Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. Shelley Fitzgibbon, Principal of “Steppin Out” says “It is an incredible honour to have such talents walk through our doors.” Classes run on Fridays in Woodley and Saturdays in Wokingham. T: 07970 034488/ 01189 774258 E: shelley@steppinoutschool.co.uk 

A performing arts school for everyone

Dancercise is a well established dance and performing arts school who offer a wide variety of inspiring classes to suit every age, level and ability. Dancercise classes encourage children and adults to exercise while having fun, learn how to dance while socialising and increase self-confidence and encourage a sense of performance. Pupils have the chance to perform in their annual Summer Show and in many events throughout the year. They also enter pupils into exams in ballet, tap, street dance with the RAD, ISTD and IDTA. Contact them to book a free trial session. T: 0774 339 8844  W: www.dancerciseuk.com E: dancercise@live.com

Razzamataz has all your artistic needs covered!

Razzamataz Theatre Schools offer fresh, fun and #Razztastic part time training in dance, drama and singing covering both musical theatre and commercial styles such as authentic Street Dance and Pop Singing! With classes ranging from ‘Razz Minis’ for ages four to five right through to ‘Razz Seniors’ for ages 12-18 there is something at Razzamataz for everyone. They are currently taking bookings for their Open Days on Saturday 12th September in both the Wokingham and Newbury branches. Contact them to book your free taster session. Razz Newbury T: 0777 5606877/newbury@razzamataz.co.uk or Razz Wokingham T: 0118 324 0226/Wokingham@razzamataz.co.uk

Keep after school drama firmly on the stage!

StageAbility’s after-school drama classes ooze energy, fun and involvement. For the budding film star it’s addictive, and for the shy youngster it develops self-confidence in a friendly, supportive class. Their student retention rate is impressive – once students join they don’t want to leave!  Why give up your weekend? They are delivering after school drama classes for boys and girls aged 5-16 in Wokingham, Burghfield, Lower Earley and Tilehurst with endless opportunities to perform, enter class competitions and enjoy a Diploma system that rewards your child’s progress.  Free trial classes and free uniform are available throughout October by quoting Primary Times.
W: berkshire.stageability.co.uk  T: 07721 565898  E: jackie@berkshire.stageability.co.uk

Allied Schools of Dance nurture children’s passion for performing

With expert tuition in small, friendly classes, Allied Schools of Dance has a national reputation for producing well-trained, happy students, with a love of dance.
Many former students are currently in full-time training in theatre colleges, and ex-pupils can be found starring in ballet companies and in West End theatres, or teaching at home and abroad. Their fun, lively summer school is always a success with drama and singing classes a very popular choice! Classes are held in Woodley, Wokingham and Bracknell.  T: 0118 9671600 W: www.livetodance.co.uk

Read Theatre School is on the move!

Thatcham’s very own theatre school, which provides dance, singing and drama training for 3-16 year olds every Saturday, is moving to Francis Bailey Primary School! Their team of highly experienced teachers inspire creativity through carefully designed lessons and workshops with the aim of teaching performing skills and techniques in an exciting and dynamic way. Every year Read Theatre School pupils perform at the world famous Sadler’s Wells Theatre and put on a full scale production at Arlington Arts! Contact them to experience a free session. T: 07920 748748 W: www.readtheatreschools.co.uk

A Helping Hand for New “Dance Mums” 

So you’ve sorted out the school uniform, but what about kit for their new dance or gymnastics classes? If the world of dance is all new to you, then don’t panic. Dancia International is Berkshire’s premier dancewear retailer, with shops in both Reading and Crowthorne. Open seven days a week during September, they make it their business to know as much as possible about the uniform requirements of local dance and drama schools. Take your child to Dancia, and their friendly, highly trained staff will be happy to advise you, ensuring that shoes and uniform are fitted correctly. W: www.dancia.co.uk

Are you ready to go berzerk? 

Berzerk’s new term starts this September for ages 4-19 in locations across Berkshire for their award winning Drama Factory and LAMDA workshops. With new school classes also on board for the coming year there are opportunities for all to shine. Their Disney’s Aladdin cast are busy rehearsing for the Christmas production at the Oakwood Centre in Woodley and they have been chosen for the National Theatre Connections500 project starting soon. Current pupils are now appearing in the West End in Matilda, Billy Elliot, Thriller and the CBBC chart show. E: info@berzerkproductions.com W: www.berzerkproductions.com 

Starmaker offers experience in the performing arts

After nearly 28 years of providing quality performances including over 100 shows, plus 20 years of highly successful Starmaker Summer Schools, Starmaker was delighted to launch its Saturday Stage School in January this year. With over 50 youngsters already attending, Starmaker is committed to help raise children’s confidence in singing, dancing and acting and experience all aspects of performing arts. Contact them for a free trial session. E: stageschool@starmakeruk.org 

