Why Learn Performing Arts?

Here, you’ll learn more about the ways that you can benefit from performing arts and how they can enhance your life. Regardless of your overall goals, it can be valuable and rewarding to invest time into a performing art.

What is Performing Arts?

Performing arts encompass a diverse range of artistic disciplines that involve live performances, including theater, dance, music, opera, and more. These disciplines require individuals to engage in expressive activities such as acting, singing, dancing, playing instruments, or combining multiple elements to create immersive experiences. Performing arts not only entertain and engage audiences, but also serve as a powerful means of communication and self-expression. 

The history of performing arts can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where rituals, ceremonies, and storytelling were performed as forms of entertainment and cultural expression. Throughout history, performing arts have evolved alongside societal changes, technological advancements, and cultural influences. From Greek theater and Shakespearean plays to classical ballet and modern experimental performances, each era has contributed to shaping the rich tapestry of performing arts. 

One unique aspect of performing arts is the transformative nature of live performances. Artists have the ability to transport audiences to different worlds, evoke a wide range of emotions, and create shared experiences that can be deeply impactful. Now, with the popularization of television and movies, it’s possible for performers to share their craft continuously, even after a live performance. 

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Performing arts also have the power to reflect and comment on social, political, and cultural issues. Artists often use their craft to convey messages, challenge norms, and provoke thought, fostering dialogue and introspection. The ability of performing arts to spark conversations, inspire change, and provide a platform for diverse voices is a unique and important aspect of the art form. 

Benefits of Learning Performing Arts?

Whether you’re pursuing a career as a stand-up comedian, or learning how to waltz for fun, learning performing arts has many unique benefits. The study and practice of performing arts encourage the development of emotional intelligence and empathy. Actors and performers explore and embody various characters and experiences, developing a deep understanding of human emotions and perspectives. This fosters empathy, compassion, and the ability to connect with others on a profound level. These qualities are crucial in building meaningful relationships and promoting understanding within diverse communities. 

Performing arts also provide a gateway to explore and appreciate different cultures, traditions, and artistic forms. Participants gain exposure to diverse styles, histories, and perspectives, promoting cultural understanding and acceptance. This fosters a more inclusive and tolerant society that values diversity in all its forms. 

Engaging in performing arts also honest communication and presentation abilities. Performers learn how to effectively convey emotions, ideas, and narratives to an audience, developing skills in public speaking, non-verbal communication, and body language. These skills are transferable to various professional and personal settings, enhancing interpersonal relationships and boosting self-assurance in public speaking engagements. Say, for example, you’re learning how to act. You can transfer the skills you’ve learned such as confidence under pressure, to a presentation you have to do at work, or navigating a tough conversation with a loved one. 

If you’re interested in the example above, you might find an acting class helpful. The Barrow Group Acting School offers a course called Beginners Acting I: The Basics. In this class beginners will learn the foundations of acting, including how to have a confident and natural stage persona—perfect for multiple purposes. Of course, these aren’t the only reasons to learn performing art. Here are a few more. 

Self Expression and Creativity

Learning performing arts is beneficial for self-expression and creativity for several reasons. Firstly, performing arts provide a platform for individuals to express and channel their emotions in a safe and constructive manner. Whether through acting, dancing, or singing, performers have the opportunity to tap into a wide range of emotions, explore different characters or themes, and convey their innermost feelings. This artistic outlet allows for a cathartic release, helping individuals express emotions they might struggle to articulate in everyday life. 

Performing arts also encourages individuals to embrace their unique perspectives and ideas. It provides a space where creativity can flourish without strict boundaries or limitations. Artists are encouraged to experiment, take risks, and explore unconventional approaches to self-expression. This freedom allows for the development of a personal artistic voice and the ability to communicate ideas and emotions authentically. 

Finally, engaging in performing arts allows artists to explore their own minds. Through embodying different characters or interpreting various artistic forms, individuals can explore different aspects of themselves, challenge their comfort zones, and gain deeper insights into their own strengths, weaknesses, and emotions. 

Stress Relief and Emotional Well-Being

Learning performing arts can help promote stress relief and emotional well-being among both adults and children. In children, it’s been shown to help with large life changes and combat depression. Engaging in performing arts allows individuals to express and release emotions in a healthy and cathartic manner. Whether it’s through acting, dancing, or singing, the creative process provides an outlet for emotional energy, helping to alleviate stress, tension, and anxiety. By channeling emotions into artistic expression, performers often experience a sense of emotional release and find solace in the act of creating. 

Performing arts can also help promote mindfulness. Performing arts require individuals to be fully present in the moment, focusing their attention on the performance at hand. This level of concentration and mindfulness can help alleviate stress by diverting attention away from daily worries and concerns. Immersing oneself in the creative process promotes a state of flow, where individuals are fully engaged and absorbed in the activity, allowing for a temporary escape from stressors. 

Finally, performing arts have the ability to connect individuals on a deep emotional level. Whether as performers or audience members, people can experience a sense of unity and shared emotions. This shared experience fosters empathy and a sense of belonging, promoting emotional well-being. Witnessing or participating in performances that convey universal human experiences can evoke empathy and remind individuals that they are not alone in their emotions. 

