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Confidence and Self Esteem

Confidence and self esteem enable young people to face challenges in every day life and unfamiliar situations. Increased confidence leads to higher levels of self esteem and studies have shown that a performing arts education is proven to enhance both confidence and feelings of self worth. Interacting with other like minded young people in a performing arts setting, is also a great way to form new friendships and also overcome shyness. 

 

In addition, overcoming and taking on a new challenge, such as performing on stage, enables young people to feel a great sense of pride and achievement. At YTA, we actively encourage and support all of our students to develop and grow as a performer at their own pace, in a safe and nurturing environment. 

 

Focus and Concentration

Learning a new dance routine, song or script requires skills that focus the mind, body and voice. These skills are developed through practise and performance and increased focus and concentration are needed in order to achieve the results we desire. At YTA, young people are encouraged to listen to each other's ideas and thoughts, enabling them to recognise the value of concentration - a skill they will use for life.

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Language and Communication

Drama improves all forms of communication - verbal and non verbal. Our classes encourage young people to explore vocal projection, articulation, tone of speech and expression as well as communication through the use of facial expression and body language. Listening and observation skills are also improved through performing arts. 

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Singing helps to develop children’s language and communication skills whilst exercising lip and tongue movement which helps with speech development as well as broadening their vocabulary. Young children learn rapidly through the use of music, song and rhyme as the process of singing helps to embed the information in a child’s mind. For instance, many young children may learn the letters of the alphabet through the use of song.

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Team Work and Friendship

Performing arts lessons require group cooperation and students work together effectively in order to achieve a common goal. Group singing brings people together and is great for bonding - studies have shown that people who sing in groups are more connected to one another than those participating in other classes. Performing arts classes give students the opportunity to create strong bonds with one another - laughing, learning and growing together each week. 

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Empathy and Emotional Intelligence

Through drama and role play, students are able to develop an understanding of characters and roles, allowing them to relate to different situations, backgrounds and cultures. Students are encouraged to empathise with the character they are playing which develops their emotional understanding. The arts install compassion and tolerance for others - both important life skills to have. At YTA, students interact with others of different ages, cultures, beliefs and backgrounds, allowing them to explore differing thoughts and opinions.

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Problem Solving 

The use of games and improvisation in drama lessons, enables  students to apply problem solving skills to a variety of scenarios. Performing arts presents children with many challenges day in and day out, and they must learn to overcome them. Students are encouraged to explore their creativity which allows them to question and analyse thoughts and opinions. For example, a performance piece may require a student to portray a particular emotion or situation through the use of physical movement alone.

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Physical and Mental Health

The physical act of dance has many health benefits, such as improved flexibility, fitness, coordination, balance, and control. Many children spend long periods of time sat down which is why dance is such a great form of exercise, allowing them to keep fit as well as burn off excess energy whilst also stimulating their creativity and releasing endorphins. Acting and singing are also great for our health; as well as increasing confidence, performing arts make you happy and it's fun!

 

Singing also has physical benefits; the deep breathing used when singing helps to exercise the lungs, strengthen the diaphragm and improves circulation. Improved posture is also another benefit, as standing straight is part of good singing technique which will eventually become routine. Studies have also shown that performing arts can also boost the immune system and help with sleep.

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Academic Performance

The performing arts enable children to express themselves and develop their creativity. Studies have also shown that children who receive a performing arts education, are also able to benefit from an enhanced performance in other academic subjects like maths and English.One of the greatest benefits of singing is the constant use of the ‘memory muscle’ and the ability to improve mental concentration and memory.

Creativity and Imagination

The performing arts allow us to be creative, which is vital to society. People who can express themselves creatively, enable the world to move forward. It is through creativity and self expression that young people begin to develop their own identity and the performing arts are a vital tool in supporting this. When young people are encouraged to express themselves freely, they are able to explore their strengths and individuality.

 

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