Dance classes can have powerful benefits for your child. If you aren’t sure whether your toddler or kindergartner is ready for dance, read these five reasons why dance is good for kids. Dance classes can nurture your child’s talent and spark your little dancer’s creativity. Creative movement can positively impact a child’s physical, emotional, and mental health. Plus dancing is a fun way to release your energy and excitement!
What kind of dance classes for children are out there?
Here is a list of dance classes for kids that offer numerous emotional and physical benefits:
- Creative movement (perfect for kids ages 1-2, to acclimate toddlers to dance)
- Tap dancing
- Hip Hop / Break dancing
- Modern / Contemporary
- Ballroom dancing
- Swing dancing
- Folk dance
- Musical theater
- Irish dance
- Clog dancing
- Bollywood dance
- African dance
If you are seeking ways to introduce kids to different kinds of dance or need a gift for a child’s dance recital, the personalized dance storybook I’m a Little Dancer will inspire your little ballerina to leap toward new goals!
Why Dance is Good for Kids
Dance increases your child’s dexterity and physical fitness.
Kids who take different dance classes such as ballet, tap, or hip-hop will see an increase in muscle tone, flexibility, and stamina. While eating a balanced meal is important for a child’s health, physical fitness is also important for kids at a young age. When your child is more physically active, he or she is more likely to participate in fun school activities during gym or recess and may make friends through this participation. Dance classes can also help a child’s posture and balance, preventing bad habits from forming that can be permanent in adulthood. For kids with boundless energy, dance offers a physical outlet to release that pent-up excitement. This will help parents at home, creating a calmer household.
Dance classes can help a child’s emotional well-being.
When kids participate in dance classes and increase their level of physical fitness, they may feel emotionally and mentally more positive. When you exercise, you release chemicals called endorphins that trigger positive feelings. Dance also encourages kids to release their inhibitions and build confidence. Dance classes can help kids develop a more positive self-image, which is especially important for children who may struggle with their weight. Finally, dance requires a certain level of focus and practice. Kids can learn to focus their movements, control their emotional energy, and practice to achieve higher goals. These skills will help a child’s emotional well-being in academics as well.
Dance can improve your child’s social skills.
Dance classes encourage kids to interact with other children their own age. Through these interactions, your child may develop new and lasting friendships. Choreography often requires teamwork, patience, and partnership. Kids will learn how to move in a group and synchronize. They will also learn the value of teamwork to achieve goals. With these skills, kids will improve their socialization. If your child is shy, dance is a beneficial way of building trust and openness. This social activity can help kids break out of their shell, develop their self-esteem, and improve their communication skills.
Dance sparks a child’s creativity.
When kids learn new choreography, they also learn how to move their bodies and express themselves. Different forms of dance introduce kids to new cultures and different forms of movement. Kids might be inspired to improvise their own dance routine and express their creativity further. Dance may also lead kids to discover other creative outlets such as art, music, or theater. Kids will be inspired to think and move outside the box, to open their imaginations, and to explore creative new worlds.
Dance teaches perseverance and motivation to reach new goals.
As kids practice for their end-of-year dance recital, they learn about perseverance and hard work. Dance is a perfect creative outlet that balances the freedom of movement with instruction and rules. Dance classes inspire kids to try new things and rehearse in order to reach higher goals. If your child is struggling in school, dance can help kids learn how to become self-motivated and self-disciplined.
Dance Recital Gift Ideas
Give your child a special keepsake gift for a dance recital to celebrate the special occasion! A dance recital gift encourages your child to keep working hard and helps convey your love and support. Here is a list of dance recital gifts that kids will love:
- New dance shoes
- Glitter tutu for dancing around the house
- Bouquet of roses
- Personalized storybooks that feature your child’s name and dance recital photo
- Dance-themed jewelry like a necklace or charm bracelet
- Scented lotion for tired feet
- Dance scrapbook with photos
- Drawstring bag to hold dance essentials
The most important part about dance is to have fun! While dance has many different benefits, having fun is the best part. And remember, it’s not about being the best dancer. Focus on your passion for dance and all the fun you are having.