What consequences have the arts had on your life?
On the night of the CONSEQUENCES premiere, we asked audience members the above question. The answers people gave show just how important the arts are to people, and the massive return on investment arts organisations like Ludus Dance provide. Email us your answers to info@ludusdance.org
Here's what our audience members said...
> Life changing! Helped me build confidence and believe in myself. Given me many many friends. Given me a job and love of life.
> The arts have provided me with an opportunity to pursue an extraordinary career path through which I have been able to incorporate my biggest passion - dance. To also be assertive, to be continuously inspired through both my work and watching others work. It has also enabled me to see how art can inspire and move other people and often change the way people think.
> Changed it - in hundreds of ways, brought untold hours of pleasure in theatres and galleries, made me aware of my own creativity and the profound effect this can have on mental well being.
> When I discovered my love for dance at the age of 16 - Dance revitalised just more than my career options. It has challenged, inspired, provoked, emoted, encouraged, made me grow as a person - and kept me fit and healthy.
> The Arts influence my entire life. They are the reason I do my job, the reason I go out on a Saturday night, the reason I can sit still for an hour and a half and the reason I open my eyes in the morning and close them again at night!
> The difference between living and existing. Consequences - Joy, happiness, love, laughter and meaning.
> They have inspired me to rethink my prejudices and look at life, ideas and politics with fresh eyes and an open mind. They have helped me change my career and create my own business.
> As a young person they gave me a voice when I lacked in confidence to articulate myself - from then on they shaped my life. My education and career have all been part of and led by the arts. I've met my closest friends and inspiring role models.
> The consequence of the arts and the part they play in my life is an enriching, entertaining and educational experience. The arts turned quite a shy girl into someone who can relate to people and the world. It keeps me fit and healthy through the dance classes at Ludus Dance. Makes me feel better even after the hardest of days. We must not lose our precious Arts Companies.
> Very important part of my life, makes me laugh, smile, cry, think.
> It's been a great part of my life. I'm a dance artist, and dance, and art in general, accompany my life daily. Couldn't live without it.
> I Live, I breathe, Why? Because music is in my Soul.
> Music (dancing and singing) gives me energy when I'm tired, helps me to relax when I'm stressed, allows me to get my feelings out, makes me joyous when I'm happy and overall brings me joy.
> Inspiration, hope, happiness, expanded horizons.
> For me it has been of increasing importance as I have got older and as I understand the different forms more. Now they are essential to my understanding of the world.
> The arts have allowed me to meet, work and engage with wonderful people. The arts affect every aspect of life, challenging opinions, ideas and morals. The arts have allowed me to travel.
> Lots of confidence!
> Given me good friends, enjoyment and inspiration
> I really enjoy dancing and drama and it gives me enjoyment and happiness. I also enjoy watching dance and drama because it looks amazing and teaches me things.
> Gave a realisation that the 'arts' just provide a medium to create and develop ideas that everyday people already have. I enjoyed and appreciated that - Gave me many friends.
> I like watching it because it teaches me things. I really enjoy learning music. Dance choreographers are really clever the way they put together such amazing shows and plays.
> The Arts have shaped my entire life. It would be impossible to underestimate what consequences the arts have had on my life. LIFE WITHOUT ART WOULD BE WORTHLESS
> Greater awareness of where sound, shape, space, movement, stillness, dynamics, energy, spirituality, a sense of being through connections and relationships.
> In gratitude of life and the arts within it.
> Met new people and friends through dance, music and theatre. Promoted self-confidence in my own performance. Education and learning.
> The arts have helped me to turn a hobby into a career. It began at school and has continued through university and onto becoming a Community Dance Artist. All I want to achieve now is to give other people the opportunities I have had.
> The arts have allowed me to enjoy a career I love and have enriched my understanding and appreciation of the world I live in.
> They have allowed me to live entirely free from the corrupting forces of money.
> They've shaped my life - it's what I do, what I'm passionate about - everyone should have the arts in their life!
> Made me the person I am today. I am a teacher of the arts. Made my wedding day extra special. Created many of the friendships and relationships I have. Affects and changes my opinions and views.
> Given endless joy and delight. Purpose to my life. Employment. Keeps me alive!
