Eight Ways Children Can Benefit From Dance Lessons

Dancing is a great form of exercise that can have far-reaching effects in a kid’s life. Dancing promotes creativity, self-expression, and an appreciation for the arts – and its good fun! Exploring the world of dance at an early age can let children find a constructive outlet for their energy and creative spark, and honing these skills in their youth will help them later on in life. Dance is a great alternative to team sports, which whilst also a good outlet for the boundless energy of kids, might not be the best option for every child!

1. Dancing improves physical health. Pro Dance Centre notes that dancing can improve overall physical health in many ways, ranging from flexibility, range of motion, physical strength and stamina. Dancing can improve muscle tone, correct poor posture, and balance and coordination. As a form of aerobic exercise, dancing also improves cardiovascular health and for overweight children, can help them to lose weight. Dance is even used to train professional athletes, due to its focus on body alignment and training the body!

2. Dancing increases socialisation. Dance lessons are a great place for children to make friends, and bond over a new, fun activity. Dancing is also a place children can learn to work together as a team, increasing communication skills. "As a dance troop, children will learn to trust each other and how to cooperate to meet new challenges. Lastly, dance performances can help shy kids overcome their fear of public performances and develop confidence" explains Dorothy Sailer, a psychology writer at Ukwritings.

3. Dancing builds team-work. Partner-work and working as a group in some dances to coordinate moves teaches children how to work together. Dancers must develop a strong appreciation of their partner’s movements and behaviour, and understand the importance of working with others to overcome challenges and create performances!

4. Dancing improves self-esteem. Exercising and learning more about their body can improve children’s confidence too, as they become more at ease and comfortable in their own body. Getting more of a ‘sense’ of their own bodies, children are free to explore self-expression and develop a positive, ‘can-do’ attitude to life! Performing in front of an audience also benefits children from a young age to be more confident of their abilities.

5. Dancing improves children’s experience in the classroom. Dance requires discipline and focus, skills that children can then put to work whilst studying in school. This naturally translates to an improved academic record. Moreover, dancing creates an appreciation for the arts and creativity, leading them to explore these areas of education more fully. Lastly, dancing can improve performance in maths, as skills like counting are used in dance lessons and reinforce basic education for young kids.

6. Behavioural benefits. Hyperactive kids often just need an outlet for their boundless energy – let that outlet be dance! Dance lessons usually start off as fun and open-ended and as they develop an increasing demand for discipline and focus are required. "This helps distracted children learn how to focus gradually. So whilst having a calming effect on overactive kids and letting them release their pent-up energy, they also gradually teach children discipline!" says Issac Flores, an educator at Academized.

7. Dancing improves listening skills. Dancers have to learn how to listen – to their teachers, co-students and to themselves. Learning to listen and follow instructions is an important skill to develop throughout life, and also teaches children to behave!

8. Dancing is fun. Last, but certainly not least, dancing is a fun form of exercise and creativity. Kids will learn in a fun environment, with their peers, and will not be put under unnecessary pressure like they may be in the education system. They will be taught that learning should be a journey and that curiosity is valued, and they will develop great skills without even realising!

So, are you convinced yet that dance lessons are a must for any child? As well as improving physical health, dancing has many less obvious benefits: developing creativity, socialisation skills, learning to work as a team, and learning to follow instructions. Dance also aids children’s mental health, as they become more confident and less hyperactive. They may also perform better in school after dancing for a time, having learned valuable lessons about discipline and focus. Do your child a favour, and start them dancing today!

Molly Crockett is a lifestyle writer who shares her tips and experience.