One way to express yourself is through dance, especially lyrical dance—an emotional art form accessible to anyone. If you’re interested and located in the Chicago area, you can take a Beginner Lyrical class with Dance Center Chicago. 

Collaboration and Teamwork

Performing arts is something that’s difficult to do alone. Even if you’re a solo act, there’s likely going to be collaboration with lights, sound, and the organizers of any event that you’re going to. Performing arts, whether it’s acting, dancing, or singing, requires effective communication between performers. Through rehearsals and performances, individuals learn to express themselves clearly and listen attentively to others. Performing arts also involve working closely with others and relying on their abilities. This fosters a sense of trust and empathy among performers as they learn to support and depend on each other. Building trust and empathy is vital for successful collaboration and teamwork, as it creates a safe and supportive environment where ideas can be freely shared and explored. 

Performing arts often require performers to adapt to changing circumstances such as improvising or adjusting to last-minute changes. This develops a mindset of flexibility and adaptability, which are essential qualities for effective teamwork. By being open to new ideas and being able to adjust quickly, individuals can work together more efficiently and overcome challenges as a team. Finally, performing arts often involve roles with varying degrees of responsibility and leadership such as directors, choreographers, or lead performers. By participating in these roles, individuals learn both leadership and followership skills. They understand the importance of supporting and following the vision of others, as well as taking charge and guiding a team if necessary. 

Career Building

Learning performing arts hones specific skills related to acting, dancing, singing, or playing musical instruments. Developing proficiency in these areas can open up career opportunities in various fields such as theater, film, television, music, dance, and more. By continuously refining their craft, individuals increase their chances of securing professional roles and advancing their careers. There are many different careers related to the performing arts. These include but are not limited to actors, choreographers, dancers, musicians, composers, stage managers, agents, producers, and more. 

Engaging in performing arts often involves collaborating and connecting with fellow artists, directors, producers, and industry professionals. These connections can be instrumental in finding job opportunities, auditions, and mentorship. Networking allows individuals to showcase their talent, gain exposure, and receive recommendations that can boost their career prospects. Learning performing arts also provides opportunities to build a portfolio of work that showcases an individual’s skill and experience. This can include performances in school productions, community theater, independent films, music recordings, or dance recitals. A strong portfolio is crucial for demonstrating capabilities to potential employers, agents, or casting directors and increasing the chances of landing desired roles or projects. 

Learning performing arts can also encourage individuals to take initiative and create their own opportunities. Many artists start their own production companies, bands, dance troupes, or YouTube channels to showcase their talents and gain recognition. Through self-promotion, individuals can leverage social media platforms, websites, or industry events to create a personal brand and attract attention from industry professionals. Finally, learning performing arts develops a range of transferable skills that can be applied to various careers beyond the performing arts industry. These skills include communication, creativity, adaptability, problem-solving, teamwork, resilience, and public speaking. 

How to Start Learning Performing Arts

First, determine your interest. Identify which performing art form interests you the most such as acting, dancing, singing, playing a musical instrument, or any combination thereof. Consider using your passions, talents, and the types of performance you enjoy watching. Look for local organizations, schools, community centers, or performing arts studios that offer classes, workshops, or programs in your chosen art form. The easiest way to do this is to use a tool like CourseHorse, and compare classes directly. Start with introductory or beginner-level classes to get a foundation in the basic techniques, terminology, and skills of your chosen art form. 

For example, New Yorkers might be interested in Beginners 1: Guitar for Absolute Beginners, offered by the New York Guitar School. This class helps brand new beginners learn basic chords and work their way through performing real songs. If you’re located in Los Angeles, you might be interested in the Stand-Up Comedy Workshop with Graduation Show, hosted by Santa Monica College. This class, intended for both beginners and budding professionals, teaches joke writing, performance tips, and how to craft a comedy persona. Finally, Chicago residents may be interested in an Improv and Scene class, offered by the Piven Theatre Workshop. In this class, students will perform scenes from popular contemporary plays, and learn how to use improv to deepen their relationship with the characters. 

Some students may also be interested in online classes. Live synchronous online courses offer the convenience of remote learning with real-time interactions, while in-person classes provide direct face-to-face engagement and a more immersive learning experience. If you’re curious about an online class, you may be interested in Online Improv, a class offered by the Actor’s Improv Studio. In this class, students will be able improvise and access their creativity, all on an online platform. 

After you start taking classes, remember to practice at home. Consistent practice is the key to improving your skills in performing arts. Set aside dedicated time for practice sessions, both in class and at home. Regular practice helps build muscle memory, improves techniques and enhances overall performance abilities. In addition, watch live performances, attend theater productions, concerts, dance recitals or musicals to observe and learn from professionals. Analyze their techniques, stage presence, and interpretation to gain insights into the craft and expand your artistic horizons. 

Key Takeaways

• Performing arts encompass a diverse range of artistic disciplines that involve live performances, including theater, dance, music, opera, and more.
• There are many benefits to learning performing arts. You can build a career, hone your ability to collaborate and work with others, express yourself, and relieve stress. 
• If you’re interested in learning performing arts, start by deciding on your discipline. Eventually, work your way up to taking a beginners class. 
• You can contact CourseHorse to find options for online or in-person training, including private group sessions.