Quality reigns supreme at the Lodge School of Theatre Dance

In the heart of Earley, within a short drive of Reading, Wokingham, Twyford and surrounding areas, you’ll find the new studios of The Lodge School of Theatre Dance. Formerly known as the Beryl Jarvis School of Theatre Dance, The Lodge is a dance school unlike many others.  Although each class, taught by qualified RAD and ISTD teachers is thoroughly enjoyable, Principle Sarah-Jane Bullock is passionate about the ‘quality not quantity' ethos at the school, where strong technique are foremost, enabling every child to reach their full potential, with many going on into a career in the profession. With former pupils studying at vocational schools such as Elmhurst, Laine Theatre Arts, Bird College, and performing in West End shows, the results speak for themselves. W:
www.thelodgeschoolofdance.com    

So you want to be a rock star?

The Rock Project – the UK’s premier rock and pop school – opens its doors in Reading this September! Led by working musicians, the two-hour, weekly talent and confidence boosting sessions cover vocal, guitar, bass, keyboard and drum skills. Free taster sessions for 7-18 year olds available in Charvil, Thatcham and Tilehurst. To book call 0118 334 5562 or email reading@therockproject.com W: www.reading.therockproject.com

Learn the art of playing chess 

Enjoy playing chess? Then Berkshire Junior Chess Association could be for you! It’s a friendly organisation, providing a variety of chess playing opportunities for players of all ages and abilities, including coaching sessions. Girls are very welcome and some events offer a section just for girls. Saturday Afternoon Events, held in local primary schools, offer a fun introduction to chess competitions. BJCA also run county teams for both primary and older children. W: bjca.org.uk  

Hogan music - so much more than a music shop!

A new term, a new instrument? Hogan Music offer tuition all year round including after school and weekends. They are keen to reach young people and help them develop a love of music and the ability to play any instrument they choose. Why not give them a call to see what they can offer your child and book a free trial? T: 01635 37868 E: tuition@hoganacademy.co.uk W: www.hoganmusic.co.uk, 

Help your child’s development with Kindergym

Kindergym classes are 45 minutes long and designed for children from 1 year old to school age. They consist of warm up games, apparatus circuits to help develop their skills and to challenge the different age groups. They will help develop a child’s balance, co-ordination, gross and fine motor skills, special awareness and body control, while learning about colours, numbers, word association and social interaction, all in a safe and fun environment. Qualified British Gymnastics pre-school coaches are on hand to help and encourage the children and show their parents how to support them through their basic skills. T: 01344 773237
W: pinewoodgymnastics.co.uk 

Climbing - a great sport for all abilities

Reading Climbing Centre has a range of indoor climbing clubs and classes suitable for children from as young as 5 years. Indoor climbing is great for improving fitness, building self-confidence and getting young people working together. The National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme allows children to develop their climbing skills and knowledge over a period of time, learning the basics before progressing onto advanced climbing techniques. Throughout the NICAS courses children are coached by a highly trained in-house team who are passionate about passing on their skills and introducing young people to the sport. T: 0118 975 6298 W: www.readingclimbingcentre.com

Reading Tae Kwon Do Academy brings fun and fitness

Looking to improve fitness, balance and confidence? Tae Kwon Do Academy can do just that and offers classes in five locations to suit all age groups. Children start in Tigers (3½ -6 years) where they learn correct techniques and co-ordination through games. They then progress through to Juniors from age 7 onwards to improve kicking and punching skills within a controlled classroom. Children stay fit and active and benefit from gaining self-defence skills, discipline, confidence and making lots of new friends!  T: 01344 777522/07766 125735 W: www.reading-tkd.com 

Footiebugs is more than just football

At Footiebugs, all the classes are designed to be great fun and they coach children from the age of 3 to 11 years old in a variety of different locations local to you. Younger children go on great adventures using their football as part of the story while older ones will learn football skills and much more with lots of entertainment thrown in too! They run Football Camps throughout all the school holidays and also host Football Parties. W: www.footiebugs.com/slough E: gareth@footiebugs.com

GR Swimming Schools combine learning with water fun!

Every child can benefit from swimming lessons. They will gain confidence, learn to swim and have a healthy respect for water. GR Swimming Schools’ aim is to teach all children, whatever level, to enjoy swimming and build stamina and self esteem.  With their small class ratio, they are able to give a lot of attention to the children.  They strive to create a friendly, safe and happy learning environment for the children and this is their continual mission for the future, hence their motto ‘seriously fun swimming lessons’. Find lessons in Woodcote, Reading; Sunninghill, Ascot and Thatcham/Newbury. T: 0845 094 1575 W: www.swimlessons.co.uk E: rose@swimlessons.co.uk