Learning while having fun at the centre of performance arts programme in Kuils River

Tapping into children’s talents from a young age, giving them opportunities to grow and exposing them to the arts lies at the heart of the performance arts programme run by Theresa Venter at Step Ahead Educare in De Kuilen.

Venter, who has a BA degree in film and television studies and drama, started working at the school in 2014 to assist with concerts – doing scriptwriting, choreographing and directing.

“I then started working at Step Ahead on a full time basis and developed the Step Up programme which was aimed at developing young leaners’ confidence through drama, dance and singing.

“This took place at the school and was offered to parents who wanted to enroll their children into the programme as an extra mural activity.”

From left: Amani Lewis, Jana Venter, Rayne Venter, Ayazingca Zikhali and Lukhdo Qagana during a Little Performers session.PHOTO: Carina Roux

Venter says they soon recognised the value of the performing arts programme and decided to integrate it into the school curriculum.

“It was offered to all learners who attend Step Ahead, from ages two to six, once a week. I would go into the classes and literally play. The learners had no clue, but they were growing with each session,” Venter says.

“Because the learners are so young, great emphasis is placed on language development and creative expression.”

Venter says she wants to encourage children from early on to get in touch with their feelings. Her reason for being focused on (positive) affirmation stems from her own personal experience, she says.

“I was a very shy child.”

She is still running the Step Up programme at the school offered to all learners (included in their school fees) but is now also offering a performance art programme to smaller groups as an extra mural activity – under a new name, The Little Performers. At present it is offered exclusively to Step Ahead learners (ages two to six).

Venter would like to expand The Little Performers programme to learners (up to Grade 7) within the Kuils River community.

Venter is also planning an opportunity for The Little Performers to perform on stage in August.

• Contact Theresa Venter at Step Ahead Educare on 021 286 2152 or email to info@stepaheadeducare.co.za