The Benefits of Performing in childhood

Involvement in any area of performing arts is proven to be hugely beneficial to a child’s overall development. Performing in front of an audience, and the preparation leading up to the performance, provides an enriching experience in which a child can grow. The journey from initially signing up to participate, right through to taking the stage, offers a child a space in which to develop a variety of skills, enabling them to mature physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively. The process of setting a goal, working hard to achieve it, and then witnessing the final outcome, allows a child to experience the rewarding feeling of accomplishment that is associated with a successfully executed project.

Positives of Performing

• Signing up at the initial stage places the child in the powerful position of decision maker. Being able to make a decision and to commit to something are skills that will be utilised throughout one’s life.
• Working on a collaborative project, such as a dance recital, helps to develop communication skills. Children will: gain experience of listening and communicating with their teachers in a mature manner, exercise the art of taking instruction within a group setting, and will learn how to voice their own questions to adults.
• Social skills are developed by performing in a group. Children will grow increasingly aware of others around them, fostering the need to be considerate. Teamwork will be key to their success.
• A collaborative project provides a child with a positive sense of unity within a group of people who are all sharing the same experience.
• Participation in a project such as a recital helps to grow a child’s self-esteem and self-confidence. They can take a sense of pride from the commitment they’ve made and from their progress throughout the process.
• The art of learning choreography is hugely beneficial in a child’s cognitive development. The relationship between mind and body is strengthened, with children gaining greater control when organising their movements.
• Memory is exercised throughout the rehearsal process; remembering the choreography, but also specific directions from the teacher – where to place themselves, when to begin, what to bring to dress reahearsal etc.
• Practising between weekly rehearsals helps to develop a positive work ethic and motivation that will translate into other areas of their education and life.
• The rehearsal process will undoubtedly throw obstacles in the child’s path and overcoming these along the way will help to develop self-reliance as well as an element of resilience.
• For those natural performers who feel great enjoyment from being watched, they get the chance to shine. For the quieter, less extroverted personalities, they gain valuable experience in learning how to overcome their nerves and anxieties rather than being held back by them.
• The actual performance is an experience every child should get to enjoy; the buzz of getting applauded on stage, the sense of satisfaction that the goal has been reached, and the overall positive feeling of accomplishment.
• Learning to feel comfortable in your own skin in front of an audience is a vital skill to carry with you throughout life.
• And of course there’s all the glitter and sequins!

You can find out details of our upcoming Winter Recital here