The arts can nourish the human heart and soul and help to build character. Whether dance, music, theater, visual or literary arts, students must approach their chosen art-form with commitment, focus and discipline.
What about talent? Talent is a gift, the source of inspiration and insight and is crucial to achieve excellence. But it's nothing without discipline.
Artistic excellence requires endurance and persistent movement toward a well defined goal. Focus!
And there is something else: One must believe in themselves — even when others do not believe in them. They must endure despite frustrations, failures and discouragements. They must believe in themselves. It builds the substance of artistic character.
If you are an aspiring artist and truly feel led to toward the arts, have the conviction that God has imbued you with raw talent that requires attention. You have a solemn duty to develop your talent to its fullest potential.
Be courageous and challenge preconceived limits. Strike out beyond yourself and be willing to fail until you succeed.
There is an important role for elders to play in the creative young person's life. Parents, grandparents, godparents and other significant elders can encourage young people if they detect potential, a spark of ability, an aptitude for music, dance and movement, a talent with art and form, a gift of expression and language.
Significant elders in a creative young person's life can encourage talent to bud and bloom through education, quality instruction, mentoring, and providing environments that cultivate creativity and inspiration.