Perform Drama, Dance & Singing Classes
Perform runs weekly drama, dance and singing classes for children aged 4–12 at the O2 Centre, 255 Finchley Road (NW3 6LU). On Tuesdays, the 4–7s class starts at 4:00pm and the 7–12s class follows at 5:05pm, each running for an hour. Every new child can attend a free trial session before committing to a block.
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About this class
Perform has been running at the O2 Centre, 255 Finchley Road since September 2012. Two age groups meet on Tuesday afternoons: 4–7s at 4:00pm and 7–12s at 5:05pm, each session lasting an hour with two Perform staff in the room and no more than 22 children.
Every session weaves drama, dance and singing into a single flowing class built around what Perform call the 4 Cs: Confidence, Concentration, Communication and Coordination. For the younger group this summer, that means Mermaids & Pirates-themed storytelling and role-play alongside dance games and specially composed songs. Older children in the 7–12s group work on vocal projection and physicality in the acting section, move to more technical coordination work in the dance portion, and finish with speech and singing — this term set against The Dream, Perform's take on A Midsummer Night's Dream. Teacher Katherine leads both classes at this venue, supported by Class Coordinator Aled.
Because Perform runs a rolling curriculum, children can join whenever a space comes free rather than waiting for September. A block covers ten consecutive classes; if your child misses a session, a make-up system lets them attend another venue subject to availability. Three times a year, family and friends are invited to Open Workshops and end-of-term Presentations where children perform what they have been working on.
General guidance: children tend to settle faster when parents say a confident goodbye at the door, and the class structure is designed so children ease into participation gradually.
When it runs
Good to know
Common questions
Can my child try a class before we commit?
Yes. Every child is entitled to one free trial session at the O2 Centre. You can book through Perform's website, via the class Producer, or by phone.
Which age group is right for my child?
Perform runs two groups at this venue: 4–7s (Tuesdays 4:00–5:00pm) and 7–12s (Tuesdays 5:05–6:05pm). In the 4–7s group, a deliberately mixed age range means younger children are stretched and stimulated by the group while older children gain confidence from influencing activities. In the 7–12s group, character and previous experience carry more weight than exact age — so a keen nine-year-old new to drama is as welcome as one who has attended elsewhere.
How are classes booked and paid for?
Classes are sold in blocks of 10 or 20 sessions, with the option to renew to the end of term at a slightly higher per-class rate, or to pay monthly by Direct Debit. A bursary scheme is available and Perform accepts childcare vouchers. New customers who join the mailing list receive £30 off their first block of 10 classes. Perform does not offer refunds, but cancellations made with at least three days' notice generate credit transferable to future Perform products.
What happens in a typical session?
Each 60-minute class moves through drama, dance and singing, with a different focus each week. For the 4–7s this summer, activities draw on the Mermaids & Pirates theme — dances, rapid-reaction games, tongue-twister songs and character improvisations. The 7–12s are exploring The Dream, Perform's version of A Midsummer Night's Dream, with acting exercises, movement work and vocal coaching. Three times a year, parents and family are invited to Open Workshops and end-of-term Presentations to watch what the children have been building.
When does the current term run, and are there holiday options?
The current term at this venue runs from 14 April to 14 July. Weekly classes pause during school holidays, though Perform also runs holiday courses — this summer themed around Peter Pan, for children aged 4–10, in three-, four- or five-day formats.
Summary drafted with AI assistance from the provider's published details and reviewed before publishing — how we use AI.
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