Ten Benefits of Involvement in Dance

It's well known by many that there are countless benefits for young athletes and children who participate in extracurricular activities. Outside of the obvious, children who participate in additional activities, including dance, experience a multitude of physical, mental and academic benefits compared to their peers. As Dance Teachers and Dance Parents, we've worked to compile a list all of the favorite things we see outside of the classroom and away from the barre, that have the largest positive impact on our kids.

1. Increased Confidence and Self Esteem: Dancers are continuously building confidence as they learn and grow. Continuing to meet new goals every week, and watching your hard work pays off builds self-esteem for many. Dancers need to have an abundance of confidence to get on stage and perform in front of an audience, or to compete in front of a judge. Within a dance classroom, goal setting and goal achieving never stop! This is an exciting process for kids, and a rewarding one as well.

2. Promotion of Self Expression: Who are we really if we can't be our true selves? Showing off creativity and self expression can improve mood, self esteem, social life and overall cognitive functioning! It is so important that to teach children to be themselves, and for them to understand that they'll be accepted as themselves, and allowing for self-expression is a great way to do this.

3. Well Developed Teamwork & Problem Solving: Many situations throughout life involve utilizing teamwork or problem solving skills, and a dance class is no different! Interacting with peers, learning effective communication and overcoming challenges are all large focuses within dance. Starting to work on these life skills at a young age certainly set individuals up for success long term!

4. Physical Health Benefits: Participation in dance at a young age is proven to set children up for success when related to their physical health. Most dancers have increased body awareness, better posture and a positive lifelong attitude about staying active and healthy! Along with this they have improved agility, coordination, balance, stamina and increased self esteem.

5. High Level Independence: In order to be a young athlete, independence is a must! It's crucial to learn how to walk into practices alone with your head held high, to work and communicate with adult coaches and teachers, and to perform in games, competitions or recitals in front of family, friends, fans and peers! Dancers, especially those who participate in a Leaders In Training Program or a Mentorship Program are often found to be extremely independent. Raising independent individuals, exude confidence and stand up for themselves and what they believe in is extremely important!

6. Improved Mental Health: Involvement in extracurricular activities, like dance, allows for individuals to utilize imagination, build friendships and express themselves through a variety of forms. The continuous use of imagination, and extensive memory recall is proven to lead to improved cognitive functioning and have wonderful mental health benefits. Self Expression through art, and building friendships and support within the classroom also lead to healthy mental and behavioral health.

7. Increased Social Skills: Individuals involved in extracurricular activities, and those who spend time with class members, team members, teachers and coaches allow for children to build relationship and improve social skills. Communicating with individuals various ages, backgrounds and levels of experience allow kids learn wonderful and helpful, life long social skills.

8. Reduced Stress: Exercising or participating in a dance class, is a natural way to increase endorphins and to let go of stress. Many dancers feel that getting into the classroom and working their way through choreography allows them to clear their mind, let go, and helps them to feel better when working through difficult situations.

9. High Educational Achievement: There is a strong correlation between children who are involved in the arts and high academic achievement! The continuous use of memorization, repetition and learning transfer easily to the classroom, and often times bring success to students and future employees.

10. Stay Involved; Stay Busy: It's well known amongst parents and care givers that typically kids who are involved in extra curricular activities and keep busy, usually stay out of trouble. The amount of time that a dancer devotes to their craft allows them to keep busy in a safe environment, where they are with like-minded peers and being supervised by teachers.