Streaming and Dancing and Music, Oh My!: Escaping COVID-19 Through the Arts
Individuals and families alike are turning to various art forms to escape pandemic pressure.
Throughout 2020, Netflix subscriptions rose from 182.86 million to 203.66 million.
Spotify added 59 million users by the end of 2020.
In March 2020, 68% of Disney Plus users increased their usage specifically because of social distancing concerns.
HBO Max acquired 3 million subscriptions within its first month, adding another 1.1 million standard HBO upgrades afterward.
Twitch welcomes an average of 26.5 million visitors daily.
There's no question life has changed since COVID-19 hit. Many cities are still sitting sedentary, indefinite lay-offs loom overhead and virtual learning is no longer a futuristic feat. Despite frustrations presented by the pandemic, the average U.S. household is taking advantage of the extra free time, diving into their favorite streaming and entertainment platforms as a form of escape and self-discovery.
"This pandemic has forced consumers to recalibrate their entire lives - I think consumers are getting to know themselves a bit more. Rather than being told what is good by advertisers, they have to consider for themselves what is good," said Anthony Palomba, Ph.D, a professor at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business.
But what is streaming if not engaging with an art form? Video games, music, television, movies - they all require artwork, technicality and creativity, but it extends far beyond streaming. Dance studios, museum tours and big summer concerts all came to a grinding halt as well.
"When something like that is potentially taken away from you - you tend to feel lost. That’s why it’s so important, now more than ever, because it gives people a sense of normalcy in a less than normal situation," said dancer Theresa Gratton, of Saratoga Springs, NY. After having back surgery, Theresa created the Facebook group Still Dancing Strong in March of 2020 to connect with other dancers. Then, COVID-19 came crashing in. She adapted the group to instead provide a motivational arena for dancers and studio owners.
"I turned it into a platform to encourage and inspire dancers to never give up during difficult times. Studio owners were thrown into this tailspin of uncertainty, not knowing what steps to take next - no pun intended - and I wanted to somehow support them."
Adults aren't the only ones who have endured pandemic burden. Children are struggling, too. Learning new art forms and exploring their self-expression can help them hold onto a feeling of that normalcy Theresa mentioned.
Danielle Jenkins, a mom in Hartford City, IN, said her children have always been mildly interested in music and drawing but have become more passionate and dedicated since the pandemic started. Ben, age 9, and Emma, age 7, learning new things and now actively seeking out art tutorials and new music to enjoy.
"They are really proud of their progress and it makes me proud to see that,” said Danielle.
Danielle and her husband Caleb purchased drawing tablets for the computer and bought a piano-style keyboard. She and the kids are now learning how to play piano together, while Caleb focuses on drums and bass.
"[We watch] each other practice, do online lessons and cheer each other on when we make progress. So that's been really fun and rewarding for all of us."
Dr. Palomba believes that people are indulging in media and seeking out that personal progression to overcome current difficulties, regardless of the art form. Though he seems to prefer the comparison to video games.
"Consumers are seeking to achieve, conquer, beat, destroy, win, accomplish and just feel good about themselves as they are fired, laid off and experience salary cuts and other malaise from the pandemic," said Dr. Palomba. "We are able to compare ourselves to others, or simply to our own individual previous performances. Video games remind us that, with some elbow grease, we can beat, win and level up in anything."
Arts in the face of COVID-19 will be a short series, so look for companion articles online in the weeks to come and check out the feature piece in our Spring print issue!
Emily Cunningham is a freelance magazine writer with a passion for wildlife conservation, civil and societal issues, and artistic pursuits including dance, creative writing, and handmade art.
