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We wish to shield youth from traumatic events, but even so children are subject to news of these events on a regular basis, causing them worry, stress, and anxiety in ways they have no words for. Art, though, does and can reach those deepest parts and gives them ways to cope with those feelings.
Art classes at ACAM by their very nature help children deal with trauma. Dance, music and theatre each releases the very chemicals that are good for the brain: dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins. These are the body’s messengers helping people bond, feel joy, and experience pleasure.
Dancing aids in eliciting emotions which can be discharged and expressed through movement. Music helps combat depression, reduces stress and improves mood. Theatre builds empathy through listening and responding and improvisation helps develop coping skills to decrease anxiety.
Participating in the arts reduces stress and anxiety levels, improves mood by contributing to happiness, focus and motivation and leads to healthy, positive individuals.
Ellen Sell
Director
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