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Feb 2023

Community

Former teacher aims to sprinkle Stardust across the generations in Harrogate

Published: 4 Feb 2023, 10:00 GMT

by Vicky Carr

A free drama class will use common experiences to unite the generations in Harrogate this month.

The Cuttings extra care apartments in Starbeck will welcome pre-school children to take part in the new drama class run by a familiar face around the Harrogate district.

Ami Stott is running the event, on February 13, through her new venture, Stardust Drama. The free class will see young and old unite to explore the weather theme, with storytelling and music to guide them through.

Ami said:

"I had already formed a link with The Cuttings before covid and it was amazing to take classes there.

"Then covid struck and that stopped everything. They weren't able to have groups coming in for a long time, but they've been wanting me to come back for a while.

"It's brilliant for the residents. It's new faces, it helps combat loneliness and it just brings a bit of joy to their days.

"For the children, there's no fear at that age. As children grow up, they can become nervous of elderly people and it's if you get these activities form a younger age, hopefully you can avoid that."

Taking "great British weather" as a universal theme, the session will use drama and imaginative play to take participants from a trip to the beach to a storm and into snow.

Familiar songs and stories will help residents to recall trips to the seaside and they will be able to join in the action from the comfort of their own seats.

Ami said she hopes the event, which has already sold out, will become a monthly fixture in the calendar at The Cuttings.

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Meanwhile, Ami is also launching weekly drama classes for children aged between two and four.

Taking place at Oatlands Community Centre on Wednesdays and Elim Pentecostal Church on Park View on Thursdays, they aim to encourage children to develop a range of abilities, including theatre skills, confidence and making friends.

Ami, who trained in drama and arts education at Bretton Hall, was previously head of drama at Heckmondwike Grammar School for seven years, before leaving teaching to raise her children.

She has since led classes for other baby and children's groups around the Harrogate district. Stardust Drama is her first solo venture, and classes begin at the start of March.

Ami said:

"I am so excited, I just want to get started now. The themes of each week will link to national events, so we'll be starting with one on World Book Day and exploring We're Going On a Bear Hunt.

"We've got a mascot, TaDa the Star, and I'm absolutely loving creating all the lesson plans and getting ready to deliver the classes in the way that benefits the children the most. That's where my passion lies."

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Former teacher aims to sprinkle Stardust across the generations in Harrogate

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