Perform Drama, Dance & Singing Classes
Perform runs weekly drama, dance and singing classes for children aged 4–12 at Christ Church Purley, 861–863 Brighton Road, CR8 2BN. Three sessions run back-to-back every Monday during term time, and every new child can attend a free trial before committing to a block.
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About this class
Perform has held classes at Christ Church Purley every Monday during term time since September 2010. Three sessions run consecutively through the week: the 4–7s have two back-to-back hours at 4:00–5:00 pm and 5:05–6:05 pm, with the 7–12s following at 6:10–7:10 pm. Eleanor Meg is the Producer — she writes the personalised feedback forms and sends the weekly email detailing what the class worked on — and Neil teaches alongside her. The local area is overseen by Area Partner Gemma. The current summer term runs from 13 April to 13 July, with no sessions on Monday 4 May or Monday 25 May.
Each hour weaves drama, dance and singing together rather than treating them as separate subjects. Perform structures this around what it calls the 4 Cs — Confidence, Concentration, Communication and Coordination — woven into every activity, with the aim of helping children develop socially as well as academically. For the 4–7s this summer, the theme is Mermaids & Pirates, so songs, games and stories all tie into one imaginative world. The 7–12s are working on The Dream, a reimagining of A Midsummer Night's Dream that places footballers and pop stars alongside Oberon and Titania. The curriculum rolls continuously, so a child can join at any point in the term.
Class sizes are capped at 22 children, with two Perform staff in the room throughout. For the younger group a session moves through three sections: movement and coordination games, specially composed songs and tongue-twisters, then character explorations and role-play. Older children spend time on acting and improvisation — covering vocal projection and physicality — before moving into group dance and speech work. Three times a year, family and friends are invited to half-termly Open Workshops and end-of-term Presentations where children share what they have been building.
When it runs
Good to know
Common questions
Can my child try a session before we commit?
Yes. Every child is entitled to a free trial class. You can book through the Perform website by finding the Christ Church Purley venue, or by phoning the office.
What ages are catered for at this venue?
The two groups cover 4–7s and 7–12s. In the younger class, mixed ages are intentional — younger children are stretched and stimulated by the rest of the group, while older children gain leadership skills through the opportunity to influence activities. For the 7–12s, Perform says previous experience is less important than character and readiness.
How are sessions booked and what are the payment options?
Places are sold in blocks of 10 or 20 consecutive sessions. You can also renew to the end of term at a slightly higher per-class rate, or pay monthly by Direct Debit. New customers who join the mailing list receive £30 off their first block of 10 classes. A bursary scheme is available, and Perform accepts childcare vouchers — call the office for details on both.
What happens if we miss a session?
Missed classes cannot be added to the end of a block. There is a make-up system, though: subject to availability, your child can attend the equivalent class at a different Perform venue to cover a missed session.
What does a typical session involve?
Sessions last one hour. For the 4–7s, the class moves through three sections: movement and coordination games, specially composed songs and tongue-twisters, then storytelling and role-play. The 7–12s work on acting and improvisation (including vocal projection and physicality), group movement and dance, and speech and singing. Sizes are capped at 22 children, with two Perform staff present throughout.
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Where it is
Approximate location (postcode area)