"Performing Arts Education is not about creating future artists. It's about enabling dream-making to happen in all students." (Horin 2008)
The above statement is in need of attention by all the cynics that are of the opinion the performing arts is just a way to fill time and is not worthy of academic respect. Having aspirations is vital in order to develop, because with no wants why would anyone ever get out of bed?
Many mothers take their young daughters to ballet. After completing a personal survey it was discovered that the main reason for this is simply because their daughter wants to wear pink and has seen Angelina Ballerina, not for beneficial development. However the latter reason should not be over-looked and time after time it is.
The amount of fathers that have not allowed or encouraged their son to take classes in the performing arts because it is ‘not manly’ (Hugh Lavery 2009) is staggering. If the benefits of children partaking in performing arts was more widely spread hopefully this would help parents to be more actively encouraging and enrol their child in to extra-curricular activities.
Research recently conducted by the University of Maryland (2007) focused on the linkage between children's participation in activities such as acting or music lessons and the positive outcomes in schools and a child’s emotional development and behaviour.
The research shows participation in performing arts is linked to positive outcomes in school, emotional development, family life and behaviour. ‘What's interesting is that kids not involved in any kid's activities were more socially immature and had a lower self-esteem’ (Horin, 2008 cited in Brightstars 2009)
Research shows that performing arts activities plays a central role in cognitive, motor, language and social emotional development.
Doing dance has a tremendous impact on the growth of every child. There is strong evidence to show that it strengthens problem solving and critical thinking skills. As Hall has observed (2008 pp 5) “Dancing can also reduce obesity, guard against osteoporosis, improve posture and muscle strength and increase fitness generally”.
Acting and drama lessons improve intelligence and communication levels. Working with scripts helps improve reading and general knowledge skills and doing tasks such as improvisation develop imagination and self expression. Supporting evidence appears on the government website Performing Arts Local (2008) ‘...acting encourages self-discipline, diligence, self-expression, calmness, and fulfilment.’
Exposure to singing and music allows children to easily access emotions as songs hold different feelings and can quickly change. The quick mood changes in songs help children to realise emotions are not something to be scared of and change naturally. In a report titled ‘The benfits of Music on Child Development’ (2002) it is stated the learning of music assists with primary mental abilities (verbal, perceptual, numeric, spatial) and motor-skills. Different styles of music introduces children to cultures across the world and makes them more accepting of different races to their own.
According to the Report published by Australian Bureau of Statistics 42% of Australian kids aged 5 to 14 years participate in the organised after school activities, such as dance classes, singing, drama and playing musical instruments (Brightstars 2009). These children are proven to be better developed socially and academically. Overall it can be seen that the performing arts provides many positive effects on a child’s development. There are countless classes in every country around the world providing the opportunity for children to develop with performing arts. The easy accessibility to performing arts classes paired with the evidence supporting the benefits to partaking in them will hopefully inspire more parents to sign their children up for classes be them male or female.
References
• Horin, A, 2008, ‘Busy Children appear to do Better’, The Sydney Morning Herald [online], 29th September. Available from http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/lifematters/busy-children-shown-to-do-better-20090407-9z0y.html [accessed on 16/11/2009]
• Spencer, A (alysx@hotmail.co.uk) (12/11/2009) Survey on Performing Arts Views, Personal email to H. Lavery (hughlavery@gmail.com)
• Horin, A, 2008, as above. Cited in http://www.brightstars.com.au/benefits-of-acting-classes-singing-classes-and-dance-classes.html [accessed on 16/11/2009]
• Hofferth, S., Kinney, D., & Dunn, J. (2007) The hurried child: Myth vs. reality. Life Balance: Biological, Psychological, and Sociological Perspectives on Lifestyle and Health. University of Maryland
• Hall, T, 2008, A Report to Government on Dance Education and Youth Dance in England, The Dance Review [online], Page 5, Available from: http://publications.dcsf.gov.uk/default.aspx?PageFunction=productdetails&PageMode=publications&ProductId=DCSF-00908-2007 [accessed 20/12/2009].
