What does dance do for children? What are the positive effects of enrolling your son or daughter in a dance program? Is it true that dance builds esteem and confidence? Does dancing really help provide children with structure and creativity? I would be more than willing to argue with anyone who disagrees.
As owner and director of the Back Mountain Dance Studio in Dallas, full time instructor and parent , I have the opportunity to work with many children on a weekly basis. As students progress and grow, we not only see changes in their dancing, but in their maturity and entire persona. We see shy and distant children become more open and outgoing. We see better socialization skills. Better attention skills. We see children become more focused.
So how does dancing help children accomplish these traits? The key is in performance. Performing can be a powerful tool in building esteem, assurance and developing confidence. Annual studio recitals, workshops, in class performance for parents and friends and competitions are all wonderful opportunities for children to perform. Performing can give anybody, child or adult, a sense of pride and achievement. Dancers who have a strong performance history are often more comfortable dealing with people in public situations and have an easier time delivering speeches. They are more relaxed in public settings and have a great sense of mental motivation and energy. It is a proven fact that young children who understand rhythm and music also show greater abilities in problem solving and mathematics. It is my opinion that these are all traits that can make for more successful and outgoing adults.
Physically, dance will increase flexibility, improve circulation and help develop muscles. It encourages weight loss and overall fitness through calorie burn off. Muscle extension can also provide a mild and pleasant form of exercise. Like other forms of exercise, it not only promotes physical development, but also helps kids to channel their energy into coordinated movements. Children as young as three can benefit from balance, good posture, poise and improved motor skills.
There are many different opinions on what competitive dancing can do for children. A large number of people feel that dance should be for the art, not the award. I couldn't agree more. People should dance for enjoyment. You can't excel or benefit at something you do not appreciate. Nevertheless, competitive dance has many positive effects on children. More than most people might be aware of. Learning true sportsmanship at an early age is an extremely valuable asset in young people. Competing should not be looked at as just about winning or awards. It is about experience. It is about learning. Learning to win, and learning to lose. It teaches acceptance of criticism. I believe it makes students work harder and become better at something they truly enjoy.
Dancers who compete do excel. Sometimes by award. Sometimes by merit. But always by that special feeling of accomplishment or personal form of achievement. That is not to say that every dancer should be come a competitive one. Each child is different and should be looked at as such. But while some people in the dance community find the negatives of competition, parents need to be aware of the positives. Students who truly love and appreciate the art of dance can find both physical and intellectual challenge and stimulation in competition programs.
It is my firm opinion that dancing does help steer kids away from bad habits and activity. They are more in tune with their bodies as a whole and are less likely to become smokers. They pay better attention to eating habits. They find more enjoyment in hanging out at their studio rather than just "hanging out". They are more responsible individuals.
Children do benefit from dancing. It does provide structure. It does make a difference. As an art form, it transmits a unique form of culture and teaches skills. It assists in emotional development and enlarges their span of creativity. It is more than attending classes and practicing routines. It is more than glittering costumes, shiny leotards and dance shoes. More than entertaining performances and recitals. Dance is more than all that.