What can we gain from Performing Arts?
First and above all - ENJOYMENT!
Then come a whole range of other benefits:

• It provides an outlet for self-expression.
• It helps the development of imagination and artistic awareness.
• It increases:
  • self confidence
  • mental awareness
  • self knowledge
  • self discipline
  • social awareness
  • fluency of speech
  • self respect
  • social development
• It gives the students opportunity to learn how to co-operate with others and helps develop orderly thinking and an ability to organize.
• It improves physical co-ordination and physical fitness.
• It provides a social outlet enabling the student to work within a specified framework building confidence among their group - a confidence that can be taken into their everyday lives.

Through drama, acting may also have a therapeutic effect in helping to deal with any real-life problems, or a cathartic effect enabling the student to act out any frustrations.

The benefits do not only accrue through students participating actively in the performing arts, they can also learn from observing others, particularly if they are encouraged to watch positively and critically, and then being asked to comment and give an appraisal afterwards. We also learn how to take constructive criticism.

My training has given me a firm belief in organised dance and drama. The student will learn self-discipline as well as stage discipline. A disciplined framework gives the students freedom to express themselves in a safe and satisfying way.

Elaine Bird - Principal