• Performing Arts Local, 2008. Why Enter the Performing Arts [online] http://www.performingartslocal.co.uk/why_enter_performing_arts.asp
• Borgese, P., Ciares, J., (2002), ‘The benefits of Music on Child Development’, http://www.paulborgese.com/report_benefitofmusic.html [accessed 24/12/2009]
• Brightstars, 2009. Cited in http://www.brightstars.com.au/benefits-of-acting-classes-singing-classes-and-dance-classes.html [accessed on 16/11/2009]
About Me
- Alys Spencer
- Alys trained at Millennium Performing Arts graduating in professional musical theatre with the merit and journal awards Alys has performed in many shows since she started performing at the age of 3. Venues for these have included Disneyland Paris and The Royal Albert Hall. As well as theatre Alys has appeared in a number of TV programmes, such as Emmerdale and also done voice over work for various Radio commercials. Alys also teaches dance, drama and singing to children at various schools in Leeds and Dubai. Below is a link to my spotlight page, containing my cv http://www.spotlight.com/3874-6759-2207
Thursday, 31 December 2009
Monday, 28 December 2009
writing styles - task d descriptive writing draft 2
The highly popular oasis school of performing arts has recently developed more classes to include in their already jam packed weekly timetable. The two new classes include musical theatre training and singing workshops. The classes are designed to cater for both boys and girls; aged three to sixteen, with any experience level from dancing around the living room to performing professionally!
Oasis Performing Arts school is based on Silicon Oasis, at the community centre. This venue is ideal for dance, singing and drama classes. It boasts an extremely large studio space, containing sprung wooden floors, mirrors, air conditioning, great acoustics, toilets, changing rooms and a large car park outside. There is also a supermarket, pool and costa coffee on the complex so parents have plenty of things to do whilst they wait for their child to finish class.
The school is run by Alys Spencer. Alys trained at the prestigious Millennium Performing Arts School, London. At Millennium Alys became accomplished in musical theatre, dance, acting and singing under the direction of Jacki Mitchell, Donald Mclennan, and Ikky Mass. Alys Spencer’s teachers include Mary King (judge for singer of the year competition), Nikki Woolaston (west end choreographer of On the town, Margerite and Oklahoma and assistant to Stephen Mear) and Richard Teverson (work includes The Mousetrap and Brideshead Re-visited) Her professional vocational training means Alys is fully equipped with the knowledge and skill to teach subjects of the performing arts to anyone willing to learn.
The singing workshop that has been created is a terrific method for children to become aware of singing techniques. It is a means of learning singing without the intensity of a private lesson, where one might not enjoy the pressure of being the sole attributor of a teacher’s attention. Student’s confidence prospers from working in groups and other people hearing their singing. Every time a note is sung and a student does not get a negative reaction, or is lucky enough to gain a positive reaction confidence is boosted and they feel validated.
Alys Spencer understands the interests of her market and therefore teaches up to date songs such as Hannah Montana and The Jonas Brothers. Children in the workshop enjoy the experience of being able to act as their favourite pop stars for the two hours it takes place every week. No more hiding in the bedroom, singing into the mirror with a hairbrush in hand! Children can now perform with a microphone to their friends and family, whilst singing the right notes and lyrics with a good technique!
Oasis Performing Arts musical theatre workshop is a new concept within schools of this nature. It allows students to learn all three performing disciplines and gain invaluable experience of moulding them together. Each week is a unique two hour musical theatre extravaganza! Students work to beat the clock in order to produce a mini musical performance at the end of the session. The class constantly moves back and forth between singing, dancing and drama. One minute they are clapping the songs rhythms and the next learning choreography. Students are forced to keep their brains switched on to keep up with the ever changing pace and focus of the workshop, subsequently gaining excellent focus and multi-tasking skills! Recent musicals that have been extracted from include ‘fame.’ The students belted out the well known theme tune and high kicked their way through the energetic routine. High school musical has been performed, the children having the opportunity to be the ever popular Troy and Gabriella! The Oasis pupils have also attacked ‘Camp Rock’ in which they rocked out with air guitars!
Everyone leaves this workshop feeling proud, both parents and students amazed at what they accomplished! Viewing a dance routine, complete with singing and acting achieved by young people in the space of two hours never fails to make the parents swell with pride.
