The Benefits of Exposing Children to the Performing Arts

Imagine a world where every child has the opportunity to step into someone else’s shoes, to express themselves freely, and to develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in life. That’s the power of the performing arts.

As parents, we all want the best for our kids. We want them to be happy, healthy, and well-rounded individuals who can navigate the challenges of life with grace and resilience. And while there are many paths to achieving these goals, one that is often overlooked is the performing arts.

Key Takeaways

• Performing arts help children develop empathy by allowing them to experience different perspectives and emotions, and in doing so, they can become someone else for a time.
• Participating in theater, music, and dance builds confidence and self-esteem in kids.
• Arts education has numerous academic and social benefits, including improved language skills and enhanced creativity.
• Working as a team in performing arts fosters essential life skills like communication, problem-solving, and leadership.
• The benefits of performing arts extend well into adulthood, providing a lifelong foundation for success and well-being.

Help Your Child Shine: The Power of Performing Arts in Building Confidence

One of the most powerful benefits of the performing arts is the way it helps children develop self-confidence. When kids take the stage, whether it’s in a school play, a dance recital, or a music concert, they are putting themselves out there in a big way. They are taking a risk, stepping outside their comfort zone, and expressing themselves in front of an audience.

And while this can be scary at first, it’s also incredibly empowering. The chance to take part in the arts teaches kids resilience. As children learn to trust in their abilities and take ownership of their performances, they begin to develop a strong sense of self-confidence that carries over into other areas of their lives.

But building confidence through the performing arts isn’t just about getting up on stage. It’s also about the process of learning and growing as an artist. When children receive constructive feedback from their teachers and peers, they learn to take criticism in stride and use it to improve their craft. They develop resilience and perseverance, knowing that setbacks are just opportunities to learn and grow.

As Lisa Lollar, a psychologist in Denver, puts it: “The performing arts provide a safe space for children to explore their emotions and express themselves in new ways. Through this process, they develop a stronger sense of self and a greater confidence in their abilities.”

Putting Yourself in Someone Else’s Shoes: The Empathy-Boosting Power of Performing Arts

Another key benefit of the performing arts is the way it fosters empathy and compassion in children. When kids take on a role in a play or dance performance, they are essentially stepping into someone else’s shoes and experiencing the world from a different perspective.

Through this process, children learn to understand and appreciate the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of others, all while developing a deeper connection through participation in the arts. They develop a greater sense of compassion and a deeper understanding of the human experience.

As Brian Olkowski, Ph.D., explains: “When children participate in the performing arts, they learn to put themselves in someone else’s situation and imagine how they might feel or react. This helps them develop empathy and compassion for others, which are essential skills for building strong relationships and navigating social situations.”

The Academic and Social Benefits of Performing Arts: Why Every Child Should Participate

But the benefits of performing arts education don’t stop at confidence and empathy. Research has shown that children who participate in the arts also tend to have better academic outcomes and stronger social skills.

For example, studies have found that:

• Music education can improve language development and spatial-temporal skills
• Drama education can enhance verbal skills, memory, and comprehension, especially when kids learn to participate actively in the arts.
• Dance education can improve cognitive development and social skills

These benefits are thought to stem from the way the performing arts engage both sides of the brain, encouraging children to think creatively and critically at the same time. Kids learn to balance logic with creativity. When kids sing, dance, or act, they are using their left hemisphere to process language and logic, while also engaging their right hemisphere to express emotion and assign meaning.

But the academic benefits of the performing arts go beyond just cognitive skills. Participating in the arts can also help children develop important social and emotional skills, such as:

• Collaboration and teamwork
• Communication and self-expression
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills develop significantly when kids learn to engage with theater and performing arts.
• Creativity and innovation

As Annie Spell, a theater educator, puts it: “The performing arts are the perfect place for children to develop essential life skills in a fun and engaging way. Whether it’s working together to put on a big show or learning to think on their feet during an improv exercise, kids are constantly growing and learning through the arts.”

The Power of Teamwork: How Performing Arts Can Help Children Develop Essential Life Skills

One of the most valuable aspects of the performing arts is the way it encourages teamwork and collaboration. When children work together to put on a play, dance performance, or music concert, they learn the importance of communication, cooperation, and shared responsibility.

They learn to:

1. Listen to others and consider different points of view
2. Contribute their own ideas and talents to the group
3. Take ownership of their role and responsibilities
4. Work together towards a common goal

These are skills that will serve children well throughout their lives, whether they pursue a career in the arts or not. As Lisa Lollar notes: “The teamwork skills that children develop through the performing arts are transferable to nearly every area of life. Whether it’s in school, work, or personal relationships, knowing how to collaborate effectively is essential for success.”

The Long-Term Benefits of Performing Arts: Why Every Child Should Experience the Joy of Performing

Perhaps one of the most compelling reasons to enroll your child in performing arts education is the way it can benefit them throughout their entire lives. From their first performance at the new victory theater to future opportunities, the benefits continue to grow. The skills, confidence, and creativity that children develop through the arts are not just valuable in the short-term, but can provide a foundation for a lifetime of success and fulfillment.

Research has shown that adults who participated in the arts as children tend to have:

• Higher levels of civic engagement and social responsibility
• Greater empathy and understanding of others come naturally when kids learn to see the world in a different way through the performing arts.
• Enhanced creativity and problem-solving skills
• Improved mental health and well-being

As Dr. Olkowski explains: “The benefits of performing arts education don’t end when the curtain falls. The skills and experiences that children gain through the arts can stay with them for a lifetime, helping them navigate challenges, build relationships, and find joy and meaning in their lives.”

Conclusion

In a world that often feels divided and disconnected, the performing arts offer a powerful tool for bringing people together and fostering empathy, compassion, and understanding. By exposing our children to the arts from a young age, we are giving them a gift that will enrich their lives in countless ways.

So whether it’s signing up for the school play, taking music lessons, or enrolling in a dance class, every child deserves the opportunity to experience the magic of the performing arts. As parents, teachers, and community members, it’s up to us to make sure that every child has access to these life-changing experiences. Participation in the arts can have a transformative impact.