Somerton youngsters showcase their artistic skills

12 Jun 2008

It will be strictly dancing–and singing and acting–at Newport’s Riverfront Theatre later next weekend when young people from across the city show off their talents at a day of workshops.

Organised by RASCAL (Regeneration Association Somerton Community At Large) and sponsored by local employer Corus, the Youth, Drama and Dance event on Saturday, June 21, will see around 150 youngsters try their feet at hip-hop and street, break and line dancing, as well as taking part in singing auditions and drama classes.

RASCAL has hired the theatre’s dance studio and tutors, a range of dance troupes–including an Irish act–and musicians. Later on, the ‘students’, aged from 10 up to 20 years old, will put on a performance for an audience including local MP Jessica Morden, AM John Griffiths and a host of other civic dignitaries.

“We carried out a survey among the young people and the consensus was that they wanted workshops with all types of dance and music,” said RASCAL community officer Sandy Phelps. ”It promises to be a fantastic day.”

Somerton was recognised by the Welsh Assembly Government as an area of high social deprivation and granted Communities First status in autumn 2001. RASCAL is a voluntary organisation that was set up at the same time in an attempt to reverse the fortunes of the estate.

RASCAL’s Community House was opened two years later, its staff and members working in partnership with the local council and other agencies to address the social, environmental and economic needs of the community.

Corus is supporting the event with £2,500 sponsorship.  Community Spokesman Keith Farron said: “Young people today are often perceived to be antisocial, but many are working hard within their communities to improve their lifestyles, health and well being.

“The young men and women involved in this initiative are keen to make the most of their artistic abilities–and we’re confident this will prove to be the case across the city when we look at the workshops.”

Along with residents of Somerton, young people from other areas of Newport have been invited to take part, including Ringland, Alway, Shaftsbury, Stow Hill, Duffryn and Pill.

The workshops run from 1pm to 4pm, followed by full rehearsals and curtain up at 7pm. Tickets are on sale at the Riverfront Theatre and cost £4 per adult, £2 for children under 11 and £10 for a family ticket (two adults and two children).