It is proven that by involvement in the performing arts people develop confidence. If a child is shy sometimes all they need is a few rounds of applause to bring them out of their shell! Individuals become motivated and proficient under pressure. Knowing you have to stand in front of an audience and perform is a sure fire way to get people working and the creative juices flowing! There are numerous educational benefits to partaking in performing arts classes, but on top of all those fun is always had and friends made! Being given the task of creating a pop band or dance routine certainly gets adrenaline pumping and conversation flowing. Oasis creates a friendly, fun atmosphere where children are encouraged to be creative and parents are forced to have a coffee break. What more could anyone ask for!?
Oasis Performing Arts school is based on Silicon Oasis, at the community centre. This venue is ideal for dance, singing and drama classes. It boasts an extremely large studio space, containing sprung wooden floors, mirrors, air conditioning, great acoustics, toilets, changing rooms and a large car park outside. There is also a supermarket, pool and costa coffee on the complex so parents have plenty of things to do whilst they wait for their child to finish class.
The school is run by Alys Spencer. Alys trained at the prestigious Millennium Performing Arts School, London. At Millennium Alys became accomplished in musical theatre, dance, acting and singing under the direction of Jacki Mitchell, Donald Mclennan, and Ikky Mass. Alys Spencer’s teachers include Mary King (judge for singer of the year competition), Nikki Woolaston (west end choreographer of On the town, Margerite and Oklahoma and assistant to Stephen Mear) and Richard Teverson (work includes The Mousetrap and Brideshead Re-visited) Her professional vocational training means Alys is fully equipped with the knowledge and skill to teach subjects of the performing arts to anyone willing to learn.
The singing workshop that has been created is a terrific method for children to become aware of singing techniques. It is a means of learning singing without the intensity of a private lesson, where one might not enjoy the pressure of being the sole attributor of a teacher’s attention. Student’s confidence prospers from working in groups and other people hearing their singing. Every time a note is sung and a student does not get a negative reaction, or is lucky enough to gain a positive reaction confidence is boosted and they feel validated.
Alys Spencer understands the interests of her market and therefore teaches up to date songs such as Hannah Montana and The Jonas Brothers. Children in the workshop enjoy the experience of being able to act as their favourite pop stars for the two hours it takes place every week. No more hiding in the bedroom, singing into the mirror with a hairbrush in hand! Children can now perform with a microphone to their friends and family, whilst singing the right notes and lyrics with a good technique!
Oasis Performing Arts musical theatre workshop is a new concept within schools of this nature. It allows students to learn all three performing disciplines and gain invaluable experience of moulding them together. Each week is a unique two hour musical theatre extravaganza! Students work to beat the clock in order to produce a mini musical performance at the end of the session. The class constantly moves back and forth between singing, dancing and drama. One minute they are clapping the songs rhythms and the next learning choreography. Students are forced to keep their brains switched on to keep up with the ever changing pace and focus of the workshop, subsequently gaining excellent focus and multi-tasking skills! Recent musicals that have been extracted from include ‘fame.’ The students belted out the well known theme tune and high kicked their way through the energetic routine. High school musical has been performed, the children having the opportunity to be the ever popular Troy and Gabriella! The Oasis pupils have also attacked ‘Camp Rock’ in which they rocked out with air guitars!
Everyone leaves this workshop feeling proud, both parents and students amazed at what they accomplished! Viewing a dance routine, complete with singing and acting achieved by young people in the space of two hours never fails to make the parents swell with pride.
It is proven that by involvement in the performing arts people develop confidence. If a child is shy sometimes all they need is a few rounds of applause to bring them out of their shell! Individuals become motivated and proficient under pressure. Knowing you have to stand in front of an audience and perform is a sure fire way to get people working and the creative juices flowing! There are numerous educational benefits to partaking in performing arts classes, but on top of all those fun is always had and friends made! Being given the task of creating a pop band or dance routine certainly gets adrenaline pumping and conversation flowing. Oasis creates a friendly, fun atmosphere where children are encouraged to be creative and parents are forced to have a coffee break. What more could anyone ask for!?
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