As your child begins to crawl and then walk, you’ll see firsthand how much movement plays a role in their growth and development. Soon enough, they’ll be ready to take their physical activity to the next level. Luckily, you can ensure they get the exercise they crave and have fun while doing so by enrolling them in a dance class. Here are some of the ways this activity will improve their physical health.

3 Physical Benefits of Dance for Children

1. Builds Strength

While the joy of mastering a new move and the fun of moving to the music makes this activity enjoyable in its own right, this sport is also an excellent way to condition their muscles. For example, as your daughter performs a plié at the barre, she’ll be contracting her quadriceps and glutes, as well as strengthen their ankles, calves, and back. As your child performs push-ups as part of a hip-hop warmup, he’ll build strength in his biceps, triceps, and abs.

2. Enhances Motor Skills

In addition to athleticism, dance requires a strong connection between the body and the mind. By trying to figure out how to orient their bodies in new and difficult ways, children in dance classes are training their minds to focus and exercise their motor skills. For example, a box step in jazz class or a pas de bourrée in ballet require careful, precise footwork, which will help improve your child’s physical coordination overall.

3. Helps Maintain Healthy Weight

As your little one moves from strength-building at the barre to powerful jumps across the floor, their heart rates will rise, allowing them to burn off pent-up energy. In the process, they’ll burn calories without even noticing it. Since one in every five school-aged children suffers from obesity, getting your child excited about an activity that will help them remain at a healthy weight is crucial to their well-being.

If you’re interested in enrolling your child in a dance class, consider Kickline Dance Center of Lawrence, PA. They offer ballet, hip-hop, tap, and jazz classes, as well as unique fusion classes like contemporary, musical theater, pointe, and lyrical dance — a mix of jazz and ballet set to lyrical music. Whatever type of movement or music sparks joy in your little one, their teachers will use that motivation to keep your child happy and healthy. To learn more about their options for children from toddlers to teens, visit their website or call (724) 941-9839 to speak with a representative today.