Expressive Techniques in Infant-Oriented Performing Arts called “Baby Theater” and Their Educational Significance

Abstract

This paper will clarify the expressive techniques of performing arts for primarily infants aged 0 to under 3 years old, namely infant-oriented performing arts, also known as “Baby Theater,” and examine their educational significance. To investigate these research questions, the analysis of selected works by creative groups with outstanding skills and proven track records. This analysis revealed expressive techniques in infant-oriented performing arts. Based on the premise that infants experience performances alongside caregivers: 1) Ensuring infant safety while engaging their multisensory capabilities, 2) Expressing emotions through diverse methods, 3) Reconstructing infants’ daily lives scenes, 4) Constructing and expressing relationships among elements within the work including the audience, 5) Accepting infants’ free and autonomous appreciation and participation. The infant-oriented performing arts provide with foundational experiences in cultural and artistic enjoyment through these elements. These experiences foster learning and growth as social and cultural beings. They also promote the cultivation of cultural values by encouraging shared appreciation with caregivers. Furthermore, infant-oriented performing arts serve as a shared platform for child and childcare support and community welfare. As called for by the Basic Act for the Promotion of Culture and the Arts, they contribute to cultural and artistic enjoyment from infancy and considered an effective form of social prescribing for social inclusion through the lens of culture and the arts.