by Alysa Dudley

Created on: January 01, 2011   Last Updated: April 25, 2012

Dance classes are beneficial to children of all ages.  Many types of dance lessons are available, including ballet, tap, jazz, modern and hip-hop.  Dance classes provide many benefits beyond learning to dance.

Dance is great exercise, and classes provide a regular opportunity to move with purpose.  Stretching exercises tone and build muscles, and lots of movement burns calories.  Dance classes give kids an outlet for pent-up energy.  Taking dance lessons can improve balance, strength and agility, and build muscle strength.

Learning to move to the rhythm of music provides an academic advantage. Dancing increases kids' understanding of math because mathematical sequences are inherent in music. Math can be described as the study of patterns, and dance presents children with a series of kinesthetic patterns.  Movement enhances learning as the mathematical patterns are absorbed by mind and body while children are dancing.

Dancers hold themselves tall and proud.  Correct posture is good for overall health.  It enables proper breathing, and the increase in oxygen intake improves concentration and the ability to think.  In addition, it places muscles, organs, joints and bones where they belong.

The good posture learned by dancing can also ward off bullies.  People who stand tall and straight are seen as more attractive and intelligent. Regardless of how they feel inside, people who appear confident and strong are perceived as such.  Bullies prey primarily on those they see as weak and vulnerable.   Children who stand tall are less likely to be seen as potential victims.

Students who take dance lessons gain poise and grace in their daily movements.  Dance makes children more mindful of their position in space, and more aware of their movements. This mindfulness reduces clumsiness and klutzyness.

Another benefit of dance lessons is that they are a wonderful way for children to learn the advantages of teamwork.  The importance of every member of the team becomes clear when students are preparing and performing in a recital.  Other dancers lose their place when even one other person is not in position.

In addition to these benefits, dancing is fun.  Children love to move to music.  It’s fun to dance with a group and to be introduced to new steps and new tunes.  Many students enjoy having the opportunity to perform at a recital each year, and the elegant costumes are a joy to wear. 

There are many benefits of dance classes for kids.  The advantages go far beyond simply learning to dance.  Dance is enjoyable, healthy for both body and mind, and a great  way to learn teamwork.

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