Dance classes provide a fun way for children to get some exercise. From rapid movements in jazz numbers to gentle and graceful ballet steps, dancing helps kids improve their coordination and balance. However, these aren't the only benefits of taking dance classes. Below are some other ways learning to dance can help kids in various areas of life. 

Why Dance Is About More Than Just Movement

1. Improves Confidence

When kids start dancing, they generally don’t know how to do any movements or routines. Over time, they learn specific sequences and then continue improving over time. 

After recitals or once they’ve learned a full routine, they can look back at all they’ve accomplished and feel proud of their ability to learn and memorize difficult steps. This confidence in their ability to learn and grow can then spill into other areas of life, like school and athletics. 

2. Enhances Social Skills

When children take dance lessons, they are put in groups with others around their age who also have an interest in dancing. This commonality gives them an easy way to start conversations and begin friendships. 

Many young dancers make lifelong friends in classes. Even if they don’t, the skills of socializing with others around a shared interest can help them build other connections throughout life. 

3. Fosters Creativity

Dance is all about expressing yourself through movement. The more positions and routines a new dancer learns, the more combinations they can come up with on their own as they start feeling comfortable simply putting movement to music. Even if your child doesn't want to dance professionally or for an audience, a healthy sense of creativity can apply to other areas of their life as well. This includes creating visual art, writing, or even problem-solving.

If you’re interested in enrolling your child in dance classes, contact Allison’s Dance Academy. The dance studio offers an array of styles, from gymnastics to hip-hop dancing. Kids perform the routines they learn, along with age-appropriate costumes and music at each stage. The dance center has many locations, including in Rock Rapids and Rock Valley, IA, and Brandon and Beresford, SD. Visit their website to see a schedule of dance classes. To learn about enrollment, call the Brandon location at (605) 582-5678.