Art theater group inspires kids with online classes

Diverse online theater workshops and salons have been offered to children to cultivate their taste and abilities amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The Art Space for Kids, a performance art theater group, has presented a series of interactive programs and short videos on the Internet, which include a magic show, dancing class, picture book reading, musical instruments and drama performances, for children between the ages of 2-12.

Vince Virr, a Scottish dancer with UK’s Barrowland Ballet, gives a lecture on the famous Edinburgh International Festival, one of the world’s greatest celebrations of the arts. 

Virr uses creative body language to send a message that says “Stay Strong, Wuhan.” He also shares his new table dance moves so children can relax and exercise at home. 

The online art workshops encourage children to enjoy different art creation experiences at home. 

With simple kits, they can create their own artworks. They are also encouraged to find different uses for everyday items, such as a straw, flashlight and remote control, and make toys.

Theater artists teach children to write their own scripts at home. By explaining scenes from some scripts, they share with children their secrets of scriptwriting: usually it’s not what you say, but how you say it.

Proverbs become new inspiration for paintings, too. With brushes in hand, kids are encouraged to give an imaginative interpretation of proverbs, such as “Life is but a span.”

Bowen,9, and his twin sisters also created a song for Wuhan. They sing the song together with a guitar. The lyrics are based on his own traveling experience to Wuhan a few years ago. In the heartwarming song, he says that people in Wuhan are heroes who face danger fearlessly, and he promises to visit the city again in the future.

“After the outbreak of the epidemic, we have received many greeting videos and messages from the artists around the world,” says Forrina Chen, founder and artistic director of the Art Space for Kids. 

“In hard times, it is art that comforts the souls and relieves the sorrows. I believe that art is a powerful stimulus. It might not heal all the sickness and pains, but it brings hope and energy to our kids.”

Chen is considering to host more colorful art events for children. She hopes that in the near future they can also host an art festival of their own with ideas coming from the kids.