Whether they’re learning how to sleep in their own bed through the night or present a speech in front of the class, elementary school children face many challenges that will test their self-confidence. Through the art of dance, young children can get more in touch with their bodies and learn how to express themselves in a healthy way, building bridges between their emotional and physical selves. Here’s a closer look at how dance classes are key to boosting your child’s confidence and preparing them for future endeavors. 

How Dancing Boosts Confidence Levels in Kids

As a parent, you want your child to feel comfortable in their own skin and sure of their own abilities, no matter their gender, age, or personality type. But in elementary school, they’re still getting the hang of motor skills while starting to realize how they are perceived in public environments. Luckily, learning different styles of dance can help your little one improve their physical coordination by watching their instructors and classmates, and realizing how observation can bring about positive change. They’ll begin to see their bodies as a powerful and amazing tool for self-expression, which can stop them from judging their appearance on a superficial level. Instead, they’ll appreciate their body for its many talents, whether they’re pirouetting or mastering the splits.

When your child has to perform their new skills in front of others, they’ll learn how to manage their own nervousness or apprehension, and they may even enjoy encouragement from their classmates. As they continue to practice and perform, they’ll become more comfortable in the public eye and more confident in their abilities. Their instructors will help them tackle big goals in smaller steps, and when they finally reach the finish line, your child will realize the payoff of determination.

How This Confidence Will Help Kids in Other Aspects of Their Lives

In addition to cultivating artistic creativity, dancing places young children in performative situations from an early age. This may help them feel more comfortable in other environments where they are “on display,” such as during show-and-tell or a class presentation. As they get older, they may experience less social anxiety or “stage fright,” which will help them excel in both academic and social environments.

If they are enrolled in regular dance classes, your child will also get used to enjoying physical activity, which will instill a habit of regular exercise and a general concern for wellness. By knowing how to take care of and listen to their bodies, your child will be better prepared for the physical challenges of puberty and adolescence. As they continue to grow, the confidence instilled in them through dance will help them excel in high school and college, as well as other extracurricular activities. It may even serve as a lifelong talent and career. Even if your child doesn’t pursue dance professionally, it can always serve as a reliable emotional outlet—a way to release anxiety or express their feelings at any age. 

Since 1983, Caledonia Dance & Music Center has been dedicated to helping elementary school-aged children realize their passions and enrich their minds in a safe and positive environment. Whether they’re tap dancing away anxiety or discovering their voice through song, your pride and joy will think of this studio as a second home. To learn more about available classes, visit the website. To speak with a staff member about enrolling your child in dance classes, call (616) 891-1606 today.