What Does Your Child Gain from Dance Class?

There are many more benefits to putting your child in dance beyond just keeping them busy. From building confidence, to mastering body coordination, to learning discipline, dance is so much more than an after school activity.

Building Confidence

Taking dance class can help build your child’s confidence on many levels. Learning to dance in front of an audience can help children develop other skills that require confidence such as speaking in front of a group, or taking the lead in a group project. If one is able to perform a dance in front of people, they will often find it easier to do simpler things in front of others (i.e. speeches, presentations). Achieving new technical skills in the dance classroom will also boost a dancer’s self-esteem. When introduced, many new dance steps will look nearly impossible at first, but with proper instruction and practice dancers learn that they are capable of more than they ever thought possible. Knowing that you are capable of accomplishing great things is an amazing aide in one’s confidence.

Mastering Body Coordination

Dance can be an excellent way to train for many other sports and forms of physical activity, including but not limited to: football, gymnastics, cheerleading, tennis, ice skating, baton, and yoga. Dancers refine skills pertaining to flexibility, strength, balance, and coordination. Being a dancer provides a way to really excel at understanding your own body. Even at a very young age, it’s a good idea to take dance to stimulate young minds with coordination and memorization exercises. Dancers learn to properly shift their weight, sustain muscle movement,  and demonstrate excellent control. They are also shining examples of agility, precision, and physical strength.

Learning Discipline

While many activities require discipline, dance is often considered one of the most disciplined forms of physical activity. Technique and form are essential in carrying out the desired movements, and the training behind these movements can be rigorous and incredibly specific. Being able to apply corrections and execute steps properly requires much discipline, providing an invaluable life skill to serious students. Best of all, although this training can be difficult, the feeling of mastering any given skill is beyond rewarding for dancers, causing them to continue working hard at each new level. Discipline is often considered a dying virtue, and dance is an incredibly fun way to achieve it.