How to help our kids to succeed at performing arts auditions
By Inna Maor. Performing arts auditions may be scary. These sample performances expose children to a huge pressure. Kids must demonstrate their talents in unfamiliar environment; they need to do a good job, and cover high expectations of a group of strangers.
As parents we want the best for our children and sometimes we prefer to avoid this kind of experiences to them. In some cases, we let them participate in auditions but we tend to amplify the scariness of the situation, projecting our anxiety and stress to their little ones.
Today, I want to analyze the importance for children to participate in performance arts auditions and how we can support them in order they can feel confident and empowered.
In fact, these auditions are a huge opportunity for children to develop confidence, resilience, sense of commitment and hard work. Definitely, these kinds of experiences bring them tools that make children MENTALLY STRONG and, as a result, they will be better prepared for future challenges, hardship, and setbacks that are inevitable in life.
Arts develop social-emotional skills
As you know, when children perform arts in any of its forms, they receive benefits that exceed the educational experience. Different art expressions work as therapies that foster healing and mental well-being. They help children to explore and release emotions, develop self-awareness, cope with stress, boost self-esteem, and work on social skills.
In general, children who are involved in arts are better prepared for auditions… and life. However, performing arts auditions like dance, music or drama add an interesting component to the plate: they teach kids to build mental muscle that helps them become resilient, brave and determinate. The key to helping them reach their greatest potential in life.
Tips to succeed at performing arts auditions
As mother of three and a performance artist and teacher for more than 30 years, I have some useful tips to share with you; wishing it helps to make the audition of your kids a positive and constructive experience.
I truly believe these simple tools can contribute children become the strongest and best version of themselves, at the time to participate in an audition:
– Conscious breathing
Teaching children to use breathing properly is crucial for them to learn manage stress. Conscious breathing means taking a full breath into the chest and exhaling slowly through the nose. It is a relaxation technique used to calm, alleviate stress, promote awareness, higher energy levels and create more mental clarity.
– Teach them to manage emotions
It is important kids learn how to recognize their feelings. When they identify and label their emotions, then can understand how those emotions influence their decisions. We need to validate children’s emotions and teach them they have choices in how they deal with their feelings.
– Dealing with negative thoughts
When kids have thoughts like “I can’t do it” or “I am not good enough for this” or “I am not ready”, it is a good idea to teach them to challenge their negative thoughts and prove themselves wrong. Encourage your kids to become thought detectives who evaluate the evidence that supports and refutes their assumptions. For example, you can ask them “What makes you think that’s true?” and “What is some evidence that might not be true?”
– Teach them to take positive action
Beyond teach them to keep calm, manage their emotions and conquer their mind, we need to teach them to think realistically and take action. We can teach them that they have the power to solve problems, create a plan and take small steps every day to achieve their goals.
Challenges are good. Obstacles are opportunities to learn and grow. Struggles of today develop strength that they will need for tomorrow.
As parents, we need to be there for them, showing love, support, encouragement and provide the tools for our children become the best version of themselves.
Dance and Music Auditions available at AS4A
Academic School 4 Arts (AS4A) is offering DANCE and MUSIC AUDITIONS that allow to win a SCHOLARSHIP FOR 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR!
AS4A is a private school serving grades K to 2 as well as Florida Virtual School (FLVS) K-12 students. It a complete curriculum based on ACADEMIC and ARTS excellence.
SCHOLARSHIPS are available for 2021- 2022 School Year. All eligible undergraduates are encouraged to apply. Children just need to participate in a DANCE or MUSIC audition to demonstrate abilities and skills.
Application deadline is Tuesday, April 27, 2021. For more information, please visit http://as4a.org/scholarship-application-process/ or call us at 954-999-5956
About Inna Maor, Executive Director of Academic Schools 4 Arts.
Inna Maor began to dance and play music at a very young age in Odessa Ukraine. She has a BA in Music Education and Piano Performance from the Moscow College of Arts and a BA in Dance Education from The Wingate Institute in Netanya, Israel.
For over 35 years, she has taught many students from different elementary, middle, high schools, as well as dance studios both nationally and internationally. Inna’s dance and piano students represent her school at international competitions. Using her wealth of performing and teaching experience, Inna shares her love of dance, music, theater, and art.
She also leads the Performing Arts Conservatory Inna’s Hall of Fame and the nonprofit organization Arts 4 All.
