A free performing arts week hosted by a Meriden-based charity proved to be a roaring success in the local community.
From October 24 to 28, local charity You Matter – which supports women and families who have experienced family violence – offered 30 children the chance to work alongside trained professionals in the world of TV, stage and music. The week culminated in a grand performance at the Meriden Community Centre (MCC), where the children were able to show off all their hard work to friends and family.
Andre Best, founder of You Matter, said: “This was my brainchild for about a year, I wanted to do something different for the community. The MCC does a number of things, but mainly football-focused. I wanted to do something different.
“It’s been an amazing experience. As the days have gone on, I’ve seen how the children have progressed and grown in confidence. The first day, some kids wouldn’t let go of their parents’ hands; they were so timid and shy. The next day, they started to open up – it’s been quite emotional to see!
“They’ve learned to work in groups, they’ve built new friendships, and that’s the essence of it. We want to give them tools moving forward and give them life skills; leave an impression that they can be something and they can achieve their best.”
The free sessions were run by a team of esteemed professionals which included Briony Albert, who has worked alongside artists such as Kylie Minogue, Madonna and Coldplay, and is a choreographer on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.
Danni Cash, professional dancer and entertainer, said: “It’s been lovely to be involved with. It’s been great to see how all the children’s personalities have come out over the week.”
Before their grand performance, Danni treated the children to a showcase of spectacular fire-breathing tricks to screams of terror and delight.
In the final hour-long show, the children displayed a variety of acts that they had been developing over the week, including dancing, singing, acting and circus skills.
You Matter received funding support from the Hub Community Church, Asda and local councillors.
Andre and You Matter hope to bring the performing arts week back again next year.
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