Funded by Young Harrow Foundation, this project engages children and young people in the performing arts by delivering Indian dance and music workshops at two secondary schools in Harrow: Harrow High and Park High School. The programme takes place from May to September 2024, with a total of 18 workshops conducted at each school.
Our workshops are designed to meet educational requirements while offering students an inspiring and culturally rich experience. By integrating the workshops into the school day, we remove geographic, economic and social barriers to participation, enabling young people who might not otherwise have access to the arts to engage fully.
We focus on developing technique and improving performance skills, supporting students in exploring choreography, performing, and appreciating dance as an expressive art form. This strengthens their growth as creative individuals and enriches their aesthetic, social, and cultural experiences.
We engage and inspire pupils to develop a love of music and their talents as musicians, increasing their self-confidence, creativity, and sense of achievement. Through the workshops, they become more fluent, accurate, and expressive, learning how to communicate musical ideas with technical skill and emotional depth, whether through voice or instrument.
Skills developed through this programme support both the artistic and personal growth of the students, building confidence, communication, and social skills. Participation in the arts enhances their mental and physical well-being, offering opportunities for personal expression and supporting British values such as individual liberty and mutual respect.
The project culminates in a public performance at the Ryan Theatre, hosted by the Young Harrow Foundation, where students from Park High and other groups supported by the fund showcase their achievements.
Feedback from Supporting Performing ARTS in Harrow project
All pupils took part and exceeded expectations. They were able to perform the dance in isolation and together.
Harrow High School
It was a pleasure being part of the performances and a delight to see such a variety of acts. I hope we did you proud! Please pass on our thanks to the wider organisers. Thank you for our ongoing work and partnership.
(Park High School)
From participants:
I enjoyed the rhythm of the dance and flow of the dance moves.
I enjoyed working together as a team and doing the canon step with my friends.
I found the workshop useful as I can show the dance to my family.
Attending has helped me gain great skills. It was so good and creative
It was useful learning about the traditional dancing and culture in India.
I loved the fact that we could choose which song we would learn for the performance.
At first I felt shy to sing a solo, but as I practiced more, I felt proud of what I had achieved.
I felt privileged that the workshop leader thought I was good enough to be the drummer, though I couldn’t play the actual drum in the show.