December Talk with Fi Da Silva-Adams

IT’S December and 2021 is drawing to a close. What have been your highlights in business this year? What milestones have come and gone? What’s your vision for 2022? Today we're talking to Fi Da Silva-Adams who is founder and managing director of Revolution Performing Arts Ltd and RPA Rapport Community Interest Company.

Based in Wanborough, Revolution Performing Arts & RPA Rapport work with young people aged 4-18 years using performing arts as a tool to celebrate uniqueness, empower individuality and build life skills of confidence and self -expression in a nurturing, gentle environment.

It’s December – is this a busy time for your business? 
Yes, December is unusually busy for us this year as we have our Winter Wonderland performance on 11th December at Swindon Arts Centre and we are running the HAF programme of Winter Fun Holiday Sessions at Oliver Tomkins School and Even Swindon Community Centre.

Christmas is coming – what does Christmas mean for you? 
Christmas for me is about spending time with my family and having appreciation for this wonderful life that we have.

What’s on Santa’s List for your business in 2022? 
I would like Santa to bring all the beautiful young people and adults to us who need us so they can feel valued, appreciated and to celebrate the beautiful unique individuals they are.  After all, if we all felt a little better about ourselves and a little happier wouldn’t the world be a better, happier place?

And what’s on your list personally? 
I am a big lover of mugs.  You know the ones with messages that mean something. One of my favourites is my “positive vibes” mug.  A must for my coffee on a sleepy, dark winter’s morning!

What has been your greatest business lesson this year? 
Our greatest business lesson this year and throughout the pandemic has been to diversify and be flexible.  We were launched into this lesson right at the beginning of the pandemic.  We have always been responsive but this year has taught us not to be afraid of change.  On the contrary, embrace it.

What have been your business highlights in 2021? 
Our Acts of Kindness live stream was amazing!  Over a hundred young people created beautiful pieces that were live streamed on the internet in June 2021.  

In September, RPA had our first Free Open Day to shout to the world about all the awesome brand new classes that were open to everyone.

The Terrible Infants was RPA Rapport CIC’s first live performance in a theatre since the Covid pandemic.  It was very emotional and powerful for the young people.  Truly momentous.

What have been your personal highlights in 2021? 
We moved into our new home and my beautiful Mum now lives with us.  Having gone through the first lockdown kissing her through the conservatory window I am so glad that we are now together as a family.

What will you do differently in 2022? 
I am really excited to launch our adult classes and radically, now on a Pay As You Go basis.  Adults now have such busy lives and RPA wants to be as flexible as possible.

We will be launching adult classes in tap, street dance, empowerment through dance, and also advanced classes for career trained dancers.  2022 brings with it two more live theatre performances at Swindon Arts Centre and a brand new film for the whole of RPA too!  2022 is going to be an exciting year!

Is ‘giving back’ important to for your business?
Yes, giving back is very important to me and RPA.  As a child I felt the benefits of performing arts as a release and escape from trauma within my own little world.  I wished I had something like RPA when I was a child.  I now pass on these benefits by offering all young people affected by domestic abuse, free performing arts sessions.  My motto is “if you can, you should!”.

Will you have a nominated charity for 2022? 
SWA Domestic Abuse (previously known as Swindon Women’s Aid) has always been our chosen charity for the reasons above.  RPA are also ambassadors for the charity and therefore a lot of what we do is targeted at raising awareness for the charity.

Have you got any special offers or deals you’d like to mention? 
Yes our adult classes launch in January.  Just enrol online at www.revolutionpa.co.uk/enrol but pay on the day! First lesson free!

What would be your best piece of advice for anyone in business for 2022? 
Diversify, be flexible, listen to those you serve and look after your team!
 

And finally – is there anything else you’d like to say? 
Happy New Year everyone!  Let’s keep being positive and upbeat and make 2022 the best yet!

For more information visit www.revolutionpa.co.uk