In 1997 the teachers at my daughters’ school attended a seminar on the future employability of the generation they were teaching. What they learned was that by the time those children (mostly Gen Y and Z and all in their mid-30’s by now) as much as 50% would need to be entrepreneurs and self-employed.
Scholastic studies have shown that children who participate in the arts; sing, dance, act, draw their hearts out, are four times more likely to achieve Academic excellence than those who do not.
Studying an Art form requires Discipline. Preparing for a performance, an exhibition, an examination, or an event, takes time, dedication and determination. Children working on their creative skills develop a sense of self discipline that is needed for all forms of employment.

Studying an Art form develops Confidence. Successful participation in performances, examinations, exhibitions and events builds a sense of achievement and confidence in the ability to do more. As adults, these children will be more likely to step forward to tackle the more challenging aspects of their working lives or accept the challenge of making their own way into successful self-employment.

Developing Creative skills develops the brain quicker and more effectively. Scientific studies have shown that dancers and musicians use more part of the brain than children who don’t, practicing balance for skills such as pirouettes increases the number of grey matter cells in the brain, Musicians and Artists develop greater connections between the two hemispheres of the brain, Creative work encourages the ability to remember, such as in practicing for a drama production, remembering a dance, a piece of music, or visual recall in Art.

Children in the performing arts learn teamwork and cooperation. By working together in groups and patterns, children learn to work cooperatively to achieve a goal (win that trophy!) but also learn to support one another even when things don ‘t go well. More than that, the sense of achievement engendered further promotes and supports the desire to maintain the sense of self discipline, organisation and planning.

The Arts teach quick thinking. When a line is forgotten, a note missed, a line drawn a little out of place, the creative mind finds as quick and effective a way to deal with the slip as possible. This skill is highly useful in dealing with situations in the workplace that may need to be resolved quickly.
The development programme started in 2023 is, as always, needing support.

For more information or to get involved WhatsApp Fiona on 082 838 7146 or e mail developballet@gmail.com