The importance of cultivating emotional and mental resilience among the youth has become even more vital as the world becomes engulfed in a silent epidemic of mental health challenges. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health conditions now affect approximately 20% of the world's children and adolescents, with suicide being one of the primary causes of death among 15 to 29-year-olds.
Research shows that the positive influence of engaging in performing arts activities is astounding, particularly among the youth. Dance, for instance, releases positive endorphins that induce relaxation and sustained happiness. Peter Lovatt, a psychology professor at the University of Hertfordshire, highlights that the joy derived from dancing lingers at least a week after the last dance. In addition, acting and drama classes offer a haven for self-exploration, allowing young people to nurture conversations around relevant issues that resonate deeply with them.
Essentially, participation in creative or cultural activities correlates significantly with improved health. South Coast Conservatory (SCC), a performing arts school in Orange County, California, believing in the substantial benefits of dance for the body, mind, and spirit, aims to nurture resilient minds and foster a generation fortified against the harsh group of mental health challenges.
Jena Minnick-Bull, the owner, director, and CEO of SCC, shares her personal connection with the transformative power of the arts. Reflecting on her own experiences, she noted, "I found performing arts, primarily dance, to be extremely helpful in discovering who I was. Dance is an excellent way of releasing and turning negative emotions into something positive." Her dance journey provided artistic growth and a network of friends, confidence, and resilience, laying the foundation for her mission-driven approach. This experience reflects SCC's commitment to championing mental health and well-being initiatives.
Founded in 1992, the SCC boasts a three-decade record of cultivating talent, nurturing dreams, and weaving a legacy of excellence, expanding its offerings to music, theater, acrobatics, and aerial arts and catering to diverse ages and skill levels. Dubbed Orange County's leader in dance education, the SCC showcases its commitment to contributing to the betterment of individuals and communities, as narrated by Jena: "We have been sponsoring a family that left Ukraine during the conflict. This family, torn from their homeland, found a haven at South Coast Conservatory. Their son used to train in aerial arts in Ukraine. He resumed his artistic journey at our school and eventually secured a contract in the States. His mother is now a faculty member." This story underscores the SCC's role in grounding lives and fostering resilience, especially amid adversity.
As the institution evolves into a sanctuary for self-discovery and self-expression, students become more equipped to handle life's challenges, allowing them to grapple with issues such as anxiety, bullying, and complex family dynamics. One example is a mother's heartfelt account of her son's battle with anxiety. Jena shared, "The son has high levels of anxiety and wouldn't engage with his former teachers. With our help and guidance, the young boy who once struggled to connect found a safe place in acrobatics and aerial classes. It makes my heart swell, seeing them come in as fragile and come out as courageous and with an understanding of who they are."
The SCC collaborates with mental health professionals to integrate necessary approaches and tools within performing arts, focusing on complete cognitive engagement. It employs a personalized approach to propel artistic growth and, at the same time, holistic well-being. "At the beginning of the year, we sit down with the students and say, 'What are your goals?' Then we break them down monthly," Jena explained. These significant milestones, however big or small, instill a sense of accomplishment among students, helping them alleviate their anxieties and feel proud of their abilities.
Aside from its mental health initiatives, the SCC champions community outreach activities that illustrate its dedication to inclusivity and accessibility. It offers scholarships for the underserved and hosts events that promote the performance arts as a catalyst for change. The SCC is also known for its Rising Stars program for special needs students and the Teacher Apprentice program for shaping future leaders.
Ultimately, South Coast Conservatory fulfills its mission of championing mental health initiatives, whether to assist a family struggling with strife or help a child achieve victory over anxiety. The leading performance art institution will continue to advocate the transformative power of art in changing lives and shaping futures, one step, one performance, and one courageous moment at a time.
