There was a wealth of creative talent on display at Mansfield’s Old Library Arts Centre on Wednesday (May 20) as young learners at R.E.A.L. Education staged their annual showcase.

More than 100 parents and family members, staff and local commissioners enjoyed an eclectic display of dance and music performances by young learners at REAL’s Creative Arts Alternative Provision, based at the arts centre.

Creative Arts Provision Manager James Mills, who led the team organising the event, said the showcase was as much about celebrating learners’ individual journeys as it was about enjoying the displays and performances. He said:

“At its heart, this showcase is a celebration of community. It acknowledges not only the learners, but also the families, commissioners, and dedicated staff who have supported them every step of the way. Together, they have created a safe, nurturing environment where our young people can learn to rebuild trust, take risks and express themselves through the creative arts.”

Invited guests were also able to enjoy a display featuring art & design and fashion & textiles created by the young learners and overseen by R.E.A.L.’s Creative Arts Tutor Gail Smyth.

The showcase was supported by a team from REAL’s Catering and Hospitality provision, who provide a delicious finger buffet, refreshments and cakes. Serving up the treats behind the counter were Catering Provision Manager Marie Harrower; Catering Group Tutor Dawn Johnson supported by two catering students.

In total, there were 13 acts to enjoy during the lunchtime showcase, with tutors playing a supporting – and occasionally leading – role. Among the young learners taking part was rapper Theo, 16, who attends the centre every Monday. He hopes to go on to study music production at Hillsborough College in Sheffield once he finishes mainstream school later this year.

Theo said the showcase was the first time that he’d performed his rap, called I Feel Like, in such a setting.

“It’s been amazing coming here every Monday. The tutors are really supportive and have brought me out of my shell.”

Also on the bill was guitarist Christian, 16, who is studying music performance and hopes to go on to Confetti College in Nottingham to study music performance after leaving school in July. Confetti College, part of Nottingham Trent University, is one of the UK’s leading specialist education providers for the creative and entertainment industry.

Chris, who performed Nirvana’s Heart-Shaped Box said attending R.E.A.L.’s Alternative Provision twice a week has helped give him direction by finding something that he wants to do.

“I wasn’t into music before coming here but now I really enjoy it. I first tried to learn the piano then switched to acoustic guitar and then electric. When I first picked up a guitar I didn’t have one at home so the only time I could learn to play was by coming here.

“Before, music felt out of reach but thanks to this establishment I now feel it’s well within reach.”

Delighting the audience with their dance display was a troupe of young learners including Gracie, Autumn, Millie and Harlow, who have attended the provision each Wednesday since late last year.

Gracie, 14, said: “I was quite reserved when I first came here and I would never have thought then that I’d be performing in front of people, particularly not a solo.

“I wouldn’t have done this in a mainstream setting. The environment here is very supportive and has given me the confidence I’ve been lacking. Dance allows me to express myself without the need to put my feelings into words.”

Autumn, 13, also feels she’s grown in confidence. “I can be more myself around the staff and other young people here. They’re very supportive,” she said. She hopes to pursue a career in the military, perhaps as a medic, when she leaves school.

“Being here at the centre has taught me to persevere and to practice rather than run away. Now, I’m happy to stick at it and learn,” she added.

James said the joy for him was knowing the journeys the young performers had been on. He said: “It’s an achievement that can’t be underestimated. Each of our learners is undergoing an amazing transformation and this showcase is a tangible demonstration of their creativity but it provides an important building block in them becoming more complete, as individuals.”

The Old Library Arts Centre is an historic, grade II listed building which has its own theatre and recording studio. R.E.A.L. Education lease the building from ‘Inspire: Culture, Learning and Libraries’, an Arts Council and National Lottery funded society which delivers a range of cultural and learning services across Nottinghamshire.