As students feel pushed toward careers in science, technology, engineering and math, they wonder whether the arts, such as dance, ballet and visual art, still matter. However, the arts remain essential, helping students express themselves, connect with their identities and develop skills that go beyond the classroom.
In recent years, social media, school culture and public discussions have led people to believe that success is tied to high-paying technical jobs. The media often highlights these fields over creative ones. This has created the idea that the arts are less valuable. As a result, students feel they must prioritize schoolwork over expressing themselves creatively, often forgetting that the arts are an essential part of their identity and culture.
Junior Shreya Kar, who takes AP Art, said this pressure is something she has noticed among her peers. “A lot of people see art as less important compared to STEM subjects, but art is how people express ideas and perspectives that can’t always be explained in other ways,” Kar said.
For students like Kar, the art room is a space where they can solve problems without a single right answer. This differs from math or science, where there is typically one correct solution. “In AP Art, we spend time planning and revising our work and [evaluating] the meaning behind each piece. It’s a long process and not just something that can be finished in one day,” Kar said.
Visual arts use images to convey feelings. Arts like dance use movement and physical storytelling to achieve the same goal. For students who dance, the arts help them connect with their culture, history and identity. Junior Maelyss Davi, a member of the Afro Elites, said that dance allows her to express more than just herself. “Dance is a way to show culture and tell stories, it’s not just movement,” Davi said.
Maelyss also said that dance, like academic subjects, requires discipline. Dancers need to memorize movements, work well with a team and have the strength to perform under pressure, making it a skill that can apply to any job. “It takes a lot of practice and teamwork, but that’s what makes it [meaningful] when everything comes together for the performance,” Davi said.
The arts are important because they provide balance to academics. While science, technology, engineering and math emphasize logic and problem-solving, creative activities promote imagination and emotional understanding. This balance can help students gain a better understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Junior Ava Rostami said that the arts are vital because they are part of life, especially music. People listen to music regularly, whether studying, relaxing or spending time with others. “Not everything has to be about careers or money. Music is something people connect to every day, and it helps people express how they feel,” Rostami said.
The belief that the arts are less valuable often stems from a narrow definition of success. However, the arts teach essential skills like empathy, public speaking and confidence. Arts such as dance, ballet and visual art are valuable because they foster these skills.
