loading
Articles

Performing Arts as a platform for national transformation

Published by Afterschool.my on Feb 09, 2015, 05:16 pm

In the 21st century, expression of emotions is commonly denoted as a sign of weakness. Unfortunately, with this assumption carved onto the minds of many, the industry of performing arts in Malaysia is experiencing a drought.

Of course, being fresh school-leavers, having fun and relaxing are probably the only words that make sense to you now. That is why we are here to tell you that you can have fun and learn at the same time if you consider taking up performing arts. Studying performing arts is a platform for you to earn your degree while expressing yourself and having fun. Talk about killing two birds with one stone! Now, let’s enter the realms of performing arts.

Music

“Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” —Plato

155_alive_hq_recording_studio2

Music has had a huge impact on the way societies view things. Sometimes, music seems to have an extraterrestrial power of diverting people’s perspectives and showing them new light. Imagine having that kind of power over people – to control the way a group of people see things.

Throughout history, music has stood up from other forms of expression. Take Bob Dylan, for example. While he has long been outspoken on several issues, he is especially known for his songs about the African-American Civil Rights movement during the 1960s. His hit song "Times They Are A-Changin'" was intended for a young generation of the 60s who felt that segregation and oppression were outdated practices and longed for change. Its ambiguous nature, however, would allow it to inspire generations to come.

Music studies is a great field to venture into and invest in. With an increase of music students in Malaysia, we can make a name for our country in the music world by producing passionate youth who channel their positivity, opinions and messages into the universal language of music.

For more information on the salary range, list of institutions and the possible career opportunities under music, click here.

Dance

“Dancers are athletes of God.” -Albert Einstein

blet

Dance as an expression of the moving human form is also a very effective outlet for creativity. Dance is known to give confidence, clarity and a measure of grace to individuals and can fundamentally change someone. It gives people a sense of place in the community, a sense of self and possibility, and a voice. This can help in redirecting people towards a cross-cultural understanding.

People take dance for granted when in fact it is an inspiring movement that channels its communicative power into advancing social change. With the increase of dancers and dance majors in Malaysia, dance can create an impact large enough to reach people in a way that rhetoric alone often fails to do.

The youth of Malaysia cannot only dance for the sake of dancing but must also utilise it as a lingua franca. They have to fully comprehend that this art form can penetrate into places where other things cannot. It breaks through prejudice and everything that the society has as a mask. In a world where attitudes are so difficult to change, we need a language that speaks universally. If students pursue dance on a tertiary level, they will understand how much control they have when they realise that dance is an engine of ethical development.

For more information on the salary range, list of institutions and the possible career opportunities under dance, click here.

Drama and theatre

“I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human.” -Oscar Wilde

miss saigon

If you have a flamboyant and outgoing personality, then drama and theatre is just for you! People often hold a misconception that individuals of the drama and theatre field are lazy and unintelligent. On the contrary, statistics have proven that theatre and drama improves academic performance. In theatre and drama, students are taught to develop their common sense, willpower and courage. Being a drama and theatre major also makes you an all-rounder who is not afraid to think abstractly.

The problem with today’s society is that drama and theatre is perceived as a last option and never a serious one. Too often a talented child has no outlet for “growth” beyond the bathroom mirror. Youth today are taught to respect one another and yet a young person’s natural inclination toward arts is often discouraged.

Sadly, society today often does not realise the unquantifiable impacts that drama and theatre have on an individual. The advantage of pursuing drama and theatre is that it will not only enhance your academic performance but also help you become more empathetic and learn the ways of other cultures. This is why youth today are encouraged to join drama and theatre.

With the increase of drama and theatre majors, students will have a collective voice to subvert status quo and make a difference. The drama and theatre scene in Malaysia needs more outstanding and proactive youth to help build a better, theatrical nation.

For more information on the salary range, list of institutions and the possible career opportunities under drama and theatre, click here.

got_question_btn (2)

RELATED POSTS
Latest News

Need help?
mail