South Australian Children’s Choir

Tharuki joined Robins Academy initially for Piano lessons only. But she was soon inspired by her teacher’s passion for Choir and performing Arts and joined both. Working under Natalie’s guidance Tharuki developed confidence in herself to a level that she wanted to try-out for solo performance at the Festival of Music 2023 and managed to secure a solo performance and sang “Keep on Moving” to the largest audience she ever performed to. This is undoubtedly a great testimony of what a child could achieve under Natalie’s wings. Seeing her sister perform, Tharuki’s sister Jithuki is also showing interest in choir and performing arts.

At Robins Academy, my two daughters are happily learning to sing and act under the able guidance of Mrs Natalie. Her effective modern methods of teaching have helped my two girls to come out of their bashfulness and gain confidence in effective public speaking, singing and acting. As parents we are very happy that they are receiving the best of Mrs Natalie’s multiple talents at Robins Academy. We also appreciate her human and friendly qualities and wish her the very best in all endeavours. Thank you!

Robins Academy’s Performing Arts Show was a spectacular display of talent, skills and confidence on stage by the students of Natalie Robins, the Head of the Academy. The children, ranging from 6 to 15 years of age radiated their potential in acting, singing and public speaking through a vibrant programme.
The first part of the evening was lined up with a performance by the academy’s choir BLISS, along with a few skits and dances which added colourful variety to the event. Mr Cat’s party and Mr. Know it All’s wonder class (which was a skit created by Natalie herself) provided an opportunity for the junior drama group to showcase their talents, taking their first steps into the drama world. The Robins Family Special, in which Natalie played the mum’s role, was very touching and heart warming. Her lamenting rendition expressing a mother’s feelings when all her children leave home after growing up made most of the mothers in the audience teary-eyed.
The choir was extremely outstanding with beautiful singing. They need to be complimented for singing in four different languages, namely English, Sinhala, Hindi and Swahili. Their blending of high and low notes in harmony was mesmerising. The guest artists who performed in accordance with the respective songs were graceful. The dance items were given by the Adelaide Academy of Irish Dancing, Sihalakala Dance Academy and African Community Dance Group were enchanting and glamorous.
The second part of the programme presented the main play, CINDERFELLA. This was an interesting twist on the classic timeless fairy tale Cinderella. Nataliehad included many deviations from the traditional story to make it more amusing and hilarious. Some of the twists were as follows- The prince recognised Cinderella by a handkerchief he lent her during the ball, instead of the glass slipper. Also, the glass slipper actually fitted the Fairy Godmother, and the King married her to save the kingdom from disgrace.
I would like to mention a few scenes that brought great joy to the audience. The fairy helpers, one carrying a huge book on her back and the other writing down the Fairy Rules in it were fantastic additions. Another was the scene showing different extravagant and hilarious dresses on the back screen, with lighting effects for Cinderella to choose the best one to wear to the ball. As each of them appeared, the others on stage made sighs and exclamations. The fairies assumption that Cinderella was dead, was another hilarious moment. All this was very natural and lively and there were many more novel elements which was enriching, engaging and laughter evoking for both the young and the old alike.
The songs and dance in CINDERFELLA was very well performed by the students and it was thrilling to watch such talent unfold before our eyes. The King, Cinderella, the Fairy Godmother, the step family, fairies trainees and guards did their roles especially well. The lighting effects and costumes too were well chosen, very rich and colourful.
Thus, Natalie has shown her expertise in script writing, story-telling and capability in training the students to bring out their artistic talents. As a result, the children all performed their best. A word of praise should go out to the two comperes.
All in all, Robins Academy’s Performing Arts show was an outstanding and memorable event that brought joy to the audience, and great pride especially to the parents and grandparents of all who took part. As Sri Lankans we need to be thankful to Natalie for opening up a centre of this nature in Adelaide Australia, for our young children to develop their artistic talents, self-confidence and social skills. I congratulate her and all her students for a job well done and wish them the very best in future endeavours!