The Arts in Uncertain Times

In all periods of time, the Performing Arts have provided creative ways to connect across emotions. In times of uncertainty, these creative ways become essential conversation starters for expression, conversation, and understanding. 

Music, dance, drama, and visual art are tangible means for students, families, and communities to connect with the world. Older learners can use poetry and story writing, painting, movement with or without musical accompaniment, and singing or playing instruments as a vehicle for expression. Our littlest learners can make sense of their experiences through colouring, imaginative play with toys, singing, and movement. Performing Arts offer a sense of safety through practice and repetition. Families and communities can turn to the Performance Arts to build emotional strength through creative choices.

Across history, we see creative arts periods strongly connected with changes in civilization. From early tribal storytelling rituals to contemporary performances in grand concert halls, artistic practices continue to enable individuals and communities to communicate ideas and respond to change.
At their core, the arts connect the wider human story. In uncertain times, they offer not only a means of creative engagement, but a steady and enduring foundation for learning and belonging.

Meaningful arts activities can give our students the place to engage in rich creative work in familiar environments, drawing on simple ideas rooted in the disciplines of music, dance, drama, and visual art. Person to person activities encourage imaginative discussions while building upon social emotional skills. Some activities to try at home might include: 

1. Sound and Movement Dialogues 

One person creates a short rhythm sound using claps, snaps, taps, voices, or instruments, while another responds with movement. This idea can be expanded to include pairs or trios of sound makers and movers. Consider movement spaces (big or small), levels (high or low movements), and style of motion (fast, slow, large, small) compared to the sounds made. Consider how partners are moving and change the sounds to match. 

2. Character Walks and Scenes 

Consider a variety of community helpers, familiar media characters, or cultural figures. Explore how these characters might move (confidently, cautiously, happily, etc) and build short scenes around them walking down the street, going to the beach, or the grocery store. What would they see, how would they interact with the world there? What story are they explaining in the movement? 

3. Sounds to Images

Listen to a piece of Arabic instrumental music or create a simple repeated rhythm using family songs or instruments. Translate the sounds you hear into a drawing or painting. Lines, shapes, and colours can represent tempo, dynamics, and mood. Abstract shapes can express more worldly ideas. Use the painting or music as a conversation starter.

4. Moving Sculptures  

Create a picture using simple materials such as drawing on paper, kitchen utensils, sticks and leaves, or playdough. Bring the image to life through movement. If you create a forest drawing, move as the trees in the wind or animals in the forest. If you create a city image, move like the cars or people walking. Stand tall like the buildings and have your family move around you. 

These activities can be completed by families of all ages and experiences to reinforce the key principle that the arts provide an open-ended structure to experience and communicate about the world. 

The Performing Arts allow learners of all ages to make decisions, take creative risks, and see ideas from conception to completion. In doing so, they nurture a sense of patience that is particularly valuable when other aspects of life may feel unpredictable. By making space for creative exploration, we empower young people and families to respond with imagination, resilience, and a renewed sense of possibility.

Written by:

Kathleen Riley

Whole school Music Teacher - Themaid