Perform Drama, Dance & Singing Classes
Perform runs weekly drama, dance and singing classes for children aged 4–12 at Castle Hill Community Centre, Cherry Orchard Road, Ebbsfleet Valley, DA10 1AD. The 4–7s class meets Thursdays at 4pm; the 7–12s class follows immediately at 5:05pm. Every child can attend a free trial session before committing to a block.
Castle Hill Community Centre · DA10 1ADIllustrative photo · Nihal Demirci / UnsplashFind more like this near you
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About this class
Perform has been running classes at Castle Hill Community Centre since September 2023 — two back-to-back Thursday slots that work well for families with children in different age groups. The 4–7s session runs 4pm–5pm; the 7–12s follows at 5:05pm–6:05pm. Teacher Felicity and Producer Lana lead both classes, with Area Partner Oliver visiting regularly.
This term runs from 23rd April to 16th July, with no session on Thursday 28th May.
Each 60-minute class brings together drama, dance and singing. Numbers are capped at 22 children, with two Perform staff in the room throughout. The curriculum is built around what Perform call the 4 Cs — Confidence, Concentration, Communication and Coordination — woven into every activity, and the focus shifts each week. For the 4–7s this summer, the theme is Mermaids & Pirates; the 7–12s are working through The Dream, Perform's retelling of A Midsummer Night's Dream peopled with footballers, pop stars and celebrities.
Mixed ages are deliberate. In the 4–7s group, younger children are stretched and stimulated by the older ones, while older children build leadership skills by influencing how activities unfold. Because Perform runs a rolling curriculum, children can join at any point in term rather than waiting for a fresh start.
Parents receive a weekly email from Lana detailing what the class covered, and a personalised feedback form — written by Lana and signed by Principal Lucy Quick — is sent home each term. If your child misses a Thursday, a make-up system lets them attend another Perform venue in the same block, subject to availability.
When it runs
Good to know
Common questions
Can we try a session before signing up?
Yes — every child can attend one free trial class with no commitment required. Book online, speak to Producer Lana, or call the Perform office.
Which age group is right for my child?
The 4–7s class is on Thursdays at 4pm; the 7–12s class runs immediately after at 5:05pm. In the older group, Perform says previous experience and character matter more than exact age — so a child who has already done some drama, or who is particularly confident socially, may be a better fit for the 7–12s class even if they sit towards the top of the 4–7s range. Talk to Lana if you are unsure.
How does booking and payment work?
Places are booked in blocks of 10 or 20 consecutive classes. You can also renew to the end of term at a slightly higher per-class rate, or pay monthly by Direct Debit. Perform does not offer refunds, but sessions cancelled with at least three days' notice convert to account credit usable on other products. If your child leaves and later wants to restart, a minimum of 10 consecutive classes must be purchased again. 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.
What happens in a typical session?
For the 4–7s, each hour covers three areas: movement (dances, reaction games and yoga-inspired exercises building coordination and balance), songs and raps (specially composed material to build confidence and projection), and character work (storytelling and role-play improvisations). The 7–12s move through acting and improvisation, group movement and dance, and speech and singing — the singing section is small enough that most children get a solo or featured part. Every week has a different focus within the term's theme.
Are there performances parents can come to?
Yes. 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 working on. Holiday courses also include mini-performances. This term the 4–7s theme is Mermaids & Pirates and the 7–12s theme is The Dream; there is also a separately ticketed West End production of Mermaids & Pirates this summer.
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