4a...

Re-reading blog 2D has definitely helped refresh my memory in regards to the direction I was taking on this course at the end of Module 1. The themes I came up with earlier this year are still prominent in my way of thinking and therefore I am confident that in exploring my initial thoughts further, and with your help, I shall find my final line of enquiry. As you will soon tell, the ideas are there, however how I word my questions, aren't, just yet!

How does a career in the performing arts industry effect your mental health?

I blogged about my personal battles with mental health at the very start of this course. Depression and anxiety has been one of the biggest hurdles I have had to face since embarking on my path as a performer, so it seemed only right that when exploring lines of enquiry that this should be a potential route as it is something that I am extremely passionate about discussing. When reading through reader 4 I found a quote by Judi Marshall particularly interesting 'Often these days I state overtly that an issue, event, theme, dilemma or whatever is an inquiry for me. This is a deliberate means to keep my questioning open and to help it develop.' I shall definitely carry these words with me as going back to the topic of depression and applying this, allows what would be negative experiences to become tools to help me progress.

Is there a growing stigma towards the arts as children mature? 

As a childrens entertainer I am always fascinated by the differences between children at certain ages. For example,  I may attend a five year old birthday party who whole heartedly believes that I am the disney princess I have come dressed as, who knows every word to the frozen soundtrack and wants nothing more than to wear a tiara and be covered from head to toe in glitter. I have also attended five year olds parties where they would rather listen to pop music instead of my classic Alan Menkin favourites, as the music that surrounds the disney culture is 'uncool' or 'babyish', at 5? I was stunned, but it happens, more than I wish it did, and this continues through the school years. When I was teaching in high schools I was definitely aware of a stigma that was attached to singing, or playing a musical instrument. Teenagers were embarrassed to sing, or to dance, or to be in a play or a musical. It was 'uncool' to have a talent, to have something that singled you out and meant you excelled in something.
With the recent cuts to arts funding in schools, and with some schools trying to take arts subjects off the curriculum completely, I wonder whether this stigma actually progresses even further than teenagers, as now it would appear some adults are failing to see the benefit of these subjects too.

...there is definitely so much I could research with this particular topic, I think I would need to focus it in further though as I feel this is very broad at the moment.

These two questions (or some format of these questions) are my definitely favourites at the moment so I would love to hear your views on these. I know many of you are also keen on the topic of mental health and most of us have some experience working with children at different ages, so again, your feedback and thoughts would be greatly appreciated.