Music, dance and art have been around for centuries, but how often do we take the time to fully appreciate these extremely valuable aspects of life?

Let’s take a moment to reevaluate why performing arts is so vital, yet often taken for granted.

I sat down with the chairs of the Theatre, Dance and Music Departments for a brief discussion on what makes the performing arts significant to our campus and community.

“Performance is so vital to the development of culture and keeping tradition alive, as well as forging ahead and finding new ways to express ourselves. I think it’s absolutely necessary for us as humans,” said Lorelei Bayne, Vice Chair and Dance Coordinator of the Theatre and Dance Department.

The performance arts give many students a way to express and challenge themselves – not only personally, but for the community at large as well.

“They are an art form in which we celebrate life. Theatre is life – theatre is art. Sacramento has a very thriving arts community, especially in theatre,” said Dr. Melinda Wilson Ramey, Chair of Theatre and Dance Department.

Sacramento is unique in its ability to provide diverse and accessible art to its community that Sacramentans can be proud of and rejoice in.

“The performing arts can be recorded but despite the advances that have been made, there is something unique and wonderful about experiencing live music, theatre or dance that you can’t get from a recording. You’re able to connect with the performers on the stage, see themw breathe, see them move – and you are able to understand they are mere humans just like you that have achieved something,” said Ernie Hills Chair of the Music Department.

The performing arts are something to be experienced and not something that can be replicated to its full capacity by a recording.

“A lot of dance is nonverbal; it really is poetry in motion. You can read between the movements and really gain insight into yourself—mind, body, spirit,” Bayne said.

Art is very self-reflective and allows for us to reexamine ourselves in a new light.

“The most unique thing about Sacramento arts is how eclectic it is. There’s really a wide variety of artistic activity in our region and that would be reflective of the variety of people that live here,” Hills said.

With the eclectic city comes a lot of opportunity for people alike, including a CSU campus which offers a faculty of people who want to help students succeed in their artistic endeavors.

“We’re an awesome department; we believe in our students and we have amazing faculty,” said Dr. Wilson Ramey.

The faculty here at Sacramento State fully prepares students to thrive post-graduation and sincerely believes in each and every one of them.

The performing arts are vital to our community, and recognizing the important aspects of it makes for a stronger and better connected community. Give yourself the opportunity to become engulfed in the performance arts community as it certainly changes worldviews on life.

Briana Swain can be reached at [email protected]