15 May 2023

Amy writes about performing arts activities. This post is a part of a series of thought-pieces loosely inspired by the music of our youth.

No regrets… It’s easier said than done. Sometimes we can get caught up in our own minds and we don’t prioritise our own wellbeing. 20 years from now it could be better to regret what we did do and not what we didn’t. Have a life full of memories and funny stories, not to regret but to remember with fondness. Trying new experiences whether it be a food or hobby is all part of our journey of life.

It can be nerve wracking or daunting to start a new hobby, but once we give it a go, there’s no knowing where we’ll end up. With performing arts, for example, there’s so many avenues it can take you down and so many aspects of your life can benefit from it. Your confidence can improve and allow you to walk with pride and speak with power. You could discover a love for musicals, Shakespeare or script writing and generally have a fun time.

At YMCA Doncaster we have an array of Performing Arts activities. In our Musical Theatre activity sessions we have been learning songs from different musicals such as Matilda, Les Misérables and Annie and developing our characterisation whilst singing. Our Performing Arts activity has been exploring different aspects of theatre such as script work and devising scenes. During some of our sessions, we have been using different objects such as drum sticks, canes and instruments to create sounds and rhythms with movement.

Performing arts is an outlet to release yourself. You can become a completely different person for an hour and switch off from the outside world. Alternatively, you can use whatever is going on around you in life as a stimulus and explore your thoughts, feelings and emotions through the medium of performing arts.

Within performing arts we have to take risks and make choices about our performance and with the YMCA being a safe space to explore new ideas, there is no need for regrets. If you go to sing a high note and end up squeaking or attempt a new dance move and end up tripping over… no regrets. Maybe the next time you try it you’ll have it perfected. You never know unless you try.

If you’d like to know more about the performing arts activities offered at YMCA Doncaster then head to the Activities section of this website.