My “I-Search” Project:
"The arts have been an inseparable part of the
human journey; indeed, we depend on the arts to carry us toward the fullness of
our humanity. We value them for themselves, and because we do, we believe knowing
and practicing them is fundamental to the healthy development of our children's
minds and spirits. That is why in any civilization - ours included - the arts
are inseparable from the very meaning of the term 'education.' We know from
long experience that no one can claim to be truly educated who lacks basic
knowledge and skills in the arts."
–National Standards for Arts
Education
1-Performing
Arts in the Classroom: Curtain
up, spot light on. A Chorus Line was playing on the living room stereo where a two-year
girl is kicking out her legs in synchronicity with the directions blaring from
the speakers; “one, two, again!” Her mother ascends the stairs and creeps around
the corner spying a star in the making. “Oh no, she’ll be a performer” she says
out loud or so I’ve been told the story goes.
I grew up in
the theatre. My mom got her bachelors in the theatrical arts when I was a
little girl. Since I was old enough to hold a clipboard, I was her assistant for
shows she directed. Staying on book for productions or running lines with her.
Later I graduated into choosing the music for shows. So it’s no surprise that
it such a huge part of my life today, although I have tried to suppress it for
the past decade until just recently because society tells me there are no
careers to be had in this avenue.
When I was old
enough to try out for roles, I did so and ended up spending my high school
years in the performing arts wing of school rehearsing for
concerts and plays. But that’s not where I started. I was that little
girl kicking out to A Chorus Line
after all. Dance was my first passion. When I was a kid I took it for six years
until it became too expensive. I lived for tap and jazz, the latter being my
favourite of the two. The routines consisted of the movement we see now in
contemporary dances on So You Think You Can Dance for the most part. If I could
have taken dance in school, I think I would still be taking it today but it
wasn’t available to me. The only thing I remember is sweating to the oldies in
gym class.
I always
enjoyed singing in our weekly chorus class; in fact it became my new
favourite creative outlet. When I got to junior high, you had to try out
for the chorale group. I remember being so nervous because I felt like a big
fish in a bigger pond, would I make the group? I also remember feeling
extremely depressed and lonely. Of course, it’s middle school, the worst time
in an adolescent’s life but really, to the point of really dark thoughts. I was
a fan or things way beyond my age like the music of Pink Floyd and the Indigo
Girls and wacky hologram clothing and so I just didn’t fit in. Still, when I
made that chorale group, I felt like my whole life was going to change. I was
going to travel where I’d get to sing amazingly beautiful songs. More than
anything I’d finally be in a place where I fit in. I only ended up having that
teacher for a year but in that year she
instilled confidence in me that was the foundation for who I am today.
In high school
I ventured into the theatre group but it wasn’t as great as I hoped. I chalk it
up to the lack of funding and interest of our instructor. I still had chorus
though and I truly believe that is what got me through all the right brain
work. I joined a jazz chorus and tried out for the first jazz all-state choir.
Another huge moment for me because there were only four spots for my voice group.
I didn’t think I would ever make it-talk about a confidence booster. Without
these outlets I would have felt even more alone and in despair. I would have
had nothing to look forward to. I wouldn’t have had an outlet to place my abundant
energy into. Quite frankly, I wouldn’t be me.
Although music is my ultimate art, I feel that all of the performing
arts are key
to a student’s full growth. Within this interpretive movement, they are
able to explore emotions and feelings, getting to the root of a character’s
motivation. Yes, characters can be found throughout dance, music, theatre and
performance art. The arts are a different way to problem
solve. This medium in a study in understanding
and empathy. It is a way we can communicate without the use of words at
all. Or it is a way in which we communicate words in relatable situations or futuristic
views on where we are headed as a human race. As the arts are stripped more and
more from the schools, we need to begin to implement it more in the classroom environment!
"The arts are not a frill. The arts are a response to our
individuality and our nature, and help to shape our identity. What is there
that can transcend deep difference and stubborn divisions? The arts. They have
a wonderful universality. Art has the potential to unify. It can speak in many
languages without a translator. The arts do not discriminate. The arts can lift
us up."
–Former Texas Congresswoman
Barbara Jordan
http://www.scilynn.org/files/pictures/1886/music%20theater%20dance.jpg?1332169500
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