Positive Performing Arts classes are starting up in Te Aroha.
The classes are being run by Te Aroha dance and drama teacher, Rebekah Robertson-Yells.
All Rebekah’s classes will come under the umbrella of the Positive Performing Arts Method.
“The classes are for anybody who wants to do the performing arts. That has been my focus, to create something that is for anybody who wants to join, and you don’t need talent to join.”
Rebekah has found that there are a lot of people out there who want their kids to dance but they don’t want them to do exams, or they want them to build confidence, but they don’t want the pressure of them auditioning for a show.
“If you study with me, you can build up those skills and, of course, go off and do those things, theatre, dance exams etc, if you wish,” she said.
“These classes are suitable for everybody, we’re talking five -year-olds through to adults. I think the oldest people we have now are probably in their 70s.”
Eventually Rebekah will include pre schoolers as well.
The classes run in school term time. Initially classes will be in Te Aroha, Cambridge, and Hamilton. Rebekah then plans to expand to include
and if there is enough interest, she will start up a daytime class.
“People enjoy the classes,” she said, “But we always welcome more people to join us.”
Fun dance is different types of dances.
“That’s what I find so engaging,“ said Rebekah. “If someone wants to try a particular dance style I will research it, upskill, and offer it. I like to take ideas and run with them.”
Rebekah is encouraging parents to get their kids to come to classes. The main learning will be confidence.
“For me personally, I started drama classes when I was 10 and I started dance classes when I was five and I swear that if Mum hadn’t pushed me outside my comfort zone, I wouldn’t have the confidence I have today,” she said.
“I can speak in front of people, I’m confident when I walk into a social situation, I can speak to new people.”
“Drama does so much for a kid. It’s about the life skills you get from it. That’s where the value is.”
The idea of positive thinking first started for Rebekah when she was at Te Aroha High school.
“I created a positivity club; it sounds incredibly dorky! We walked around handing out yellow positivity bubbles. We were trying to make life a little
up a hill and I was struggling. Instead of giving in to the struggle I started to think positively. ‘This doesn’t hurt, this is going to be great when I get to the top, the view is going to be fantastic’, and I found myself continuing on without struggle.”
“It’s all about using positive thinking
to make your life a little bit better,” she said.
“Our aim is to build resilience in people by teaching with positivity, aroha and respect.”
Contact Rebekah on ph 027 387 5702, email ppamnz@gmail.com or visit her website www.ppamnz.com