Perform Drama, Dance & Singing Classes
Perform runs weekly drama, dance and singing classes for children aged 4–12 at Hempstead Valley Community Centre, Gillingham (ME7 3PD), every Wednesday during term time. The 4–7s slot runs 4–5pm; the 7–12s follow at 5:05–6:05pm. Every child can attend one free trial session before committing to a block.
Hempstead Valley Community Centre · ME7 3PDIllustrative photo · Nihal Demirci / UnsplashFind more like this near you
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About this class
Perform has been running at Hempstead Valley Community Centre since October 2015 — Wednesday evenings, twice in a row: the 4–7s from 4pm to 5pm, then the 7–12s from 5:05pm to 6:05pm. The classes are run by Ila and Matthew, and Area Partner Oliver visits regularly, so families encounter the same named faces week to week.
Every session brings drama, dance and singing together under Perform's four core areas: Confidence, Concentration, Communication and Coordination. For the 4–7s, each week moves through three sections — dances, rapid-reaction games and yoga-inspired exercises to build coordination; specially composed songs, tongue-twisters and raps; then character explorations, storytelling and role-play. The 7–12s programme is structured differently: acting and improvisation work on vocal projection and physicality; movement and dance builds from energetic warm-ups toward more technical exercises; speech and singing develops vocal flexibility, articulation and basic musical reading. Class sizes are capped at 22, with two Perform staff present throughout.
This summer term the 4–7s are setting sail with Mermaids and Pirates, while the 7–12s are exploring The Dream — Perform's retelling of A Midsummer Night's Dream, with footballers, pop stars and celebrities alongside Oberon and Titania. The current term runs from 22nd April to 15th July, with no session on Wednesday 27th May. Perform uses a rolling curriculum, which means a child can join at any point in the term rather than waiting for a new one to start.
When it runs
Good to know
Common questions
Can my child try a session before we commit?
Yes. Every child can attend one free trial class. Book through Perform's website, through the class Producer, or by phone — look for the Hempstead Valley Community Centre listing and choose the Wednesday slot that matches your child's age group.
What ages are accepted, and does my child have to be exactly 7 to move up?
The two groups are 4–7s (Wednesdays 4–5pm) and 7–12s (Wednesdays 5:05–6:05pm). For the younger group, a mixed age range is deliberate — younger children are stretched by the group, and older ones build confidence by influencing activities. For the older group, Perform considers character and previous experience as much as exact age, so the move-up point is not rigidly tied to a birthday.
How are classes booked and paid for?
Classes are bought in blocks of 10 or 20 sessions. You can also renew to the end of term or pay monthly by Direct Debit. New customers who join the mailing list receive £30 off their first block of 10. A bursary scheme is available, and Perform accepts childcare vouchers. Booking is online, through the class Producer, or by phone.
What happens if we miss a session?
Missed sessions cannot be added to the end of a block. There is a make-up system, though: your child can attend the same class at another Perform venue, subject to availability, provided they are still enrolled.
What do parents receive as feedback?
The class Producer sends a weekly email explaining that week's focus. Each term, parents also receive a personalised written Feedback Form from the Producer, signed by Principal Lucy Quick.
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Where it is
Approximate location (postcode area)