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Why the Performing Arts are Important

Categories: Dance and Performing Arts Courses@Shockout Arts, Undergradute

26/07/2021

In the late 20th century, many performing arts critics believed that the performing arts and those in performing arts careers would lose their relevance. They cited the rise of the internet, streaming services and TV as being among the reasons why dance and performing arts would become obsolete. However, those in dance and performing arts careers continue to reach new audiences and attract new talent. When so many critics thought this was impossible, why do the performing arts continue to buck the trend? What is it that makes them essential and able to stand the test of time?

Expression and Self-discovery

The importance of artists' self-expression was emphasised from the earliest days of the first performing arts colleges. Dance, theatre, and other performing arts careers help teach individuals how to express themselves effectively. Art and dance can become exceptionally useful tools for helping people with disabilities to communicate. Shyness, anxiety, and lack of confidence can be gradually addressed by performing dance and other forms of art expression. A performing arts career can not only help the individual develop self-expression but can also benefit society as a whole. Theatre, dance and performing arts can point out and challenge attitudes and prevailing mindsets. It can encourage people to question perceived notions and better understand their current situation.

Education, History and Performing Arts

One of the many roles of dance and performing arts throughout history has been to educate and record people and societies' history. Early storytellers, jesters, minstrels and bards entertained, provided social commentary and told stories of heroes and legends to enlighten and teach as much as to entertain. Dance, movement and theatre are incorporated into different religions to keep their stories and deities alive. Classical theatre, such as Shakespeare, played the same role in its time. The importance to society, change, and education can be seen in the fact that theatres and performers are often the first to be silenced when there is a coup, a change in policy or a government that feels threatened.