If you’re looking for a class that combines creativity and exercise for your child, then a local kids dance class is the perfect solution.
Not only are dance classes fun, interactive and a great way to allow your little one to get their wiggles out, but there is also a wide variety to choose from for children of all ages, including:
- Ballet
- Tap
- Jazz
- Hip Hop
- Modern
- Creative Movement
- Ballroom
- Swing
- Folk
- Irish
- Bollywood
- Clog
- African
Kids dance classes also promote a healthy balance in lifestyle for children and a lifelong appreciation of the arts. They can spark your child’s imagination and help develop strength and flexibility. There are plenty of other benefits as well, so put on your dancing shoes and let’s explore the many reasons why dance classes are great for kids!
1. Screen time be gone
As a parent these days, one of your biggest concerns is most likely too much screen time. Kids dance classes give you a fun excuse to get your child off screens and into an environment where there is physical, mental and social stimulation. Through instructional learning from the teachers and interaction with other kids, your child will forget all about missing their favorite show or video game because they will be so immersed in learning rhythm, technique, balance and having fun! And because many dance classes require at-home practice, your child will be so excited about what they learn at the studio, they won’t even think of getting back on that iPad for hours. Okay, so maybe that’s just wishful thinking. But rest assured, as they get older and if they stick with it, your child may develop a passion for dancing, which means that screen time will become a casualty as they pursue their dream of performing on the big stage!
2. Let's get exercising!
One of the most obvious benefits of dancing is the physical benefit kids get out of it. Dance classes promote flexibility, strength conditioning, stamina, healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which all lead to a decreased risk of childhood obesity. Other health benefits of dancing are:
- Improved agility
- Increased coordination and spatial awareness
- Healthier heart and lungs
- Better balance
And the more kids exercise, the more tired they’ll become, which means...
3. Your child will sleep better
Children who don’t get enough sleep are at a greater risk for obesity, diabetes, injuries, poor mental health, attention and behavior disorders, and poor academic performance, according to a study from the Center for Disease Control. If your child has trouble sleeping, it may be tough to motivate them to participate in a dance class. But if you can make it happen, the benefit of more, higher-quality sleep awaits. A New Zealand study found that children who were inactive took three minutes longer to fall asleep for every hour they were sitting than kids who were physically active. That means kids who are more active sleep longer. In terms of a workout, dance classes will check all the boxes to ensure your little ones rest well, but did you know dance classes are also a great mental workout? Listening, following directions and the strain of learning new skills, all contribute to more restful minds at bedtime and better sleep.
4. The arts improve self-confidence
Dance classes—and the arts in general—help kids learn to socialize at an early age. Through learning in a group environment, children learn patience and communication skills by asking questions when they need help. And by watching their peers struggle and succeed just like them, they learn to empathize with others. Your child will learn valuable problem-solving skills that will build an atmosphere of trust. But not just that, your child will learn leadership and team-building skills, perseverance and self-motivation, along with the ability to absorb and hold information for longer, all helping to build confidence and self-assurance.
5. Movement fosters creativity
Lastly, dance classes help your child become comfortable with creatively expressing a wide range of emotions in front of others, which shows mental maturity. But it also offers him a healthier outlet to show emotion rather than yelling, screaming or throwing objects. Dancing improves mood and tackles anxiety and depression and also relieves stress. But most of all, dancing allows children to use their imagination, combining expressive movement with emotional music.
Ready to get dancing? There are so many virtual dance classes to explore. Check out tons of options here!
