Structure and movement are critical for young children with growing brains and energy to burn, making dance a very popular activity for little ones. Tap dance is set apart from other forms of dance in that it involves movement and music-making, using the percussive metal soles of the tap shoes. The skills learned through tap dance are innumerable, exceeding beyond the walls of dance class. Here are a few reasons to choose tap for your child.

4 Advantages of Tap Dancing for Kids

1. Improved Focus 

Learning new techniques or choreography, listening to musical cues, and staying on beat all require mental focus. This increased focus is a mastery your child takes with them, whether it's in dance class, in the classroom, or at home. Tap is an excellent method to help your little one strengthen their memory, exercise discipline, and learn a fun new skill. 

2. Balance & Coordination

In order to perform the tap moves properly, new dancers have to build up their core muscles to maintain balance and control. This requires not only mind-body connection but good posture. Every movement in tap shoes is audible, which helps children stay in sync with the music and one another, fine-tuning their coordination and rhythm. 

3. Positive Outlet

Tap dancing can be a portal for self-expression for a young child. Once they learn the basics, tap dancing can become a gateway to individual creativity, giving your child a chance to play with different rhythms and sounds. Another benefit of dance and movement is that it is known to assist with emotional regulation, which can help a child process emotions and stressors in a safe and healthy way. 

4. Gender Neutral 

It is not uncommon for girls to gravitate toward dance, but for boys, classes like ballet or jazz are often female-dominated and might feel intimidating to attend. While the history of tap includes both men and women, some of the most famous tap dancers were men like Fred Astaire, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, and Gene Kelly. This form of dance created the backbone of what we know today as hip-hop, which also remains a common style of dance for boys and girls.  

If you are looking for a dance class for your child in Onalaska, WI, Misty's Dance Unlimited is the perfect studio to start with. From beginner to pre-professional classes, MDU has experienced and passionate teachers to help your child develop confidence on and off the stage. MDU is certified as a Youth Protection Advocate in Dance dedicated to making dance a safe and healthy space for all children. To find out more about classes and scheduling, call (608) 779-4642 or visit them online.