[Creative Industries II: Performing Arts / SHS]

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[Introduction to Performing Arts]

Module 001: Introduction to Performing Arts

Welcome to your first module for the subject “Creative Industries II: Performing Arts.” This
module covers the Introduction to Performing Arts which includes its definition and
identification about its various practices. It also contains the benefits which every individual
is entitled when engaging with performing arts

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

1. explain the meaning of performing arts;
2. identify the elements of various performing arts practices; and
3. demonstrate understanding about the benefits of performing arts to human
lives.

What is Performing Arts?

Performing Arts is one of the several forms of art which has flourished in the early 1970s
as a general term for a multitude of activities—including happenings, body art, actions,
events, and guerrilla theatre. It is a time-based art form that typically features a live
presentation to an audience or to onlookers. This form of art can embrace a wide diversity
of styles (Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 2019).
Furthermore, Performing Arts helps students to discover their own voice, grow in
confidence, and develop empathy and ethical insight into the contradictions and paradoxes
of the human condition. It helps students to grow in understanding of what it means to not
only be human, but to be good, noble, honourable, kind, and compassionate (The Scots
College, 2017).

Various Performing Arts Practices

The performing arts range from vocal and instrumental music, dance and theatre to
pantomime, sung verse and beyond. They include numerous cultural expressions that reflect
human creativity and that are also found, to some extent, in many other intangible cultural
heritage domains.
Performing arts are often performed in specific places; when these spaces are closely linked
to the performance, they are considered cultural spaces by the Convention. Theatre, music,
dance and other kinds of performances are present in all human cultures.

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Skeeze (2014). Symphony Hall. Retrieved from

https://pixabay.com/users/skeeze-272447/

Shogol, N. (2017). Theater Play. Retrieved from

https://pixabay.com/photos/ballet-at-sunset-sunset-theatre-2450506/

Traditional theatre performances usually combine acting, singing, dance and

music, dialogue, narration or recitation but may also include puppetry or
pantomime. These arts, however, are more than simply ‘performances’ for an
audience; they may also play crucial roles in culture and society such as songs sung
while carrying out agricultural work or music that is part of a ritual. In a more
intimate setting, lullabies are often sung to help a baby sleep.

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Pexels (2016). Crowd on a concert ground. Retrieved from

https://pixabay.com/photos/audience-band-celebration-concert-1867754/

Pexels (2016). Classical Music. Retrieved from

https://pixabay.com/photos/classical-music-orchestra-choir-2199085/

Music is perhaps the most universal of the performing arts and is found in every
society, most often as an integral part of other performing art forms and other
domains of intangible cultural heritage including rituals, festive events or oral
traditions. It can be found in the most diverse contexts: sacred or profane, classical
or popular, closely connected to work or entertainment. There may also be a political
or economic dimension to music: it can recount a community’s history, sing the
praises of a powerful person and play a key role in economic transactions. The
occasions on which music is performed are just as varied: marriages, funerals, rituals
and initiations, festivities, all kinds of entertainment as well as many other social
functions.

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Rom, E. (2016). Ballet Dancing. Retrieved from https://pixabay.com/users/romanen-

2521638/

Tipchai, S. (2016). A Woman in Thai Traditional Dance and Costume. Retrieved

from https://pixabay.com/photos/dancer-asia-art-bangkok-pretty-1807516/

Dance, though very complex, may be described simply as ordered bodily

movements, usually performed to music. Apart from its physical aspect, the rhythmic
movements, steps and gestures of dance often express a sentiment or mood or
illustrate a specific event or daily act, such as religious dances and those
representing hunting or warfare (UNESCO, n.d.).

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Benefits of Performing Arts

Performing Arts assembles propensities for mind that are basic to sound living and surviving
from distress and it is very reviving to see that it is getting more consideration than it has
previously. As time passed by, its role have been carefully addressed for individuals who
seek for physical and mental development. Performing arts sharpens our innovativeness and
insight, encourages our empathy, and carries a higher comprehension of mankind that is why
it requires performers to be critical thinkers, problem solvers, and good listeners for better
experience and learning.
Below are the benefits, as identified by Wabisabi Learning (2018), which contributes to the
proactive development of an individual on many different levels:

