The history of jazz music is quite well known. From New Orleans to Detroit and beyond, the new spin on blues took the nation by storm in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Jazz dance, however, isn't always as thoroughly discussed. Here is a brief guide to jazz dance and how dance classes can benefit children in wonderful and unexpected ways. 

What Is Jazz Dance?

Jazz dance was created when African Americans began to blend African and European moves together at religious and social gatherings. This resulted in a style more improvised than European dances but more structured than traditional African dance. The result was a smoother, more charismatic dance style that perfectly accompanied jazz music. Jazz steps that are still popular today include the ball change, the jazz square, and the Charleston. 

What Are Its Benefits for Children?

Physical

Mastering a skill like dance takes countless hours of practice. In addition to the classes your child attends, they should plan to practice daily at home. This type of routine can have a significant positive effect on physical health, especially for kids who were fairly sedentary before starting dance classes. You might notice fat loss, muscle growth, increased cardiovascular endurance, and improved balance.

Mental

Being physically fit isn't enough to become a great dancer. Memorizing steps and routines is a key component, especially with a fast-moving style like jazz. Utilizing their memory in this way on a daily basis will make it easier to memorize other important things too, like spelling words, mathematical formulas, and due dates.

Social

If your child struggles socially, a structured activity such as dance classes is often the key to helping them bond with other kids. Being part of a team and sharing an interest with the other members makes it easy to open up and depend on each other. Many of the friendships born in dance class end up being lifelong.

If you're interested in enrolling your child in jazz dance classes, you can count on Suzanne's School of Dance in College Station, TX. This state-of-the-art facility offers faith-based dance lessons that start and end with prayer. Your children will learn valuable life skills along with dance. Visit their website or call (979) 485-8277 for enrollment information.