Benefits of Enrolling Your Child in Dance Classes

Benefits of Enrolling Your Child in Dance Classes

Watching your child dance on a stage covered in sequins, fringe, and costumes is just the beginning of the benefits you will receive when you enroll your child in dance lessons. As soon as your child takes their first dance lesson, they will be introduced to an environment where they can feel free to express themselves and be who they want to be.

As a dance instructor for about eight years now, I have seen countless children and teens come out of their shells. I have seen shy little children grow into talented, creative, and smart people. The benefits of dance lessons are countless and I would like to share with you why it is a great idea to enroll your child in dance lessons.

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Socialization station

Oh, the friends you’ll make! Dance is a great way to improve your child’s social skills. When you enroll your child in a dance class, he or she will be placed in a class with other children of the same age and with similar abilities. As you make new friends, your child will learn teamwork as they learn steps and choreography. Sharing a common goal to perform builds a community among dancers. Whether it’s waiting in the waiting room for class to start, swapping shoes, or practicing, dance buddies truly become best friends. I’ve seen dancers become friends as young as two years old and grow together into adults. I’m still best friends with a lot of girls I met while dancing when I was 4. Being part of a team is something that really builds a child’s confidence and self-esteem.

Let’s get physical

Not only does dance improve a child’s socialization, it also improves their motor skills and physical health. All parts of the body are used during a dance class, whether it’s floor work, cross-body work, or stretching. Your child will develop new knowledge about how their body works. Dance teachers usually start each class with stretching; this will help your young dancers’ range of motion and flexibility. By using all parts of the body, students will eventually learn how to synchronize their movements with music. Musicality is created! Moving the body around in a dance studio is also a great cardio workout! It will increase their stamina. You will also see a big difference in their posture. “Check your feet, check your arms, chin up, shoulders back, and smile up” is a standard part of every dance class. You will soon see them apply this to their daily lives: standing a little straighter and walking a little prouder. Your child will become more coordinated and focused. Dance builds passion and students will often set goals for themselves. A dance studio becomes one big family and younger dancers look to older dancers for inspiration.

Self-confidence and creativity

Confidence is another important factor that plays a role in the world of dance. Dance allows children’s imaginations to flourish. Dance studio instructors are trained and equipped to teach children the right way. Teachers plan lessons with age-appropriate exercises and fun songs to dance to. When a child is first introduced to performing, they may feel shy. Dance instructors are well-trained in breaking through a child’s initial shyness. Over time, with positive feedback and encouragement from teachers, your child will learn to be more comfortable performing. As parents, we are always proud of our children, but there is something so special about seeing your children proud of themselves. The smile on a young dancer’s face when he or she achieves a goal is something that lights up the room. The smiles and confidence will only grow with each passing year.

YES YES YES DANCE IS A SPORT!

Dance is a sport, just like football, basketball and soccer. The more you practice, the better you get. And let’s face it: dancing is just FUN! Every child has their own unique personality and this is where they can find their own voice and artistic expression. They will listen, they will count, they will act and they will dance.

How do I start?

Not sure where to send your child to dance school? There are many dance studios all over New York to choose from. I recommend visiting a few in your area and talking to the owner. Many dance studios offer trial lessons or observation time. Let your child try out different studios and see where he or she feels most comfortable. Each dance studio is different and has different things to offer. Typically, the dance begins in September and ends in June with a performance or recital. Many dance schools also offer summer classes. Younger dancers usually start with one or two classes to get started. Also, remember to enroll your child in the correct age group. It can be frustrating to put your child in an older or more advanced class. A good dance instructor will move your child to a different class if he or she thinks your child can handle it. The most important thing is to let your child take the lead! Letting him/her make some decisions will make the transition to his/her first dance lesson smoother. So what are you waiting for? Start searching and have fun dancing!