Self confidence MM
DO daughteron the stage put your
You’re probably used to driving your child to a plethora of extra-curricular activities: from speech and drama to Tae Kwon Do. But did you know that arts-related activities not only keep kids busy – they’ve been proven to boost a child’s self image!
Peter with some of the happy – and confident – BSPA members!
In a 2009 study, twelve years of data was collected for the US’ National Educational Longitudinal Survey to look at the effect of education, visual, and performing arts on the achievement and values of children. The study found that students, who were highly involved with the arts,
outperformed less-involved peers, including those within low socio- economic groups. Music, in particular, was shown to help provide children with improved classroom skills, including critical thinking, creative problem solving, team work, and effective communication. Whether performing solo or as part of a group, there’s no doubt that
education in the arts – of any type – can help to improve a child’s confidence. That’s a belief that’s reinforced by the Belfast School of Performing Arts’ (BSPA) Artistic Director, Northern Ireland singing star, Peter Corry. ‘One of the reasons why I became involved with BSPA,’ Peter tells MM, ‘is
because, through my own work, I’ve seen how, when children participate in performing with their peers – whether that’s through singing, dancing or acting – the feedback that they get helps to build self respect and teaches them how to not only handle praise, but also criticism. ‘The arts definitely help our students grow in confidence so that they can
excel within the performing arts world, but they also develop their social skills along the way. Time and time again I’ve seen kids who are initially reticent about putting themselves forward for a role but who, after a little gentle persuading, suddenly find a new degree of confidence. It’s like watching a butterfly come out of its cocoon and take its first flight. ‘When the kids come into a new group format and are trying out for, or
rehearsing for a show, it’s interesting to watch how they become very appreciative of each other’s work. The adrenaline is running for everyone, of course, but there will be those in the group who will very quickly spot that another child is capable of a better performance than they are giving, and will offer advice in a constructive and kind manner. Others will be more reticent to do so, but when they then see how a child’s performance improves as a result of the advice that has been offered, they become more willing to put themselves and their own performance forward for critical
appraisal. As a result, they develop skills in self reflection, which then help them in their efforts to bring their own personal vision to fruition. ‘I definitely think that the arts also increase
opportunities for self expression. Whether it’s through singing, dancing or whatever, the arts provide kids with a way in which they can express themselves. They are, after all, working towards a common goal, and this joint effort creates a sense of secure acceptance that is critical to their self esteem – particularly in today’s world, where confidence and esteem can be so easily affected with one click of a key in social media. ‘That ‘working towards a common goal’ has another
major impact on a child. Arts classes introduce a child to engagement in social, creative projects and allow them to feel very much part of a community. This attachment encourages them to engage in arts while simultaneously making them feel that they’re part of a larger community. As such, they teach kids to develop their interpersonal skills and friendships.' If your child has low self esteem or self confidence,
why not introduce them to the performing arts? As we’ve shown here, arts-related study – regardless of the format - is critical in building a child’s self esteem regardless of whether they’re in a studio, classroom, or playground setting. Source some classes in your local area and talk to
your child about how the classes will not only allow them to make new friends outside of the classroom, but will also make them feel more confident and self assured. Good luck!
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