Valleys Kids

The first of a series of roadshows that will tour the valleys over the next month drumming up support and recruits for their exciting project leading up the London Olympics in 2012.

The whole centre became a warren of creative activity with our inspirational tutors giving master classes in silkscreen printing, willow weaving, African drumming and dancing, singing, rapping, photography and break dancing - each one catered and tailor made for young and old and every level of ability.

One of the project's prime aims is to be intergenerational and this was exemplified in the rapping with Clayton George and the drumming with Oumar from Tribal Vibes. Contrasting in their demeanours, Clayton quiet and unassuming, Oumar, colourful and outgoing, they both brought together two generations in infectious demonstrations of their art.

In the morning, a group of teenagers and a brace of senior citizens had produced a rap that was a vibrant blend of rhyme and rhythm that grooved along to a funky backbeat. In the afternoon a whole bevyy of older members of the choir had got down and serious with a batch of youngsters for the African drumming and finished this by shaking their booties and cutting some deadly shapes with a spot of tribal dancing.

This easy and fluid mix of the ages was echoed in every session throughout the building with memorable pieces of art and startling performances produced around every corner.

Though every session was well attended we could always do with more singers for our ever growing community choir and while our ingenious musical director Paula Gardiner can make magic and produce music out of nothing, which she did, she would prefer instrumentalists to actually bring their instruments with them.

There's always something to bang or shake but an instrument of choice would be all the more satisfying. Like all our tutors, Paula will make everyone, whatever their ability, proud of their achievements by the end of the session. We look forward to more of the same in Ferndale, Ynysboeth and Pontypridd.

The next road show will be on Tuesday 30th March in the Arts Factory in Trerhondda.