Even the most prepared performer may still feel nervous when it is time to step onto the stage. Their heart may beat faster. Their stomach may feel fluttery. They may worry about forgetting something, making a mistake, or being watched by an audience. That doesn’t mean they aren’t ready. At Motion Studio, we want students … Read more
When we see a confident child walk onto the stage, it can look as though that confidence appeared in the moment. But confidence usually begins weeks earlier. At Motion Studio, we talk often about an important idea: Preparation leads to confidence. Before our dance performances, students work through a six-week countdown. Each week, we concentrate … Read more
Performing arts classes teach children how to express ideas through movement, music, and character—but they also give students regular opportunities to find and use their own voices. Confident communication begins with knowing: I am allowed to speak. My questions matter. I can tell someone what I need. For our youngest students, ages 3–6, this might … Read more
We talk a lot about how the performing arts build confidence in kids. I’ve said it myself for years. Dance builds confidence. Music builds confidence. Theatre builds confidence. But lately, I’ve been thinking more deeply about what that actually means. How does it happen? After decades of teaching children, I don’t think confidence comes from … Read more