PERFORMING ARTS
Many schools put on termly shows for which students can sign up or audition. Those who don’t enjoy performing can usually get involved by building sets, props or helping with costumes.
You’ll also find numerous Theatre and Dance opportunities outside school. In Edinburgh, there are numerous specialist organisations providing dance and drama classes. Participation will often lead to further opportunities to perform in exams, competitions and shows.
Besides learning key skills, children who join such performing arts clubs will build their confidence and resilience whilst forging new friendships with like-minded people.
The list below is not exhaustive. We have limited ourselves to several establishments known for the quality of their coaching.
DANCE
Angela Watson School of Dance (Est. 2002) runs Nursery Ballet classes for children aged 3+, and classes in Ballet, Jazz and Modern Dance (P1+) and Commercial Dance (P5+). These take place in EH10, EH13, EH14 and EH17. Also offer Holiday Camps. Concessions are available for more than 1 class per week.
Dance Base: Scotland’s National Centre for Dance (Est. 1984) runs a weekly baby and toddler class for children aged 18 months-5 years (Dance n Play). There are also regular Sunday workshops for babies, toddlers and children (Little People! Big People!). There are weekly aerial skills classes for children aged 8-10 and young people aged 11-16, as well as a weekly Move Into Street Dance class for young people aged 12-17. Dance Base is also home to the Lothian Youth Dance Company, for dancers aged 14-21. Based at 14-16 Grassmarket EH1 2JU.
Dance For All (Est. 1985) runs classes for young people aged 3-18 at 106 St Stephen Street, Stockbridge EH3 5AQ. Preschool Ballet (45 mins/week) is available from age 3-4 years+. Other dance genres on offer are Modern, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Flamenco and Acro (7-12 years and 13-18 years).
Edinburgh Dance Academy (Est.1996) runs classes for young people from 3 years and up at a number of locations across Edinburgh. Dance styles on offer are Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Acro and Commercial. There is a “Chance to Dance” scholarship fund.
Morningside Dance Academy (Est. 1984) holds Nursery Ballet classes (from age 3), classes in RAD Ballet, ISTD Modern and BTDA Tap (from P1) , Jazz, Lyrical Contemporary, PBT, KLT, Commercial/Street Dance and Acro Dance. Exams and performance opportunities. These classes take place in Morningside Drive EH10, and at the Main studio in Grange Road, Dance Studios EH9.
“ The performing arts tend to unify people in a way that nothing else does
DAVID RUBENSTEIN
DRAMA
Classes at Lyceum Youth Theatre are geared towards young people aged 5-18 and last 1-2 hours per week. Summer workshops include backstage/tech courses are also on offer.
Based at Royal Lyceum Theatre in EH3, the organisation also runs Access Youth Theatre Classes which are tailored specifically for young people with additional needs aged 7-16. Bursary places are available.
Edinburgh Youth Theatre runs weekly classes for young people aged 5-19 in Portobello and Dalry, as well as Fringe productions, holiday camps and workshops. Taster sessions are available and classes last from 1 to 2 hours, depending on the child’s age. Financial support is available.
Strange Town Theatre Company provides training for young people aged 5-25. Classes in each 8-16 week term run for 1-2 hours and are based in EH3 and EH6. Bursaries and free places are available.
Everybody deserves extracurricular enrichment, regardless of their family’s financial status. So please look carefully at the individual listings for info. regarding concessions and bursaries. We would also recommend contacting the class organisers for updates regarding fees and financial assistance.
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