Creativity 101

Arts Explorer # 1: What is Creativity?

I made this diagram to show my thought process
for coming up with a definition for the term: Creativity

So here I am, trying to define the term “creativity” however it is not just another word in the dictionary. There are countless avenues you can take to be deemed as “creative.” Creativity stems from believing you can do it (Flora, 2009).  It is the little everyday things, such as solving a problem in a different way or re-using a recyclable item as something new. Creativity means being resourceful, thinking outside of the box! Society often emphasizes creativity as being in the form of the arts however, just because we are no Picasso, being imaginative, inventive and inspired does not mean you cannot make your life your own work of art (Flora, 2009). The concept “creativity” is a subjective phenomenon which relies on unique experiences.  This means creativity is exclusive to the individual and occasion it occurs. It does not matter who you are, or what you do, when you have a passion for something, the creative possibilities are infinite.

This is my dance family and I- we expressed ourselves
through various props, costumes and steps and techniques

Ever since I was a little girl my parents always gave me the motivation and acknowledgement needed to provide me the mindset that I can be a creative individual. Throughout my life I have developed many passions which have steered me on a creative path. I feel my biggest inspiration and passion is dancing. Studying different forms of dance allows me to connect with my inner and outer self expressing who I am. Part of my inspiration comes from my dance-family; being part of such a talented and dedicated group of people. My dance team and I share common dreams, attitudes and goals which ultimately help us be inventive and creative individuals. Throughout my dance years, it has not always been easy, but with so many unique individuals surrounding me, we are able to overcome any problems. Not only did I engage in dance as an extra-curricular activity, but I also studied dance at high school. This is where I communicated using movement, rather than the typical words or numbers seen at school. Furthermore, I incorporate dance into my outings with friends, such as going country line dancing. Dance touches my life on a physical, emotional and social level. Overall, my passion for dance drives my creative side still today.

Click link "high tea - choreographed by Eryn Waltman" below for a video which inspires me to continue the art of dance. This dance takes the contemporary style. The choreographer incorporates props, music and steps and techniques which help portrays a story. This dance depicts the traditional view of women's roles in the 1700's. For example, having tea with the ladies calls for following certain rules and living your life in accordance. The girls in this dance express themselves breaking free from the norm.

High Tea - Choreographed by Eryn Waltman

This is an activity
where the children were
timed and had to use their
imaginations to come
up with a solution - the fastest
way to cover their leader with
toilet paper.

Another passion I have is working with children. In the summers I work for the City of Mississauga, running children’s day camps. Camp is a place where creativity is a necessity! Camp gives me the opportunity to think outside the box, in terms of programming original activities, crafts and costumes to wear. I am able to connect to the child still inside me and communicate my feelings and goals to the world. The children at the camp are as unique as the creative possibilities I have demonstrated and the ones I have yet to discover. 

I feel that in today’s society the trend is to be unique, original and different. I believe that in order to be successful, people are looking for individuals who have a special knack and bring something new and fresh to the table. As a future educator I believe it is a necessity to integrate creative components into the daily lessons. For example, allowing children to explore their physical, emotional and social elements of their bodies can be done through a game of "freeze-dance." As an educator it is important to allow the children's imagination run wild; no two children are alike therefore each child has something unique to offer the class. 

References

Flora, C. (November 1, 2009). Everyday creativity. Psychology Today (on-line). Retrieved from http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200910/everyday-creativity

Schirrmacher, R., & Fox, J. E. (2009). Art & Creative Development for Young Children (6 ed.). Belmont, CA: Delmar.