In this age of technology, most parents agree that their children spend too much time playing video games, watching television, and socialising online. While most parents of school aged children agree that their child needs physical activity, finding an activity that they enjoy can sometimes be a challenge.

The positive effects of dance

Dance is a great way to keep our children physically fit. However, it does not end there. Dance has many positive impacts on children. Dance is a sport. It is physically demanding. A dancer puts as much strain on their body as a football player. Since these facts are obvious, we would like to share with you a few less noticeable positive effects experienced by child dancers.

1. Making the dancer happier

When a person mixes physical energy and music, they feel good. The reason for this is the action causes the brain to produce the chemicals in their brain that makes them happy. This is a naturally occurring chemical change that people experience during strong physical exertion. The feeling makes children want to return.

2. Improving focus

A 2006 study by Medical Life Sciences found that children with various behavioural problems or ADHD were able to concentrate better with dance therapy. Teachers and parents reported that the children with these problems were less anxious, less frustrated, and able to focus better and for longer periods of time when dancing was incorporated into their lives. This became evident when their grades began to climb.

3. Teamwork mentality and a thick skin

When a child becomes part of a dance group, they learn very quickly that the group is only as good as the worst dancer. Being part of the group does not ensure that mistakes will not be made. It means the dancer will correct the error with the help of their dance team.

Sooner or later your child will be the one who makes the mistake and they will feel the support of the team. Instructors and coaches are there to push the limits of a child. They know what the child is capable of and they strive to help them develop. Since the instructor or coach is pointing out everyone’s weaknesses in performance, the kids quickly grow a thick skin. This will serve them well in life.

4. Emotional maturity

It doesn’t matter how old the child is. Even toddlers who are exposed to dance realize a basic fundamental. When the child dances, they put all they have into it. They unknowingly tap into their emotions. They soon realize that some movements draw a lot of positive attention. So they try to perfect those moves.

The child soon realizes that they are part of something larger than themselves. They gain awareness of others and learn to appreciate the feelings and efforts of others as well as their own. This level of maturity is often delayed with children who have no artistic outlet, and no exposure to group activities.

5. Building self-confidence and taking their power back

Bullies have become a world-wide problem. A bully usually picks on the kid that is not sure of herself or himself. They will often select a child who has few friends. When a bully attacks them, they may be afraid to tell and they feel ashamed.

Dance shows a child that they are important. They are important enough to speak up when someone is trying to hurt them. They are part of a team, so they know that everybody has a place and a function. That thick skin we spoke of comes into play. When the class bully does not get the response of fear they are hoping for, they skulk away.

The child-dancer knows their worth and refuses to listen to anyone who doesn’t appreciate it. If the bully becomes a real threat, they are not afraid to tell the teacher or their parents. Because they have empathy for other people, they will always be part of the solution.

Conclusion

You love your child and you want what is best for them. You want them to see how truly special they are. You want to teach them to view themselves through your eyes. You know life is going to kick them around sometime, as it does everyone. But you want them to have enough self-worth to stand up. Give your kid the gift of strength, vision, and empathy. Then stand back and watch them grow! With a good dance teacher, a willing bunch of dancers, and you, there is no way you can lose.

Do you have a child who loves to dance? What positive aspects have you experienced?

Author Bio

This article was written by Wendy Dessler. Wendy is a super-connector with Just For Kix who helps businesses with building their audience online through outreach, partnerships, and networking. Wendy frequently writes about the latest advancements in the SaaS world and digital marketing.

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