The Indispensable Stage: How Performing Arts Fortify Our Students

Written by Antonello Barbaro, CEO of H-FARM Education

I have long held the conviction that a truly holistic education extends far beyond the traditional academic pillars.

It embraces the transformative power of creativity, self-expression, and collaborative spirit – qualities nurtured profoundly through the performing arts.

To consider drama, dance, and music as mere extracurricular pursuits is to overlook their fundamental contribution to the development of well-rounded, resilient, and innovative young individuals. It is my firm belief that every school, without exception, should weave a robust performing arts program into the very fabric of its curriculum.

The benefits are manifold and resonate deeply within the formative years of a child’s education.

Let us consider drama, for instance. Engaging with theatrical performance cultivates empathy by encouraging students to step into the shoes of diverse characters, understanding their motivations and perspectives. This act of embodying another fosters emotional intelligence, a crucial skill for navigating the complexities of social interaction. Furthermore, the collaborative nature of theatre productions – from rehearsals to the final performance – instils teamwork, communication, and a shared sense of responsibility. The very act of standing on a stage, delivering lines, and commanding an audience, however small, builds self-confidence and the ability to articulate oneself with clarity and conviction.

Dance, in its myriad forms, offers a unique pathway to physical literacy and emotional expression. It develops coordination, spatial awareness, and discipline, fostering a profound connection between mind and body. Moreover, dance provides a non-verbal outlet for emotions, allowing students to explore and communicate feelings that words alone may fail to capture. The discipline required to master intricate movements and routines cultivates perseverance and dedication, qualities that invariably spill over into other areas of academic and personal life.

Scientific research lends credence to these observations. Studies have indicated a strong correlation between arts education and improved cognitive abilities, including enhanced memory, attention span, and problem-solving skills.

Neuroscientific findings suggest that engaging in creative activities stimulates various regions of the brain, fostering neural connections that underpin academic learning. For example, a study published in the journal Frontiers in Neuroscience highlights the positive impact of musical training on cognitive development, including language processing and executive functions. While specific research focusing solely on the impact of drama and dance on K-12 students may vary in its scope and focus, the broader evidence supporting the cognitive and emotional benefits of arts engagement is compelling.

It is heartening to witness a growing number of K-12 institutions worldwide that recognise the profound value of integrating performing arts into their core offerings. These schools understand that nurturing creativity is not a luxury but a necessity for preparing students for a future that demands innovation, adaptability, and strong interpersonal skills.

Among the leading examples of schools that champion the performing arts, one can find institutions such as:

• Interlochen Arts Academy (United States), renowned for its immersive arts programs. Offers numerous opportunities for performance, exhibition, and collaboration. The academy fosters a deep connection between artistic disciplines and rigorous academics, preparing students for successful futures in the arts and beyond. Its long-standing reputation and significant alumni network underscore its profound impact on arts education globally.
• The Nord Anglia Education schools, which have a unique partnership with The Juilliard School, integrating their performing arts curriculum and expertise to provide students with exceptional learning opportunities.
• Shanghai Community International School (China) offers a comprehensive performing arts programme encompassing drama, music, and dance, with dedicated facilities and numerous performance opportunities for students across all grade levels. They emphasise the role of the arts in fostering creativity, collaboration, and cultural understanding.
• The British School in Tokyo (Japan) integrates performing arts throughout its curriculum, offering a wide range of activities from drama clubs and musical ensembles to dance performances. They believe that participation in the arts builds confidence, communication skills, and a sense of community.
• Hampstead Fine Arts College(United Kingdom) deserves inclusion for its dedicated focus on creative and performing arts within a college setting for students typically aged 16-19. While technically a post-16 institution, its intensive programmes in drama, music, and dance provide a strong foundation for further study and careers in the arts, demonstrating the value placed on these disciplines in shaping future artistic talent.
• International School of Geneva (Ecolint) (Switzerland) boasts a significant Arts Centre (Centre des arts Ecolint) and places a strong emphasis on drama and the performing arts as integral to a well-rounded education. Their facilities support a wide range of theatrical productions and performance-based learning, fostering creativity, expression, and collaboration amongst its diverse student body.
• The The BRIT School (United Kingdom), Notably government-funded, it provides specialised training in a wide array of disciplines, including music, dance, drama, musical theatre, film and media production, and visual arts and design. Its unique approach focuses on nurturing individual talent within a collaborative and industry-facing environment. The school boasts an impressive list of successful alumni who have made significant contributions to the global entertainment industry, highlighting its effectiveness in bridging the gap between education and professional practice in the creative sector..

Here in Italy, at H-FARM International School we are working on an enhanced and integrated performing arts curriculum across our K-12 levels, working hand in hand with our sister school of BigRock Institute of Magic Technologies. We startedfrom our PYP School headed by Anthony Hamblin and his team and progressing into the Middle Year Program. This expanded offering will ensure that all our students have the opportunity to explore their creative potential, develop crucial life skills, and discover the joy and power of artistic expression. I saw the transformative impact of workshops delivered in partnership with AMDA College of the Performing Arts on our students

The inclusion of robust performing arts programs in K-12 education is not merely desirable; it is essential. By fostering creativity, empathy, communication, and self-confidence, these disciplines empower our students to thrive not only academically but also as individuals and future leaders. It is time for all schools to recognise the indispensable stage that the performing arts provide in shaping well-rounded and successful young people.