Folk dance is any dance that is developed by and reflects the social and cultural life of the people of a particular country or region. Our modern folk dance classes are focused on the young people of our Turkish and Kurdish community, promoting their background and cultural heritage. Although this programme was suspended during the pandemic, we aim to restart our modern folk dance classes in the 2021/22 academic year.
Film nights at the RWCA are held on the first Friday of every month, with a focus on promoting independent and alternative cinema dealing with subjects and perspectives rarely found in the mainstream commercial media. We show films in a variety of languages, projected on a big screen.
Organised every first Sunday of the month since 2002, our breakfast club brings the whole local community together to break social isolation and loneliness and enjoy a wonderful home-cooked Turkish/Kurdish breakfast. This long-standing institution has provided the opportunity for hundreds of members of the community, young and old, to make new friendships and benefit from our centre’s many other activities and programmes.
The saz, or bağlama, is a traditional stringed musical instrument used mainly in the Mediterranean and Middle East. It is very familiar to people from Turkish and Kurdish-speaking communities, especially those from an Alevi background. Our saz classes provide women not only with the opportunity to learn a new musical instrument, but also the unique and invaluable experience of deepening their connection to the cultural heritage of their ancestors.
Our cycling club is held every Saturday from 13:00-15:00 by professional tutors. New students can learn to cycle for the first time while old hands can hone their skill and endurance. This programme includes bi-monthly cycling tours of Haringey and surrounding boroughs, with an emphasis on local heritage.
RWCA’s chess club provides young people with the opportunity to develop their minds through learning and playing chess, with the aim of enhancing not only their endgame but other educational and social attainments related to logic, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The club is held at the centre every Sunday from 15:00-16:00
Our women’s choir began online during the COVID-19 pandemic, using the healing power of music and song to overcome the negative social and psychological effects of isolation and lockdown. It grew rapidly, and now has 40 members singing at the centre twice a week under the name RENGIN KADIN KOROSU. Their first concert will take place at Millfield Theatre on 4th of July 2021.
Following in their mums’ footsteps, the children of our community are forming their own RWCA choir. Currently with 15 participants, the choir provides children with the opportunity to learn, socialise and grow through music. New registrations are open now.
Drama can provide children with a safe environment to experiment with emotions and ideas; helping to build confidence, promote social skills and foster healthy emotional development. Held every Saturday, RWCA’s drama club helps children in the local community who would otherwise not be able to benefit from private classes.
Following in their mums’ footsteps, the children of our community are forming their own RWCA choir. Currently with 15 participants, the choir provides children with the opportunity to learn, socialise and grow through music. New registrations will begin in September 2021.