There’s more than dance that each child is taught. Well-run classes, tailored for all ages, deliver many other corollary benefits – such as these:
1. Social skills:
Many dance schools work towards a yearly performance or show. For a group routine to look its best, children must work together and co-operate.
For children who lack social skills, dance classes teach teamwork, develop trust and co-operation between performers, and help youngsters become confident and make new friends. Dance can also help overcome the fear of performing in front of an audience.
2. Educational benefits:
Dancing takes practice, discipline and focus – skills needed in all aspects of life.
Some dance schools have yearly exams, with children required to work through a syllabus and practise hard for months before demonstrating their skills to examiners.
Dance exams can also help students with the discipline needed for their school tests.
3. Physical health:
Dancing is a highly physical pursuit, and can increase stamina, strength and flexibility.
It can also improve co-ordination and balance, correct poor posture and increase cardiovascular health.
There’s a plethora of good dance schools around, so if your little boy or girl loves their music and raps, wriggles or rocks to it, getting them into a dance class can only be a good thing. And you never know – your child might be the next Big Talent…
Carole Levy
