What You Can Gain From Taking Arts Electives In College or University
As someone who double-majored with dance in college, I learned a lot about movement techniques, dance history, and how to think about dance—and other art forms—in an analytical way. I witnessed firsthand how artists of all types are viewed by others, but even more, how beneficial and influential the arts are to everyone, regardless of if you’re an artist or not.
Most colleges allow non-majors to take elective courses in different art forms, whether that be music, dance, or visual art. This is a great opportunity to try something new and pick up skills you simply wouldn’t learn in standard lecture classes. People often forget that while college is an academic chapter of life, it’s also a time of exploration.
I will say, though, as someone who was an arts-major, don’t take an arts class because you think it’ll be an easy A. Putting in the effort for these kinds of classes will look different from how you study and work for your other classes, so treat it with respect and keep an open mind. By doing this, your experience is likely to be rewarding.
Expand Your Thinking and Creativity
One of my biggest takeaways from my dance major is how it contributed to my ability to think creatively and critically. Dance, like other art forms, has a technical side in addition to a creative side. Being immersed in and studying both sides of an art form taught me to be analytical and consider things in a structured, detail-oriented way, but also to think outside the box and consider different perspectives and ways of approaching a situation.
I realize now how important these lessons are to the “real world.” This last year has shown everyone how quickly the world can change and being a flexible thinker who can solve problems critically and creatively can impact how you approach your college career; it’s also a huge advantage in the job market.
Meet New People
Electives are a great way to meet people from all majors. At least half of a class is likely to be full of non-majors, so this is a great opportunity to make new connections and learn about majors and fields of work you’re unfamiliar with. One of my favorite parts of being immersed in my College of Arts and Architecture was how collaborative and multidisciplinary the environment was. This applies to non-arts majors, too. Being around students from other fields can open you up to opportunities and ideas you never may have considered otherwise.
Build Your Confidence
There’s nothing more rewarding than learning or accomplishing something new. When you can reflect back on where you started versus how far you’ve come, that progress can feel empowering and give you the confidence to take on anything life throws at you.
Taking arts electives is a great way to challenge yourself and remind you that you can try new things and succeed. You don’t have to become a professional dancer or renowned musician to benefit from the arts. All you have to do is be open to the new lessons it can teach you.
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Meet The Writer!
Hello! My name is Lea Rose and I am an avid writer with a love for all things international. I recently graduated from UNC Charlotte with degrees in Communication Studies as well as Dance Performance and hope to be a full time travel writer one day. My writing primarily focuses on the ways places and experience shape us as individuals. Please feel free to check out my blog or connect with me through LinkedIn or Instagram @writtenworldblog.
