“Art is a form of intelligence. It can be developed; it’s linked to intuition and it’s something that all humans have.”
– Alonzo King
Art has existed since the origin of humanity.
The desire to participate in artistic activities such as:
- Visual art
- Dance
- Theatre
- Music
- Design
- And more…
Is completely normal and should be encouraged for lifelong development and growth.
Any exposure to, and participation in, art has the potential to enhance the 4 major developmental categories:
- Cognitive Development
- Social and Emotional Development
- Speech and Language Development
- Physical Development
Let’s break down each category.
Cognitive Development
Cognitive Development is the development of your critical thinking and analyzation skills.
This is crucial for being intellectually capable of processing and deciphering information.
Art enhances this development because art requires you think creatively to problem solve and express experiences and ideas through various mediums.
Social and Emotional Development
Social and Emotional Development refers to developing skills that aid in forming a healthy relationship with yourself and others.
Humans, innately social beings, need lifelong socialization to cultivate a meaningful existence.
Because art is studied in groups/classrooms, practitioners reap the benefits of feeling a part of a tribe or team.
Speech and Language Development
Speech and Language Development is the growth of your written and oral communication skills.
The ability to speak publicly and write efficiently (a form of intelligence) boosts your confidence and self-esteem.
These skills are also highly coveted and appealing to potential employers/recruiting agencies. Artists are trained not only in their artist trade, but in the ability to communicate and express the intention, purpose, and goals of created work in oral and written mediums.
Physical Development
Physical Development entails developing fine and gross motor skills.
Fine and gross motors skills in the generalized term that refers to small and large physical movement.
Whether it be flexing your finger over a piano or kicking your legs during dance, you must remain physically active to maintain your mobility.
Practicing the arts helps you to develop specialized movement patterns for example, playing with drumsticks helps babies learn to hold a pencil and holding yoga poses helps seniors improve their balance, reducing the risk of falling.
The arts provide fun and playful ways to keep your body heathy through physical movement and activity.
Final Thoughts
Participating in artistic activities reaps positive developmental benefits for practitioners of all ages.
It’s never too soon or too late to enroll in your first class.
To enter the world of classical Indian dance, email info@ishanadance.com to learn more about joining us for an in-person or virtual class.