by Sherry Law

Created on: January 03, 2011   Last Updated: January 04, 2011

Benefits of Dance Class For Kids

With all the demands that modern living places not only on parents, but on the children themselves, it is easy to say “no” when your son or daughter wants to become involved in yet another activity.  There are, however, some activities that might be more beneficial that others and dance class is one of them.  If your child has asked to enroll in a dance class, you might want to think about the benefits before saying no.

For toddlers, their class is going to be more about learning to move their body to the music and feel the beat than about specific steps or choreographed routines.  Beginning classes for older children will also focus on feeling and moving with the rhythm of the music as a first step.  Though these may not seem like important lessons, they will impart an appreciation for music and increase your child’s ability to express themselves and to think creatively.  There is also the social aspects of dance class which will require your child to interact with the other dancers as part of a team.

As the lessons progress and your child begins to be exposed to actual dances or choreographed pieces, they will have to learn to listen for and follow instructions - improving their ability to focus.  Memorizing the dance steps and sequences will help not only during class but in the schoolroom as well.

To your child, the dance class may be all about the music and having fun with their friends, but as the parent, you need to keep in mind that dancing is a physical activity that involves most of the major muscle groups in the body.  If your child weighs 75 pounds, he or she can burn between 120 and 250 calories per hour, depending on what type of dance the class is teaching.  With childhood obesity at epidemic numbers, this is an important consideration.  Not only will dance class help keep your child from becoming an over-weight couch potato, participating in a dance class can improve your child’s cardio-vascular health and improve their flexibility, coordination and self-confidence.

As with any physical activity, dance class can sometimes result in injuries.  For the most part these will be pulled or strained muscles or the occasion sprained wrist or ankle.  If this is a concern, keep in mind that dance class is much safer than most other sports your child may be interested in.

Regardless of the type of music your child likes to listen to, there is probably a nearby class that will teach them to dance to it.  Ballet, jazz, ballroom, hip hop or traditional Latin dance classes are all offered in many studios across the nation, as well as at many local YMCA and YWCA’s.  If your child has expressed an interest in enrolling in a dance class, consider the benefits and then ... sign on the dotted line!

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