Imagine stepping into a dark room that slowly transforms into something otherworldly - white sheets hanging like soft clouds, projections of trees, birds, and golden skies glowing gently around you. During the Platform Easter Holiday Food Programme, it felt like a storybook had quietly come to life in the Platform Studio Theatre…
As part of the Easter activities - which ran across the school holidays and welcomed children and families along to take part in a range of free creative activities, along with free breakfasts and lunches each weekday - we were delighted to host the magical children’s dance workshop and performance A Journey of Flight with Kathryn Gordon and Jorja Follina.
The Easter programme itself featured everything from music sessions and science experiments to planting workshops, yoga, nature walks, and energetic dance activities - and A Journey of Flight was a joyful highlight that brought imagination and movement together in a truly memorable experience.
For the performance, soothing music filled the room, the dancers moved like birds in flight - elegant and full of purpose. Some children watched wide-eyed, completely still, while others returned to see the show for a second time, drawn back by the magical atmosphere, that sense of something special in the air.
Through the actions of choreographer & dancer Kathryn and dancer Jorja, the performance told the story of a bird’s journey - from hatching to its first big leap into the unknown, embodied in the dancers movements and expressions. It was calm, beautiful, and full of life - until a twist came…
Nine-year-old Alex had a pre-arranged secret mission from Kathryn: to break the stillness. Quietly, he stepped forward and launched a paper plane right at her head - laughter erupted. Suddenly, planes were flying everywhere. Kids jumped up, running, dancing, sliding under sheets, dodging enemy paper planes. They weren’t just watching anymore - they were in it. The space became theirs….a moment of pure joy, freedom, and flight.
The audience - from toddlers to grandparents – were all drawn into it. Many described the show as “relaxing”, “moving”, and “beautiful.” The dancing, music, and lighting were highlights that helped “tell a great story”, and the paper plane-making was a favourite moment for kids and grown-ups alike.
One parent loved most “the joy on children’s faces and watching my son join in with other children”. Some said the performance reminded them of birds, play, movement, and even changing seasons. Another one said: “This was the first time watching this kind of performance. It’s amazing! My son enjoyed it”.
Kathryn shared: “It was lovely to engage with the participants in the workshops, and I loved the connection we built with them prior to the performance at the workshop we also hosted.
“It really helped the show along, being able to smile at audience members that we'd already engaged with. We love coming to Platform and meeting the young people and families in the area.”
Read more about the Easter holiday food programme here.
Images: Alison Piper
