In the 12 months to April 2012, more than one third of children aged 5 to 14 years (35% or 980,700) participated in at least one organised cultural activity (playing a musical instrument, singing, dancing, drama or organised art and craft) outside of school hours. The proportion of children participating in dancing in 2012 (15%) has increased since 2006 (13%), while the proportion who played a musical instrument decreased (18% compared with 20%). (Table 1)
Nearly half (47%) of all females participated in at least one organised cultural activity, compared with 24% of males. Dancing was the most popular activity for females (367,400 participants), followed by playing a musical instrument (261,400 participants). Ninety-six percent of females who participated in dancing received dancing lessons within the 12 months prior to April 2012. (Tables 2 and 4)
More males played a musical instrument (228,800) than any other selected organised cultural activity. (Table 2)
Children's participation in organised cultural activities outside of school hours was higher in couple families (38%) than one-parent families (27%). (Table 2)