On stage ... off stage

3rd Poll Results revealed that most of you are looking for activities that are PERFORMANCE based.  I am not surprised, and I have made it my mission to search for the best performance opportunities and classes I could find.  I will sporadically mention activities in future posts, but here are some suggestions for now...

Newish and note worthy-  Activities in Kuwait:

LAPA-  Loyac Academy of Performance Arts

I have always been a huge fan of Loyac.  For those of you who have not heard about it, it is a non-profit organization that aims to promote the development of youth through work opportunities, volunteer projects and many more programs and activities.  Recently they started with LAPA, where they offer classes in dance (hip hop, break dance, salsa), singing, guitar and violin playing, and also drama.

Take a look at their new Schedule.

Sidekick Academy

A very interesting academy that offers a variety of programs for adults and children, Sidekick Academy has caught my attention.  Yes this is more sports related rather than performance, but it does help the child in learning about his/her body, building his/her self-esteem, and encouraging independence.  Three characteristics that can empower the performer inside him/her.

  

The kids' program description made me almost want to stand up and cheer! Not only did they highlight defense rather than fighting (see my earlier post), but they also mentioned the benefits of structure and physical discipline for children with learning difficulties (or learning differences as I prefer to say).  Bravo Sidekick Academy!

The kids' program divides children into two groups by age: 4-7 year and  8-14years. Click here for the program schedule.

Olden, but golden (and ever changin'):

Bayt Lothan

A haven, a sanctuary and an inspiration.  Bayt Lothan is a space where events blossom, individuals shine and creativity is born.  They constantly change their training classes, so do visit their website.  Training courses include music, film-making, photography, oil painting, and arts and crafts. 

Performance @ home

One way to introduce your child into performance-related activities is by hiring private instructors, be it a piano teacher, dance instructor, artist, etc.  Find available instructors by asking your child's teachers at school (art, music, drama).  Also try contacting T.V/Radio personalities (many of them are on twitter).  Ask around and you will be sure to find a few recommendations.   

Performance @ school

Many schools offer after-school clubs and programs.  Make sure you ask about your school's options, but also look for schools that offer after-school programs that are open for the public (not their own students).  Some schools have done that on-site and off-site.  

A world of Discovery

As the current poll suggests, I wanted to spend some time exploring activity options in Kuwait.  My first thought went straight to Discovery Mall.  The promise of a "developmental center for kids" made this a must-see!

As a space, Discovery Mall is organized and spacious, but does not necessarily have a child friendly, developmental or fun vibe to it as a whole.  Granted I am not an architect nor a designer, and perhaps I had my hopes up too high.

Having said that, there are enough child-friendly spaces within it to warrant it an excellent choice for parents with kids of all ages to go.  I will show you a break-down of my favorite spots, with age appropriateness.

Lets start with My Gym.  I absolutely LOVED this place.  I took a special little man with me and saw it in action (see picture below).  I would recommend the structured play for beginners (parent participation class).  There is a very enthusiastic instructor, who leads the kids during circle time, she also allows you to see all the materials that you could use within the gym.

The programs include:

• Structured/parent participation class
• Martial Arts and Karate classes
• Free Play- this is an opportunity for you to organize a play date with other parents kids.  As it is unstructured, if you are alone it is similar to playing at home.  But for those parents who have limited space at home for a play area, this is wonderful too.
• My Gym Camp
• My Gym Art-  Which many people do not know about as it is in an adjacent space.  Great space to play and create.

AGES: 6 weeks-13 years!

I am a stickler for safety!

Little man having a blast!

Next is a very cool space called:

Kuwait Flight Simulation Center  This center apparently caters to amateur and professional pilots.  For amateurs, the youngest age allowed is 13 years of age.  The place looks very intriguing and if I had the time, I would have strapped my self in and tried it.  For you parents who want an indoor space that your teenager might like, this is a great option!

AGES: 13+ (including adults)














The basement at Discovery Mall, also has a mini golf facility- Golfania.  The lighting was not very good, so I decided not to put any of the photos I took.  But again, great option for something indoors, active.  I could not find their website, but you can follow them on twitter @golfania2010.


AGE:  There was no sign about age that I could see, but obviously I would say no unattended young kids, and only bring kids that are able to play, and not run around trying to catch the ball with their hand:P


The top floor had many options as well, including:

Cozmo Bowling- which also has some air-hockey and pool tables.  This can be a great "family time" option, as it caters to most ages (not your tiny ones of course).

AGE: As soon as your child can swing that ball.

Goal!  an indoor football field, which is excellent!  The website is very professional and has information on all their activities, which include:
Goal ! Parties
Goal! Academy
Goal! Club

AGE: Depends on the activity.  Check their website.

PLAY, or PLAYTIME, is an indoor area for kids under 5.  It looked interesting from a distance, but I will have to see it when they have kids inside.

AGE: under 5

There are other areas and things to do at Discovery Mall, but these are the ones that caught my eye...


NOTE:  
As soon as I walked in Discovery Mall a sign caught my eye, but I will brief you on this wonderful club in a post very very soon!!!