Performing Arts trip to New York!

by Vashti Turner  on March 11, 2025  in  Creativity Dance Drama KAA Intrepidus Trust Music Performance and Creative Arts Trips

Over the half term break, 20 performing arts scholars experienced a once in a lifetime trip to New York City! The week included trips to all the sights, including Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and Central Park.

Other highlights for the students were visiting Crumbl (for cookies!) and taking an iconic trip in yellow NYC taxi. Aarmi (10 Armstrong) said “it was the best trip ever, we made memories to last a lifetime.”  Mariella (10 Bassey) added that “it was cold but a wonderful experience!” Candice (10 Omari) agreed it was a “once in lifetime trip” and Arthur (10 Simone) thought it was “an incredibly opportunity.”

But of course – being a performing arts trip – the highlight was the vocal, choreography and acting workshops with the Musical Director and an ensemble cast member from Moulin Rouge, before watching the show itself at the iconic Al Hirschfeld Theatre on Broadway. These unique workshops on Broadway took place on the second and third day of the trip. On the second day, students took part in an exclusive acting workshop, where they were given advice and tips on working within theatre – including the advice ‘don’t be afraid’ (be Intrepidus!). Students then had the opportunity to act out a scene and complete improvisation before getting notes and feedback – a really special experience. The next day, students had a singing and choreography workshop with a member of the Moulin Rouge ensemble, he taught them a segment of the show which students then saw peformed on stage later that evening.

Gabriel (13 Sirleaf) said seeing Moulin Rouge “was epic!” He enjoyed the immersive experience of another city and culture through the sightseeing, but the highlight for him was the workshops and seeing Moulin Rouge on Broadway.

Niamh (13 Maathai) agreed that “hands down my favourite part of the trip was seeing Moulin Rouge”, but she also enjoyed having dinner at Stardust Diner – a world famous diner with singing waiters, the majority of whom are aspiring Broadway actors. Students were thrilled to nominate Mr Dunning to dance with the waiters when they asked for volunteers!

Amelie (13 Tubman) added that “besides seeing Moulin Rouge and visiting the Stardust diner, I really enjoyed looking at the landscapes and skylines of New York city, and visiting Grand Central Station, Times Square and the Empire State Building.”

All in all, students had an incredible week in New York – our thanks to the KAA Intrepidus Trust for supporting us in providing this amazing experience for our students.