Learn Taylor Swift’s dance moves, take DJ lessons and more at the FringeYouth Festival

It offers an impressive programme, from theatre, dance and puppetry to music, visual arts, crafts, storytelling and creative writing.

“It’s a vibrant program that celebrates the creativity and talent of young artists by giving them a platform where their voices can be heard – and a place where friendships can be formed,” says festival co-organizer Wendy Wu, whose arts education company Creative Collab hosts musical theater workshops as part of the program.

The festival is aimed at an audience up to the age of 25 and, according to Wu, has something for everyone.

Harbour Secrets, a Hong Kong-based crime specialist, brings budding detectives Much Ado About Murder, a crime thriller that begins with the discovery of an unknown Shakespeare work and ends with a murder.

For younger audiences, Harbour Secrets has teamed up with edutainment company FezEd to present a crime thriller loosely based on a true event: the theft of the Mona Lisa from the Louvre in Paris on August 21, 1911.

Vincenzo Peruggia, a museum employee, stole the famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci in one of the most brazen robberies in art history. It was recovered two years later when Peruggia tried to sell it to an antique dealer in Florence.

“The game is set in Paris 100 years ago, but we’re not repeating the whole story of the theft – we’re just inspired by it,” says Polina D’Aguiar of Harbour Secrets.

“Children become investigators who interrogate suspects, solve puzzles and find evidence to catch the criminal and save the masterpiece. Essentially, they are living their Sherlock Holmes dream.”

The festival is about more than just fun. “These interactive and engaging games capture children’s attention and encourage critical thinking, communication and creativity,” says D’Aguiar.

“It is not a passive experience, but a performance in which they actively shape the story, they are the moving elements… that is important.”

Budding writers can learn the art of storytelling in workshops hosted by Hong Kong author Ritu Hemnani. In a workshop titled “Verse and Voice: Empowering the Written Word,” Hemnani will use her recently published novel. Lion of Heavenas a basis for a discussion about how language evokes emotions.

“Verse and Voice is about empowering children to speak from their own memories and their own world,” says Hemnani. “Sharing stories stimulates imagination and builds connections.”

Six Cat Studios, an art studio with a focus on music and media, hosts interactive sessions where participants not only write and illustrate their own stories, but also get an insight into the publishing process.

BallroomBees, founded by Katya Virshilas – a master dancer who burst into people’s living rooms in 2009 with an appearance on the reality TV show “The 4000”. Be sure to come and dance – courses are held for lovers of ballroom dancing.

Drummer Satur Tiamson shares secrets to mastering the sticks, while music education company YRock offers lessons on guitar, drums and bass. Armed with their new skills, participants can then rock out live on stage.

In the classical section, singer Kari Ding will deliver a very personal performance of operas by Mozart and Massenet. It will not only be a showcase of his voice, but also his journey as a countertenor, a male singer who sings high notes like a female alto or mezzo-soprano with a falsetto voice, considered the rarest of all vocal ranges.

Other workshops focus on activities ranging from crocheting to DJing.

There is also something for yogis. In addition to dance classes, Hay offers animal yoga workshops where participants learn asanas (yoga poses) inspired by the animal kingdom.

“The sequence is designed to improve strength, flexibility and mindfulness while allowing participants to express themselves through their favorite animals,” she says.

Wu says it’s exciting to be part of the first festival that will have a long-term benefit to the city’s arts scene.

“It’s about inspiring and supporting the next generation of artists.”

Larry Lai, Executive Director of the Fringe Club, says: “The Fringe Club promotes community arts in Hong Kong and supporting youth arts goes a long way in giving aspiring artists and performers the right start.”

For further details visit the FringeYouth Festival website.