Are you willing to show up and let yourself be seen? I mean, to be really SEEN?
To be vulnerable.
To be courageous.
Are your palms sweating a little? Is your heart beating just a little faster at the thought of being vulnerable?
Full disclosure: when Donais Studios first opened, I was afraid to show up on video on Instagram. I was nervous to be SEEN. I was happy to do my thing, in my own little corner of the world, but sharing myself, my ideas, and creative thoughts to just anyone on the internet was scary. But, I know I needed to do it if I wanted to help artists discover their inner strength, their confidence, and passion. I had to be willing to be seen. To show up authentically. I had to let go of perfection.
Brené Brown has devoted her life’s work to speaking and teaching on vulnerability and the courage to show up authentically.
“Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.” ~Brené Brown
Guess what? The Arts is where this richness of life is ignited, discovered, and shared.
I learned very quickly that by showing up, being vulnerable, and sharing with courage, empathy, and creativity, my purpose was clearer and I could help others do the same.
In today’s “Impact of the Arts: Discovering the Artist Within” interview, Elise shares how her involvement with the arts, particularly being a member of RISE, has given her the courage to try new things, meet new friends, and join new clubs and activities. Elise talks about the connection and collaboration she has experienced through the arts.
I’m sure you will find inspiration and connection through Elise’s story! 
“I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.” ~Brené Brown
The arts empower us to be seen, heard, and valued on a deeper level. To be courageous.
Having an arts community of true connection, free of judgment, is powerful…dare I say it, freeing.
Keep singing,
xo Andrea “finding the courage to show up and be seen” Donais
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I had a chance to chat with Elise Ferrie and we discussed her view on how she has been influenced and impacted by the arts in her life.
Elise had an interest in the arts and specifically Dance Theatre since she was a kid. She loved singing Disney songs and putting on plays with her friends.
Elise started teaching herself piano as a way of relaxing and unwinding after her days at school and then in grade eight, she joined RISE Choir with Donais Studios.
In our interview together, I asked Elise her opinion on how the arts impact communication, and if/how they can affect relationships. Elise said the arts definitely have an impact on communication and can create relationships because you are bonding over shared experiences. Elise loves that at RISE rehearsals, all of the singers sit together and sing show tunes, or put on shows together.
“Even just through people expressing themselves using music – that gives other people something to relate to. Especially in Musical Theatre when you’re using music to tell the story”.
Elise shared that her involvement with the arts has made her feel that she can express herself more confidently, and has given her a chance to discover that others are doing the same. Everyone has had different experiences that shape who they are, and Elise is truly embracing that.
Through her involvement with the arts, Elise found she had more courage in situations where she was trying new things, like making new friends in high school and joining new clubs or activities,
“One year ago, I don’t think I would have done as well just in terms of going up and talking to new people because I was a quiet kid. I think that joining choir [RISE] is part of what helped me come out of my shell.”
When asked what her favourite thing about her art is, Elise responded, “the connection between people – so many different people with different interests connecting to tell one story”.
The level of connection and collaboration in the arts is certainly extraordinary!
Elise said that one way that the arts are involved in her life every day, is that she listens to music to help her tackle the more mundane tasks, like packing a lunch or doing dishes: “The arts have helped me appreciate little things more.”
~An interview by Amelia DePiero, Donais Studios
P.S. If you are interested in learning more about RISE Children’s Choir, we have a “Meet with Us” on Saturday, July 20. Come visit us and see what RISE is all about. More details here.