Task d- Academic Piece final draft.

How Performing Arts can benefit a Childs Development.

There are many benefits to getting involved in the performing arts, whether as an actor, dancer, comedian, musician or a singer. After much research and effort it has come to believe that from a young age children retain a stronger development through watching and participating in performing arts.

'A year ago, I traced the developments in making the arts a core subject… I likened that effort to the plight of Sisyphus, who toiled unceasingly to push a boulder up a steep hill. But, I concluded that recent developments in curriculum, assessment, research, and policy, most notably inclusion of the arts as a core academic subject… could be effectively harnessed to move the boulder to the top of the hill.' (5).

There are significant social benefits from perusing performing arts within a life style. The most obvious benefit is that performing arts has adapted and enhanced over the years to become woven in to our society. This is evident by the increase of performance publicity through theatre and television.
“This Christmas, 20 million of us are expected to tune into the finals of Strictly Come Dancing and the X- Factor. We will watch as the wannabe dancers and singers fight to complete their journeys from ordinary ability to extraordinary achievement.” (1).

Socializing is an important factor as it brings people together to enjoy, discuss or even participate themselves in the arts. It replenishes aspirations, determination and motivation for all generations. Children’s exposure to these elements are vital for they are at the birth of their development of potentially successful careers. It opens up a forum for discussion and play act participation.

By encouraging others, including children to take an involvement or becoming involved yourself opens doors socially and allows them to make new friends easily. This sense and skill of communication is a major asset to drama and all elements of the performing arts, as well as situations that we encounter in our everyday lives.

“Stephen Clift… believes that many of the skills performing arts develop are applicable in everyday life. "You can't put on a concert, perform a play or carry out a dance routine without learning something about teamwork, respect, dedication and concentration. These skills are very often the very things disadvantaged or disillusioned young people often lack," he says”. (1).

Once these qualities are apparent, children can mature rapidly in to adolescence and begin deciphering their individuality and unique image. This development plays a key part to how an individual expresses themselves and aids their ability to speak in public. This requires intelligence which performing arts can generate with variety.

“ … music, dance and drama can improve your intelligence levels because you learn so many new skills, and where scripts are concerned you are likely to learn new words and general knowledge.” (6).

Script work is firmly based around reading therefore enhances a child’s memorization and reading retention skills which gradually will stabilise their independence.

By engaging with Performing Arts it can boost confidence and will primarily benefit those who are shy or lack self confidence and enhance self belief. Performing in front of a large or small crowd can be daunting but during rehearsals you grow in confidence as your skills improve and you will be able to use this new found confidence in every aspect of your life.

“Many young people are beset by low confidence and self esteem, but the performing arts shake up their perceptions of themselves, and help them realise what they are capable of achieving.” (1).

Performing organisations and companies help introduce society to their local communities and for the youth of society it can install drive and motivation towards the arts perhaps replacing any crime, theft and uncivilised behaviour which may occur due to street life, peer preasure or boredom. Spiritual and psycological benefits replace these elements and encourages self discipline, diligence, self- expression, calmness and fulfilment.
There is still great concern that performing arts can blindfold children from their academic learning and plant enjoyment and physical skill that is useless to some future careers.

“Of course scepticism about the arts still remains. There is a worry that they will be prioritised over more practical services that young people need to get them on their feet” (1).

However if American attitudes towards arts education prove “86% agree an arts education encourages and assists in the improvement of a child’s attitudes toward school” (3) then the rest of the world should follow this influence and strive to understand the benefits children will reap. “We celebrate the arts for the value they add to learning and to life." (3.)

This highlights why performing arts is a necessity to a persons education. How performing arts can be "a connective tissue... in our every day lives" (2). Now you have read and understood why performing arts are good and beneficial towards your life, why not research local performance workshops and lessons around your region. Or alternatively visit the Bedworth Civic Hall on 9th September to witness the talent behind Rachel Lee Moore's 'Seven Deadly Sins' and spark that enthusiasm that lives in each and every one of us.



Resources Used:


1. Davis, Rowenna, 2008. How Performing Arts can help disadvantaged young people.


2. Milner, Jenifer, 2002. Performing Arts and Education in Canada. National


3. Assembly of State Arts Agencies, 2006. Arts in the Spotlight.


4. Rose, Lowell C and Alec M Gallup, 2004. Gallup Poll of the Public Attitudes Toward the Public Schools.


5. Herbert, Doug, 2001,U.S. Department of Education. Getting to the Top: Arts Essential Academic Learning Requirements.


6. unknown, 2009, available from: http://www.performingartslocal.co.uk/why_enter_performingarts.asp