A SWINDON performing arts school is reopening after months of online classes.

Revolution Performing Arts normally has 350 young people singing, dancing and acting in its premises every week and they have now returned to socially-distanced lessons.

Managing director and founder Fi DaSilva Adams said: "Our online classes were a lifeline for many young people during lockdown. Young people still had an outlet and an opportunity to experience our empowerment through the arts experience and were thrilled to see their friends, even if it was virtually.

“Now we are doing a phased, Covid-safe return to classes so that children can get back together in a mindful manner, and it’s been wonderful.”

One of the first parents to attend an in-person session at Shaw Church in West Swindon was Emma King, whose daughter Darcy was excited to attend a real-world class. Classes are about to be launched in Freshbrook and Shrivenham too.

Emma said: “What a return! First class back after summer and lockdown and it was amazing. The measures to ensure the safety and happiness of the children and us parents was outstanding, from entering the building to leaving. You could see the smiles from the children and they were so excited to be back.”

The school was founded by Fi in 2007. She said: “As schools are still understandably reluctant to have external clubs in I had to diversify so we decided to launch a programme of new sessions including more performing arts open classes, circus theatre arts, musical theatre, ballet for fun, RPA Sing, RPA Dance, RPA Street and RPA Act. We are now offering some of these classes in person at venues around Swindon.

“It’s really exciting. I am so grateful for the Covid-19 emergency fund grant we received from Arts Council England which has enabled us to keep going and the hundreds of parents who stood by us and kept us going all through lockdown.”

Revolution Performing Arts runs sessions in after school clubs and open classes in church halls.

For more information, contact email: office@revolutionpa.co.uk or visit www.revolutionpa.co.uk