A Hidden World: Non Performing Arts at DSA

BY LEANDER SHINDELL
     The rhythmic whir of the pottery wheel captures the beating of drums and cymbals as students make masterpieces of mud. Poets find their voices, and storytellers dance in and out of frames and lines. But where exactly is the seemingly hidden world of non-performing arts at DSA? 

      The DSA community is most known for its performing arts, like their stunning performances from theater and dance or the jaw-dropping concerts from orchestra, chorus, band, piano, and guitar. The parallel talents of non performing arts, like visual arts, game design, film, photography, creative writing, and journalism, however, often go unnoticed. 

     “The incredible creative energy of our students should be on full display. The same is true for our artists who don't perform but definitely create. All artists need audiences!” declared Mr. Purkins, English teacher and film instructor at DSA. 
    Some non performing artists at DSA feel their talents are not adequately appreciated.
    “[I]t honestly does bother me when I think of the effort and care that goes into each piece I make in 3D. Of course, I’m content with creating something and getting to keep it, but part of art’s purpose is to foster connections and be seen by others, so it would be nice to have that recognition,” expressed Andrea Bueno-Gonzalez, junior in the orchestra and visual arts pathways. 
   Playing into this issue with non performing arts is the lack of accessible, exciting publicity. A few events showcasing the talents of these students do exist, however, such as Creative Writing’s open mic nights, where writers in and outside the pathway are given the opportunity to read their pieces aloud to a live audience. 
    “We've [the creative writing pathway] been doing them [open mic nights] in the evenings, which has been great because it allows our larger community to be able to participate,” recounted Mr. Pell, Creative Writing IV teacher and supervisor of DSA’s literary magazine, Portraits in Ink.
    Student-curated galleries are also featured within DSA, but are not nearly as frequented in proportion to the quantity and quality of the artwork. 
    “I don't think the majority of the student body knows about them; furthermore, they feel like an afterthought to decorate the school,” opined Bueno-Gonzalez.
    In order to remedy this injustice, DSA and its community must facilitate changes in events featuring non-performing arts and their display. Purkins suggests a return to pre-Covid film festivals; Bueno-Gonzalez expressed interest in featuring visual arts on the Dog House Report or organizing group gallery walks. 

     “If we're… going to hear a poem (on the announcements), that's a cultural shift at a school that we’re not yet accustomed to having as part of our day,” noted Pell in regards to featuring creative writing more routinely,”
    Due to the very nature of non-performing arts, their display does not lend itself to presentation as easily as more traditional concerts or plays. Even so, these pathways provide unique, accessible, and stimulating opportunities for DSA students to learn and explore the arts.
    “ I like that they [the visual arts pathways] are small because each student has access to more resources and personal attention from teachers,” opined Bueno-Gonzalez.
    Non-performing arts require, deserve, and are capable of achieving the same level of publicity as their counterparts in performing arts.
    “You have to hear the sound, the rhythm, and all of that. And that's difficult. While I love reading poems… that component, when I hear a poem read well, it changes my reading of it for the rest of my life,” admitted Pell. 
    DSA’s non performing arts pathways foster unique, prolific communities that cultivate talent and produce ageless masterpieces.
     “I feel more connected to my non performing arts pathway. In those classes, you brainstorm with people, receive feedback, collaborate, and generally interact in a way that you don't with other pathways,” expressed Bueno-Gonzalez. 

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