Because Babies Grow Up

I’ve always been drawn to the performing arts. I don’t have a great voice. I’m not gifted at playing a musical instrument. I’ve dabbled in drama, but nothing serious. And I’m quite the laughable sight on the dance floor. Despite these shortcomings, I still appreciate the performing arts. Having tried (and found my skills lacking) I know how difficult it is to do it well and that helps me appreciate great performances all the more.

I’d love for the girls to become great pianists with amazing voices that can wow and inspire on the stage or the dance floor. But that needs to be their choice when they’re ready to make it. For now, though, I can share my love of music, drama, and dance with them and help them see the beauty, the comedy, the inspiration, the joy that comes from the performing arts.

Why Are the Performing Arts Important?

Funding for arts in education seems to be at the top of the “Can’t Afford It” list every year. It begs the question, if it’s so easy to cut funding for it, does it really matter? YES! It does matter.  And making it part of their early childhood education can help them to have an appreciation for performing arts as they get older.  Math, Science, English, History all serve their purpose in the basic knowledge we need to get educated. But appreciating and participating in the performing arts adds another dimension to life. We become well-rounded citizens when we allow the performing arts into our lives. We are inspired, uplifted, moved to better ourselves, our families and our communities. There is joy in living when we allow ourselves to be entertained in wholesome ways.

Appreciating the arts in general, and the performing arts specifically for this post, has always been a sign of advanced civilization. I’ve been thinking about that a lot and trying to find my own understanding of that classification. It reminds me of Maslow’s hierarchy from Psychology 101. If all of our time and energy is focused on meeting our physical needs for food and shelter then there’s no energy left over for emotions or relationships and thus definitely no energy left over for participating in wholesome entertainment. When basic needs are met easily and there’s energy left over, then we can focus on relationships, improving ourselves, understanding the world around us and appreciating or participating in the arts.

So civilizations or groups within civilizations that have an abundance of resources have the energy and time to devote to appreciating the arts and, if they chose, participating in them. From my experiences and observations, it seems that most people have some desire or drive to create something that inspires others. It can be anything from a lullaby for a baby, to a letter-craft for a preschooler; an impromptu band with friends to an comedy routine at a family or neighborhood talent show.

Two Ways to Help Little Ones Appreciate the Performing Arts

1. Exposure: They need to see the performing arts in action. Take them to see dance groups or music groups perform locally. Get season tickets to a children’s theater (one of my favorite memories from my elementary school days). Many communities offer free events at the park during the summer months.
2. Chance to Participate: You can enroll them in dance classes, art classes, music classes. There are many resources for mommy and me classes (in larger communities) If those things aren’t available, make some instruments at home, crank up a CD or the radio and dance around. Act our your little one’s favorite episode of Dora (or their favorite show or book).

Making the performing arts a part of their lives now will help them in so many ways. They’ll develop confidence in themselves as they perform (even if it’s just for you) and they’ll see the joy that comes from this medium of entertainment. They’ll make connections between their experiences and the culture in which they live. They’ll have knowledge that is shared among their community and society, helping them find ways to interact in new situations.

What other benefits do you see from helping your little ones appreciate the performing arts?

I’ll be talking more specifically this week about music, drama and dance and how to help your little ones appreciate these modes of entertainment, both as a spectator and a participant. Be on the lookout for a sweet giveaway this week, too.

Photo credit: Chipola College – Fine and Performing Arts