The benefits that can be derived from the arts — individually and as a society — are many and varied. Yet, sometimes we forget that the principal benefit from performing and viewing dance alive onstage is quite simply pleasure! For all the hours spent in the studio training in dance and rehearsing choreography, the time one spends on stage seems relatively short. However, the benefits of this performance experience are countless, whether it’s the dance studio recital, competition or concert dance.
Children and youth gain many skills from performing. First of all, when a dancer steps on the stage for the first time, they are faced with a new space in which they are performing and an audience watching them. This forces the dancer to not only adapt to the space but also to become flexible and versatile. Dance performance is a living and breathing art form. It changes with the performer and with the circumstance. Each moment is fleeting, and therefore dancers have to be ready for anything when they step onto the stage. The ability to adapt and show flexibility to deal with anything that may occur in a performance is a useful skill that can be transferred to almost any life experience.
Children also build confidence as their performance experiences increase. This is a confidence that cannot be built without that exposure to live audience, and with increased exposure over time; some dancers develop a natural stage presence that is carried over into public speaking and dramatic presentations.
Artistic performances and athletic performances share the same ability to provide youth with being in the public eye. However, where athletic performances have an end goal of achieving the “win”, dance performances focus on more of the emotional and visual appeal of the audience.
Children and youth who have the opportunity to perform on the stage achieve skills that are transferable in all aspects of life, many of which don’t come naturally to most children. Giving your child this experience is truly a gift.
– Photo Credit: John Maynard
