7 Benefits of Dance for Children

If you have kids, you may be wondering what is the best way to channel their seemingly boundless energy. Dance classes are a great alternative to team sports, and most studios offer lessons for children as young as two or three. Participating in dance classes can be beneficial for kids of all ages.

 

1. Improved Physical Health

Dancing is a highly physical activity, and kids who take dance lessons regularly should expect to see a significant improvement in their overall physical health. Regular dance practice can increase your child's flexibility, range of motion, physical strength and stamina. The repetitive movements involved in dance can improve muscle tone, correct poor posture, increase balance and coordination and improve overall cardiovascular health. Dancing is an aerobic form of exercise. For children who are overweight, it can potentially help them to lose weight and improve their eating habits.

 

2. Socialization Benefits

In addition to being a physical activity, dancing is also a highly social activity. Dance lessons can help children improve their social and communication skills, learn how to work as part of a team, develop a greater sense of trust and cooperation and make new friends. If your child is shy, enrolling them in dance can encourage them to reach out to other children their age and help to reduce their anxiety about new people or places. Dance can also help to alleviate fears related to performing in front of an audience.

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3. Educational Benefits

Becoming a skilled dancer requires practice, discipline and focus, skills that can be useful in other areas of your child's life. According to "FamilyTalk Magazine," dance lessons can help to spark creativity in young children and help them to develop an appreciation for the arts. Students who regularly participate in dance lessons typically tend to perform better academically than their non participating peers. "FamilyTalk Magazine" estimates that students who have a background in dance tend to achieve significantly higher SAT scores and do better in Math and Science competitions.

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4. Enhances Emotional Development

When your child experiences the joy of dancing, he or she learns about expressing themselves in a way that’s beneficial to their physical and mental health. This expression provides a structured outlet for a healthy physical and emotional release that helps develop emotional maturity. By giving children the freedom to channel their emotions and energies in a safe environment, their self-esteem and confidence will increase significantly.

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5. Encourages Creativity

No matter the style, dance encourages children to be more creative and to express themselves in many ways. By encouraging creativity and imagination, children learn to build trust, effective relationships, and how to think critically. Early childhood is the best period for the development of creativity, and creative problem solving will serve your child for life.

 

6. Enhances Cognitive Development

Attending dance classes allows children to learn self-discipline and time management. 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 school, work and other aspects of their lives.

 

7. Improved Self-Esteem

As children adjust to the movements and postures required in dance, they begin to get a better sense of their bodies. As they become more comfortable in their own skin, their confidence and self-esteem also improve. Dance lessons can encourage children to foster a more positive attitude and explore their own self-expression. This can be particularly beneficial for children who are physically or mentally impaired or those who are attempting to deal with significant emotional problems.

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