Perform Drama, Dance & Singing Classes
Perform runs weekly drama, dance and singing classes for children aged 4–12 at St John's Church Centre, Hildenborough, Tonbridge (TN11 9HT) every Tuesday. The 4–7s session runs 4:00 pm–5:00 pm; the 7–12s follows at 5:05 pm–6:05 pm. The current term runs until 14th July. Every child can attend a free trial session before committing to a block.
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About this class
Perform has run weekly classes at St John's Church Centre in Hildenborough since January 2014 — the same Tuesday slot, the same venue, twelve years running. The 4–7s class is 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm, and the 7–12s class follows immediately at 5:05 pm to 6:05 pm. Sessions are led by Felicity, with coordinator Maisie and area partner Oliver supporting the programme. The current term runs until 14th July.
Each session covers drama, dance and singing, structured around what Perform calls the 4 Cs: Confidence, Concentration, Communication and Coordination. For the 4–7s, the hour divides into three sections — Move & Feel (dances, rapid-reaction games and yoga-inspired mirroring to build coordination and balance); Listen, Speak & Sing (specially composed songs, tongue-twisters and raps); and Create & Imagine (character explorations, storytelling and role-play improvisations). The 7–12s work through acting and improvisation, movement and dance, and speech and singing, with small enough groups that most children take a solo or featured role during vocal work.
This term's themes reflect the age-group split neatly. The 7–12s are working on The Dream — Perform's reimagining of A Midsummer Night's Dream, placing Oberon and Titania alongside footballers, popstars and celebrities. The 4–7s are sailing aboard the Jammy Dodger in Mermaids & Pirates.
Class sizes are capped at 22, with two Perform staff at every session. Because the curriculum is rolling rather than term-locked, children can start at any point without waiting for a new block. Parents receive a personalised feedback form written by the Producer and signed by principal Lucy Quick, plus a weekly email detailing each session's focus. Three times a year, families are invited to Open Workshops and end-of-term Presentations where children perform what they have been working on.
When it runs
Good to know
Common questions
Can we try a session before signing up?
Yes. Every child is entitled to a free trial class — you can come along to a Tuesday session at St John's Church Centre before deciding whether to book a block.
How do I book, and what is the commitment?
You can sign up online, through your class Producer, or by phone. Classes are purchased in blocks of 10 or 20 consecutive sessions; there is also an option to renew to the end of term or pay monthly by Direct Debit. A bursary scheme is available, and Perform accepts childcare vouchers — call the office for details. If you need to miss a session, a make-up system lets your child attend a different Perform venue subject to availability; missed classes cannot be added to the end of a block. Perform does not offer refunds, but sessions cancelled with three days' notice generate a credit transferable to future products. New customers who join the mailing list receive £30 off their first block of 10 classes.
Which age groups run here, and when?
Both age groups run on Tuesdays at this venue. The 4–7s session is 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm; the 7–12s runs immediately after from 5:05 pm to 6:05 pm. For the 7–12s group, Perform notes that previous experience and character matter more than exact age, so the threshold is a guide rather than a strict cut-off.
What does a session actually involve?
Each hour-long class covers all three performing arts disciplines. For 4–7s: movement and dance, a vocal and spoken-word section, and character and storytelling work. For 7–12s: acting and improvisation (including vocal projection and physicality), movement and dance, and speech and singing in small groups. The content changes weekly within each term's theme — this summer the 7–12s are working on The Dream (a reimagining of A Midsummer Night's Dream) and the 4–7s on Mermaids & Pirates.
Who teaches the classes?
Sessions at this venue are led by Felicity, with Maisie as class coordinator and Oliver as area partner. Perform teachers are drawn from working actors, selected after an audition covering singing, dance, acting and working with children. All staff hold a full DBS check and undergo regular first aid training; new staff shadow established classes before leading independently.
Are there other options during school holidays?
Weekly term-time classes pause during school holidays, but Perform runs holiday courses separately. The current holiday offering is a Peter Pan themed course for children aged 4–10, available in three-, four- or five-day options.
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Where it is
Approximate location (postcode area)