Understanding Arts and Arts Education (Theory) Block : Art Education

3.2 ELEMENTS IN DIFFERENT PERFORMING ARTS
The basics of all performing arts is Listening, Viewing, Imbibing, Imitating,
Exploring, Expressing, Performing etc. When we see or practically do a dance,
music or drama performance all our sensory motors awaken as we spontaneously
indulge in all the above traits .
•
Expression — 
All living beings have sensory motors which help us to listen,
view, smell, touch and taste. When we actually do the above activities which
are spontaneous to any human being we give varied expressions. These
expressions help others to understand our thoughts. Similarly whenever we
stylize our presentations through any form of art, expressions play a major
role. Look at a father with a gift hidden in his palms and the expectant
daughter waiting in suspense, you will find elements of expression and
simultaneously drama in it. When a child looks at a beautiful flower or
smells a rose or suddenly watches a flight of birds in the sky the expressions
are spontaneous and anybody around is able to understand the feeling rightly.

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 63
Performing Art Practical
Block 1 : Art Education
Notes
All performing arts are best manifested when the element of expression
gathers strength.
•
Listening
–There are varied sounds in our surroundings and environment
like chirping of birds, flowing water, animal sounds, pitter-patter of rain
drops ,rustling of leaves, the soft mellow of breeze, sound of footsteps,
voice patterns of different human beings, etc. also human beings use different
sound patterns to communicate many circumstances like birth of a child,
death in the family, celebration of different kinds etc. hence the moment
one listens the sound pattern conveys the situation. So listening is an
important and essential exercise.
•
Observing
— Let’s take a look around— our eyes will witness innumerable
things, but do we actually see all or our eyes select only a few things which
are of our interest and the rest is ignored. Suppose we have to make a
presentation in dance, theatre or music
What all do we view;
The location of presentation
, where all sets can be made, what is the position of
the audience etc.
Then we come to the performance part
- posture, style and colour of costume,
jewellery, props, makeup etc, position on the stage of the artist for apt eye contact
with the audience etc.
This development of keen observation or viewing improves our capacity of
exploration, understanding and the proper usage of resources available. This
correspondingly facilitates performance and presentation.
Hence a teacher should motivate students to develop a sense of viewing every
minute detail in their surroundings. This will help not only in planning activities
but also gain a better perception of their surroundings which helps them to
utilize local resources that are easily available.
•
Exploring
- listening, imitating, imbibing, relating are the basis of
exploration. Through performing art forms teachers can motivate students
to explore by enhancing curiosity. This attitude of Exploration helps all
gain specific knowledge and innovate. We explore with our perception and
understanding.