What’s the Big Deal?

By Terri Miller

Lots of people are talking about arts education, and that’s great! However many people are still asking, “What’s the big deal about the arts?”

Well, here’s the big deal: When you learn about the arts, you learn pretty much everything! At SAA, we teach dance, drama, and music. Let’s break down what a student might learn in these classes-

Dance:

• Dance technique (a little obvious!)
• Rhythm
• Memorization
• Physical coordination
• Athleticism
• Spacial awareness (math!)
• Social etiquette
• Musicality
• Note-taking
• Critical thinking

Drama:

• Drama technique (again, obvious)
• Improvisation
• Reading (scripts!)
• Writing
• Memorization
• Body awareness
• Public speaking
• Problem-solving
• Visual art (set, prop, costume, and make-up design)
• Cooperation

Music:

• Proper vocal or instrument technique (Of course!)
• Math (so much counting!)
• Music theory
• Memorization (I see a pattern here…)
• Perseverance
• Self-motivation
• Creative expression
• Time management

These are only a few of the things that are included with an arts education. All of these disciplines teach commitment, patience, and self-control, as well as building confidence through practice and performance. 

When considering classes in the performing arts, you are giving your child so much more than pretty pink shoes, a few lines in a play, or a song to sing. You are giving your child a well-rounded education that will benefit them wherever life leads, and that’s a pretty big deal!