5 Benefits of Dancing

As a dance teacher, I can safely say that dance is a great, fun way to stay active! Learn about the amazing benefits of dance and why it’s one of the best forms of exercise for people of all ages and abilities. Check out these benefits of dance and I know you will agree.

Are you looking for a fun, exciting way to get in shape and improve your overall health? Whether it is for you or your child, look no further than dance! Here are five compelling reasons why you and your kids should start dancing today. You don’t need some grand vision of your child being a professional performer to start them in dance. Maybe you want your child to experience something new or maybe you just want your child to exercise or maybe you just need a way for your child to positively channel his or her seemingly endless energy. No matter what reason, your child will develop mentally and physically through dance!

5 Benefits of Dance Class

1. Improves Physical Health

Obviously, dance is a physical activity. And it’s one that focuses on the entire body, so it’s great for TOTAL body fitness.  If taken regularly, expect to see your child improve in the following areas: flexibility, stamina, balance, coordination, and range of motion.  Most importantly, it gives children the motivation to keep exercising.  Before you know it, you’ll find them practicing their moves and routines all over the house!

Dance improves cardiovascular health. Dancing also enhances flexibility and balance. Dance strengthens muscles and bones. It is a great way to stay fit all ages and it is fun at all ages!

2. Provides Opportunities For Socialization

Dance can help improve social skills and communication skills! In a normal dance class, children are asked to communicate and cooperate as a group, as individuals, and as pairs.  If you have a shy child, starting them in dance classes can help them talk to others and make new friends.  In addition, dancing can help reduce any fears a child may have about performing (or even speaking) in front of a crowd. Personally, it helped me to develop a greater sense of trust. Dance forced me to physically trust others and it’s made a difference in my personal life.

3. Room For Self-Expression

The emphasis on self-expression in dance separates dance from other forms of physical activity.  Expressiveness is imperative to a great performance, so teachers really harp on it! I love it, and kids love it!  Dance gives children the freedom to simply be themselves and be confident and proud.  It’s also a great way for them to physically release their emotions.  Dance explores all emotions.  Sometimes, kids don’t know how to say that they are upset or they just don’t want to tell you.  Often, if I see children upset, they won’t tell me why.  But they step into class and I see them put all of their energy into dancing.   And almost always, they come out less upset than before.

4. Provides Education & Discipline 

In dance classes, children are regularly asked to memorize movement sequences.  Simply, this helps children practice their memorization skills (which is particularly important in early education) while encouraging a detail-oriented mindset. Students are also expected to learn choreography or movement sequences quickly. I have seen a huge improvement in speed at which children learn as they get used to it.  This increase in learning speed has the potential to carry over into other aspects of their lives as well!  Also, dance is the perfect mixture of fun and discipline.  Certain styles require more structure than others.  For instance, a ballet class requires more structure than a hip-hop class. However, there are always times to stay quiet and follow directions and  times children can just let loose!

5. Can Improve Self-Esteem

As children learn more about dance and adjust to movement, they will start to gain a better sense of their bodies that will allow them to feel more comfortable in their own skin. The more comfortable a child feels in his or her own skin, the easier it will be for him or her to develop and maintain confidence!  This is particularly helpful for children who have any sort of disability.  Also, teachers are always encouraged to promote positive attitudes in the classroom.  And positivity is key to keeping that self-esteem high and boosting mental health.

Benefits of Dance for Kids Conclusion

Remember, dance classes are NOT just for girls.  All of the benefits above apply to boys and girls.  The number of boys taking dance classes has grown and it is continuing to do so! In conclusion, dance is an incredibly versatile and beneficial form of exercise that offers a wide range of physical, mental, and social benefits. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, there are plenty of opportunities to start dancing and enjoy all that it has to offer.

There are many benefits of dance class for children, even more than I mentioned here! Is your child participating in dance classes?  Tell us about the changes you’ve seen in your child!

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