Dance can benefit a child in countless ways. By regularly participating in dance lessons and activities, children gain social skills, improve their physical fitness and see benefits in their academic performance.
Physical Benefits
The physical benefits of dance are unparalleled. Regular participation in dance classes and activities naturally supports a child to develop higher levels of physical fitness and cardiovascular endurance. However, according to an article written by Stagecoach, the physical benefits go much further than the obvious.
Dance, alongside increasing a child’s general fitness, also benefits their spacial awareness, balance, and blood pressure while increasing their flexibility and coordination. They will also see an increase in their overall strength and endurance.
These benefits, experienced as a result of regular dance activities, enable children to approach other areas of their life, both physical and social, with higher levels of confidence.
Academic Benefits
The nature of dance results in direct, positive benefits on a child's academic performance. The self-discipline of dance, as well as the need to follow specific instructions and work effectively within a group setting, are all skills that translate positively into a classroom environment. Twinkl reiterates this by suggesting the memory skills involved in learning choreography naturally benefit academic performance.
Stagecoach details specific lessons a child will be exposed to within a dance studio including learning patience, the benefits of repetition, and the necessity of trial and error. A child who is self-assured and comfortable with the positivity of making mistakes is more likely to get confidently involved in academic activity.
Social Benefits
As a predominantly group activity, dance undoubtedly supports the social development of a child. One of the most prevalent ways is exposing them to other children, often from a variety of backgrounds, and encouraging them to form new friendships.
Dance London Studio defines dance as an active form of emotional expression. Being able to address and communicate their emotions, in this way, encourages a child to develop higher levels of emotional maturity.
Additionally, the act of performing causes a child to explore their vulnerability and strengthens their self-esteem within a social setting.
Personal Benefits
Learning to dance enables children to embrace failure. There will be times when children struggle with choreography and take longer to perfect certain movements. Overcoming and facing these struggles equips children with increased levels of personal motivation and perseverance, benefiting them in their future careers.
Dance gives children a creative outlet. As we grow older, we recongise the need for creativity and physical fitness to positively benefit our mood, tackling feelings of stress and anxiety. Exploring the world of dance, at an early age, gives children a creative outlet to rely on in the future.
By including dance in your child’s weekly activities, they will experience higher self-esteem, confidence, and improved social skills alongside the abundance of physical, personal, and academic benefits.
The only real question is: which form of dance does your child want to take?! There are so many dance styles to choose from that you are really spoilt for choice!