1. CREATIVE SELF-EXPRESSION
The expression of a person’s individuality and creative nature is found in any art form. We
express ourselves in creative situations either in professional or personal relationship.
Every individual exploring themselves in performing arts must have a deep and unique
personality and ability. They tend to explore the richness of these abilities in different ways
such as dancing and theatrical arts through the concept of performing arts. Some people who
are having difficulties to express themselves find interest and develop confidence with the
help of this outlet.
2. CONFIDENCE
The fear of failure and judgement can be the primary reason why people hesitate to perform
in front of an audience. It can be terrifying for some but the truth is, it can really be
considered as a confidence builder. Confidence is the result of our knowing that those
opinions of us don't need to become our reality. After all, once we've created an expressive
project we must still perform it or present it no matter what.
Part of building confidence in performing arts is being able to let go of such expectations.
This takes the courage to accept whatever reactions come from sharing this part of ourselves
without sacrificing our integrity. This is a mindset we can apply to many areas of our lives.
3. COLLABORATION
Performing arts is profoundly collaborative by its very existence. Through sharing common
interests and goals, people in this field usually end up building relations. In a collaborative
work or project, this aspect contributes a lot to developing one’s confidence and ability. With
such experiences, we grow constructively and proactively to handle obstacles and conflicts.
In the performing arts field, whether academically or professionally, creating something
usually requires us to rely on others for help. We can rarely do it all on our own, and it's not
just a case of “many hands making light work.” It also has to do with improving our
performance with other people’s skills and experiences to gain positive involvement and
shared progress.
Every person may have something they can bring to the table in a group of like-minded
individuals that no one else can. Henry Ford, for example, claimed that he surrounded

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himself with people he knew were more intelligent and capable than he was. This kind of
desire to share allowed him to create something that ultimately changed the environment.
4. FOCUS
Regularly we work in reverse from what is expected to accomplish our ideal outcomes. On
the other hand, we also focus on a particular procedure as we envision our ultimate
objective. The entirety of this takes focus and concentration. Just like any other practices,
performing arts is also an activity which is worth doing which takes focus for it to have a
successful outcome.
5. PROBLEM-SOLVING
Sculptor Magdalena Abakanowicz said about art: “Art does not solve problems, but makes us
aware of their existence.” How does arts relate to the problem-solving skills that we want
from our students? Simply put, we know by definition the method of problem-solving
through knowing the creative process.
Just like how the saying goes, “In a group of like-minded individuals, each person may have
something they can bring to the table that no one else can.”
Out of this notion comes the birth of what they call Essential Fluencies which are solid
foundation for effective modern learning. They cover all the bases of the skills students need
for success beyond school.
Below are some types of fluencies which are now being used in classrooms across the world:
 Solution Fluency is the flagship process of problem solving. It's a foolproof system
that will solve any problem no matter how big or small. All the other fluencies are
expressed in the Solution Fluency stages, which gives them their own contribution in
problem-solving methods.
 Creativity Fluency emphasizes the fact that creativity can be taught, acquired, and
mastered. Learning how to be creative makes people understand that every
individual is a unique type of problem solver dealing with both abstract and artistic
concepts as well as technical and linear concepts.

6. LEVERAGING FEEDBACK
Performing arts is one of the greatest ways to learn about making appropriate feedbacks as
these activities are so intensely private and special to each individual. Students must learn
how to use feedback to their advantage, whether it be positive or negative.
Students will be constantly evaluated and graded during their school years, and part of any
careful evaluation will provide constructive and actionable feedback from which students
can grow. More so, feedback is always involved in the performing arts work. Students can
learn that feedback can be empowering when given and received the right way through
artistic practices. If a feedback is largely negative, they need to learn to turn it into something
that will benefit them instead of breaking them down.

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References and Supplementary Materials

Online Supplementary Reading Materials

1. The Scots College; https://www.tsc.nsw.edu.au/tscnews/the-importance-of-
performing-arts-in-education; August 9, 2019

2. Encyclopædia Britannica; https://www.britannica.org/art/performance-art; August 9,

2019

3. UNESCO – Intangible Cultural Heritage; https://ich.unesco.org/en/performing-arts-

00054; August 9, 2019

4. Wabisabi Learning; https://www.wabisabilearning.org/blog/6-skills-performing-

arts-develops; August 9, 2019

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