Wanting to show what we do, what we’re capable of; sharing an emotion, a story, inspiring others to dream; creating a moment of togetherness, energizing, engaging, provoking, or simply having fun with a few people or a crowd… any excuse is a good one for a performance.
In education, some teachers know how to incorporate moments that are closer to a performance than to a dry, pedagogical presentation. In these moments, something special happens: the group’s attention converges into a shared experience, fueled by a shared emotion. Of course, these activities do not constitute the core of teaching, but they are integrated into it and enhance the effectiveness of instruction.
But what drives a person or a group to step into the spotlight, to risk the judgment of others, to risk criticism? A performance is not a competition, even if some competitions are staged as performances. Show business plays a major role today, even more so on screens, with the money and stardom that come with it for those who embrace its conventions.
For others, putting on a performance is driven by different motivations—some almost vital—linked to our social nature, our aesthetic or intellectual considerations, and which only make sense if they are shared, communicated, and exchanged, beyond commercial intentions, for the pure artistic pleasure of creating an effect.
And what drives audiences to attend performances? From drone flights to operas, from the circus to festivals, from recitals to spontaneous jam sessions… all kinds of performances move us, interest us, amaze us, make us think, and bring us together. Therein lies part of the appeal for those who have developed… a flair for the stage.
Denys Lamontagne - [email protected]
Illustration: Shutterstock - 2543869405
