Benefits of Dance for Children in All Areas of Life
We all have different reasons why we enroll children in dance classes—for the health benefits, to expand their creativity, or simply because they love the art of dance. No matter what background or level of experience, one has much to gain from the art of dance. Dancing helps to develop new skills, get physically active, and explore a creative and expressive art form. But that’s not all. You’ll be surprised to learn about the unique ways that dance helps children to excel in other facets of their lives.
Dance can have a positive impact in children’s lives. Here are some benefits of dancing;
Physical & Health Improvement
Dance is a unique form of physical activity. Dance develops fundamental aspects of physical literacy. It involves physical movement skills (i.e. coordination and stamina); cognitive engagement (visualization and pattern recognition); and aspects of creativity (self-expression and improvisation).
A love of dance from an early age will help motivate kids to stay active as they grow into adults. Dance classes can increase one’s flexibility, range of motion, physical strength and stamina. To promote overall health, enhanced development in these areas can help with sports and other extracurricular activities at school and outside of school.
Holistically engaged, physically, mentally and emotionally—through dance, children can develop the skills and desire to be physically active for life.
Emotional Development
When a child experiences the joy of dancing, he or she will learn about expressing themselves in a way that’s positive to their physical and mental health. This exercise provides a structured outlet for a healthy physical and emotional release and growth that helps develop emotional maturity. Affording your children the freedom to channel their emotions and energies in a safe environment, their self-esteem and confidence will increase greatly.
It’s widely known that dance builds self-confidence and independence. But this art form also offers many other ways to empower children to believe in themselves and value their ideas. Dance programs guide children to tap into their ideas and instincts to create new movements and explore their own interpretations of concepts and music. Another channel for self-expression and emotional release.
Social Skills
Dance is a very sociable activity. In a dance class, children will learn how to work as part of a team, develop a greater sense of trust and cooperation, and make new connections. With each class, constant interaction other dancers in the class, will often develop lifelong friendships. Dance encourages collaboration, community, diversity, and inclusivity.
Whether making eye contact through an exercise, collaborating to create a movement sequence, working through to execute a movement, or collectively experiencing the joy and satisfaction of performance, dancers learn how to build meaningful connections with friends, family, colleagues, and many others.
It is a valued lifelong skill to have.
Creativity & Self-Expression
Whatever the genre, dance encourages children to be more creative and to express themselves in many ways. Dance fosters artistic expression and creativity and teaches to think critically. Dance gives children the opportunity to experience a creative process; they’re able to learn through play and imagination in a supportive environment, where there is no right or wrong way to move.
Early childhood is the best period for the development of creativity, and creative problem solving will serve your child for life. It is often observed children become more confident in expressing themselves and exploring artistic creativity through dance. For some children, dancing opens doors to new passions and career paths. For others, it’s an opportunity to integrate a fulfilling artistic activity into their lives.
Cognitive Development
Self-discipline and time management. Such important skills for one to thrive in today’s society. Attending dance classes will allow children to learn these skills. As they get older, dancers must learn how to balance school, dance, extracurricular activities, and their social life.
The dedication, discipline and focus children learn and practice in dance classes are important life skills that will transfer over to other aspects of their everyday lives. Dance is an effective and fun learning tool to make that happen.
Dance classes will teach a child self-confidence, self-discipline, poise, and grace. But most importantly, dance classes are loads of fun!