Performing keeps children on their toes

IT IS no secret that many parents cannot wait to send their child to dance, music, drama and acting classes. It is coming from the children, too. But what is the right age to start dance? Are acting classes worth it? Research shows children who sing, dance, act and play are four times more likely to be recognised for academic achievement compared to non-performing friends — and to have enhanced cognitive, motor and social development.

QUICK THINKING

Lisa Loller, a psychologist who works with performing arts students, finds working through scenarios and coming up with a solution helps children feel prepared for the unexpected. If something goes wrong in a show, children learn it is OK to make a mistake (a great message to take back into the classroom), but they must never let the audience see it (improving their ability to think on their feet).

CONFIDENCE

Learning to cope with performance jitters reinforces the message that there is nothing wrong with feeling nervous. After a show, children feel proud and carry this on to future Enjoy drama as an extra-curricular activity (as at NLCS, above) or at a specialist college such as Elstree UTC

performances, so they cope better with pressure. Lollar says: “Recalling past experiences with positive outcomes gives a child confidence.”

PROBLEM SOLVING

Drama students are constantly being challenged to solve problems and these skills of reasoning and understanding are useful for success.

NON-VERBAL SKILLS

Children learn about body language and how movement or technique communicates emotions and experiences.

ABILITY TO FOCUS

Through their ensemble work, children learn to keep a balance between listening and contributing and this involves a great deal of focus.

Look into performing arts classes, including after-school ones. Companies such as Stagecoach run classes for age two up and, if your child is keen, you can take them to auditions.

For older children, a college such as Elstree University Technical College provides full-time education in performing and creative arts, plus core subjects for 14-to-19-year-olds. The drama syllabus focuses on solidifying core performance and devising skills, from Greek to contemporary plays. The dance curriculum explores social, historical, political and abstract ideas.

At EUTC, students have the chance to learn performance skills supported by work experience. Because they have a passion for creative and performing arts, students are more motivated and flourish in their chosen areas of study. The school’s links with industry and sponsors helps students gain employment and sought-after college places.

CAREERS

Performing arts can be an unpredictable career path. Success as an actor, dancer or singer depends on talent, training, patience and commitment. The good news is, the GDP of the UK arts and culture industry had grown to a healthy £11.8 billion by 2015 (source: Centre for Economic and Business Research). The entertainment and film industries face a skills shortage, favouring those seeking work in the industry.

Parents, ask yourself: “Why are we really doing this?”. If it is for money — you will fail. Fame — you will fail. The only reason to do this is your child having a burning passion for what they do.

For info or to apply, see elstreeutc.co.uk