Expand Your Child’s Horizons: The Arts and Child Development

Everyone has their own thoughts, ideas, and experiences in raising children. As a parent you want to do what is best for your child’s physical and emotional well-being. We make sure that they have the healthiest food and drink, that they are clothed, and that they have the best in education. There are so many things to thinks about with our child’s development, and as they grow the options for activities increase. You become bombarded with sign-ups for sports teams, and between soccer, swimming, and baseball it becomes very easy to fill your days and evenings with different sports activities. While physical activity is critical for your child, you will want to find a good balance of activities to stimulate their mind and overall development. Professionals all agree that the best balance of activities includes participation in the arts. Here are some of the benefits that your child of any age will enjoy when you encourage participation in the arts:

1. Broaden the mind. Children who are encouraged to be creative are more flexible and are able to think outside the box. Music and dance are the perfect activities for children of all ages. It is strongly encouraged to sing regularly to infants, and it is recommended to continue with children even as they grow older. Not only is it fun for all children, it also affects memory and relaxation. Dance helps with coordination, balance, and developing rhythm. These are all critical in a child’s brain development and overall development, and can be achieved through music.

 

2. Encourages teamwork. Sports are not the only way to instill the concepts of teamwork. Encouraging a child’s participation in musicals and plays is an excellent way to not only reap the benefits of listening to music and singing, it teaches them to work in collaboration with others of all ages and skill levels. This is one of the most valuable skills that can be imparted to a child for both their childhood and adults years. Learning and performing in a musical presentation requires a great deal of collaboration and synchronization. Being able to work with various talents and personalities is an excellent growth opportunity for all children.

3. Improved self-esteem. Being part of a team, learning and developing new skills, and building on an already existing talent are all excellent ways to build one’s self-esteem. For children this is such a critical piece of development, and participation in the arts is one of the best ways to build a positive self-esteem. Successfully learning and performing a number, making new friends with similar interests, and experiencing an audience’s enjoyment of a performance all build a positive self-image, especially important in a child’s adolescent years.

4. Build on existing talent. Recognizing and encouraging the development of existing musical and artistic talent is one of the best things you can do for any child. Many times we become so focused on schoolwork and sports that we forget that talent lies in so many different areas. Having a musical ear, a strong voice, excellent rhythm, and being able to put it all together does not exist in every child, so having a special talent must be recognized and built upon. Allowing your child the opportunity to work with other talented individuals who can coach and train him or her may not make them a world-famous act, but it may open new opportunities and windows for them. Many are fulfilled to sing and dance locally in musicals and dinner theater, or may even someday teach other children.

There are many more reasons to encourage participation in the arts, but the primary ones are centered around building on creativity and developing social skills.  Young children are sponges, actively learning from all activities that are encouraged.  Music and dance are ideal for all ages, and the benefits don’t stop as our child gets older.  By all means encourage your children to participate in a sport, but for a well-rounded child create a balance of physical activity and the arts.  Whether your child’s interest lies in song, playing an instrument, dance, or all three encourage them to explore their environment.  The increased creativity and skills will be what they take into adulthood.

South Pacific: The Perfect Date Night

Date nights can be hard to come by. With work, kids, and other commitments taking up the majority of our time, it’s next to impossible to carve out adult time. Weekends become a time to complete work around the house or run extra errands. We forget how important adult activities are in maintain our sanity. A free night will take some planning, and once you have that free time you will want to make it a great evening. So where do you begin?

First, find some interests that you have in common. Choosing to do something together may be harder than you think if you have spent years running with the kids. Many people forget the things they once enjoyed doing. Now, if you live in Baltimore then the answer is easy and you don’t have to look far. Finding something fun, yet a little different than the typical movie and dinner is right around the corner. Forget about a boring date night when you have Oregon Ridge Dinner Theater right in your backyard! You will have a fun and relaxing evening, with live entertainment that will capture your heart.

Currently Playing: South Pacific 

There is no better play to begin your date nights than South Pacific. With its gripping storyline and outstanding live cast of characters you will be taken to a different time. The musical drama that takes place during World War II first premiered in 1949 on Broadway. It was an instant hit and continues to be a favorite amongst all musicals. Join a hit cast as they present the time honored classic. Enjoy songs that will stick with you for years, and if this is your first time enjoying this musical you will see what all of the talk is about.

Since it is not playing on Broadway, and Broadway is not an option for your date night, then the Oregon Ridge Dinner Theater is ready to provide you with a superior level of entertainment. Consider this an exciting opportunity that can’t be missed. Whether it is you and your significant other, or a group of close friends, you will enjoy the experience immensely.

A Musical with a Message 

South Pacific is more than just a great cast of characters and music. It has several storylines and messages that will touch on you several different levels. With characters and drama that are real and intense, the stories will take you back to that time. With the war as the backdrop, there are a number of underlying themes that form the love and relationships in the musical. With race and sex and gender roles as the main conflicts, you will be drawn into the relationships between the characters. If you consider the time that the musical was set in, you find that these were strong and controversial issues that plagued the world as a whole. You will become so absorbed by the characters that you will not only be taken back in time, but you will look at your own beliefs.

 

The Appeal of Dinner Theater 

Dinner theater is not a common entertainment option these days. Therefore, when it is an option you should jump on the opportunity. There is nothing that compares to live music and characters along with an excellent and romantic dinner. Forget dinner and a movie, they will never measure up again. Compared to Broadway, dinner theater offers you a quaint and romantic setting, perfect for your night. Oregon Ridge Dinner Theater is the complete package for your date night. Don’t miss out on the chance from now through June. Get lost in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific. Get wrapped up in the drama between Nellie and Emile, and become absorbed by the storyline of Cable, Liat, and Bloody Mary. There is no shortage of great music and drama. Anyone who lived through World War II will have a unique insight into the musical, but anyone who watches it will have a true appreciation and understanding on why South Pacific won a total of ten Tony Awards.

Don’t wait any longer to schedule that date night. With such an amazing opportunity, buy your tickets today. Dinner theater and South Pacific are the perfect combination for a superb night. The only problem will be topping the evening on your next date night.