THE BENEFITS OF DANCE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

If you have kids, you may be wondering what is the best way to channel their seemingly boundless energy. While traditional team sports are a good way to get your kids physically active, they may not be right for younger children. Dance classes are a great alternative to team sports, and most studios offer lessons for children as young as two or three. Participating in dance classes can be beneficial for kids of all ages.

Improved Physical Health

Dancing is a highly physical activity, and kids who take dance lessons regularly should expect to see a significant improvement in their overall physical health. According to Pro Dance Center, regular dance practice can increase your child's flexibility, range of motion, physical strength and stamina. The repetitive movements involved in dance can improve muscle tone, correct poor posture, increase balance and coordination and improve overall cardiovascular health. Dancing is an aerobic form of exercise. For children who are overweight, it can potentially help them to lose weight and improve their eating habits.

Socialisation Benefits

In addition to being a physical activity, dancing is also a highly social activity. According to "FamilyTalk Magasine," dance lessons can help children improve their social and communication skills, learn how to work as part of a team, develop a greater sense of trust and cooperation and make new friends. If your child is shy, enrolling her in dance can encourage her to reach out to other children her age and help to reduce her anxiety about new people or places. Dance can also help to alleviate fears related to performing in front of an audience.

Educational Benefits

Becoming a skilled dancer requires practice, discipline and focus, skills that can be useful in other areas of your child's life. According to "FamilyTalk Magazine," dance lessons can help to spark creativity in young children and help them to develop an appreciation for the arts. Students who regularly participate in dance lessons typically tend to perform better academically than their nonparticipating peers. "FamilyTalk Magazine" estimates that students who have a background in dance tend to achieve significantly higher SAT scores and do better in math and science competitions.

Improved Self-Esteem

As children adjust to the movements and postures required in dance, they begin to get a better sense of their bodies. As they become more comfortable in their own skin, their confidence and self-esteem also improve. According to EduDance, dance lessons can encourage children to foster a more positive attitude and explore their own self-expression. This can be particularly beneficial for children who are physically or mentally impaired or those who are attempting to deal with significant emotional problems.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What do I bring to class?

•  Necessary dancing shoes
•  Dancing uniform
•  Bottle of water
•  Small hand towel
•  Extra pins and elastics

Do I need to practise?
In order to improve we all need to practise especially when exams, competitions or shows are approaching. We ask that you practise at home each week to achieve and maintain flexibility.

Do I need to attend classes regularly?
It is essential that classes are attended consistently. If students frequently miss classes, it is difficult for them to catch up on what they may have missed and it is also difficult for other students to work around those who are missing.

Do I need to attend meetings regularly?
Meetings are important for parents and students to attend. These meetings deal with important issues regarding costumes, timetable changes, special events etc. There are only a few meetings per year.

How is other information relayed to parents and students?
We have communication pockets in the hallway that are used for information. Newsletters are printed once per term to keep everyone up to date. Please check the website for the latest newsletters and event information. Also keep an eye on the noticeboard in the waiting room as information is relayed through this board. Other items of interest are also put on the board relating to outside workshops, summer school, and specials on dance wear.

Is it compulsory to do Examinations?
It is not compulsory, but is advisable for all students to enter exams. Exams give students and parents an idea of how they are progressing and the standard of their work. It also gives the students a standard to aim towards. Our school has a 100% pass rate for exams with many students receiving high results up to and including teaching qualifications.

Is it compulsory to do Competitions?
Troupe Competition Work – No. It is optional whether students dance in troupes at competitions; however participation is greatly encouraged as it is a valuable performing experience and teaches students the value of teamwork. If students intend dancing in troupes, both the student and parent need to understand that, to reach competition standard, a commitment must be made. All troupe rehearsals must be attended to achieve this standard and a troupe commitment form must be signed by student and parent at the beginning of the year. Students missing rehearsal will not be able to remain in the troupe.

Solo Competition Work – This is optional also. Students are able to enter solo dances for competitions if they wish in consultation with their private lesson teacher. Again, full commitment is required in all aspects of competition work, including attendance at private lessons, practise at home and allowing for costume requirements. Solos are great for students of any age to gain self-esteem, confidence and performing skills to further their dancing careers.

Class sizes

We limit our class sizes to ensure each child receives individual attention and corrections, as well as keeping a personal atmosphere. Student teachers are also used in classes of slightly bigger size.