CHILDREN from Revolution Performing Arts put nerves aside as they gave a dazzling performance to a 500-strong audience at the weekend.

About 150 youngsters aged four to 11 took to the stage at Steam for their annual show.

And for the first time ever, the children were joined on stage for a one-off performance alongside their parents.

Director Fiona Da Silva-Adams said: “The parent performance piece is wonderful – the performance was secondary, it was all about bonding with their children, spending time with them.

“The parents were more nervous than their children but they did it because their kids wanted them to do it. I have worked lots with adults, and I have worked lots with children but I have never before worked with the two of them together so it was a wonderful opportunity.”

The 32 parents and children performed to the track Slipping through my Fingers, while other youngsters performed to tracks including Michael Jackson’s Black and White.

Fiona said: “The show is a really big deal.

“The children do get nervous but if they decide just before the show they don’t want to go on stage we don’t force them.

“The main rule at Revolution is you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do.

“The children gave some fantastic, vibrant brave performances at Steam and I am so thrilled with their energy, enthusiasm and confidence.”

Fiona, who is the founder of Revolution Performing Arts, said the aim of the classes was to help boost children’s confidence.

She said: “I do it for the children.

“There was never anything like this when I was little and I really wish there had been.

“It’s all about confidence building, making friends and encouraging self esteem through the art of performance.

“I’ve had children come who wouldn’t even answer their name in class and by the end of term they are singing solo performances. It’s just incredible.”

For more information about Revolution Performing Arts contact Fiona at fiona@revolutionpa.co.uk