Dance lessons allow the body to stretch and use different muscles when practicing various movements. From ballet to tap, these dance styles refine physical health by allowing dancers to improve their balance, boost stamina, and build confidence. If your child expresses an interest in dance, below are several ways their mental health will improve with each lesson as well. 

How Dancing Improves Mental Health

1. Boosts Mood 

Dance allows children to clear their heads. It also causes the brain to release endorphins, which promote feelings of happiness. As dance is often paired with music—which activates the reward center of the brain—it creates a sensation of happiness that lasts long after the music stops.

2. Promotes Connections 

In addition to the teamwork fostered by choreographed group routines, dance facilitates bonding and establishes a sense of connection. Children can bond with each other while learning new moves together. These connections create a sense of unity, which leads to positive social bonding. If your child has a hard time making friends at school, dance lessons can clear the way for them to have a healthy and more successful social life. 

3. Decreases Anxiety & Stress

Dance is used in various studios as a type of movement therapy, which promotes physical and emotional well-being. For children who have anxiety and stress, taking dance lessons will alleviate their symptoms. The different movements will allow them to express their emotions without using words. In turn, this reduces their stress and anxiety, as they no longer harbor negative and intense emotions, and instead learn how to cope through dance.

If you want to enroll your child or yourself in dance classes, New York Dance Center in Chester, NY, accepts students of all ages. They offer a wide range of styles from tap to ballet to musical theater, so there is a class that your child will enjoy. Visit them online to learn more about their classes or call (845) 615-1433 to discuss enrollment options.