Dance is a fun way for kids to play and release pent-up energy, and it's also helpful for their emotional and mental development. It’s normal for children to struggle with expressing themselves and being social, but an extracurricular activity may encourage them to open up. If your child is bursting with creative energy but is too self-conscious to show it, here’s how they can benefit from taking dance lessons.       

How Can Dance Help Your Child Be More Confident?

1. Instills a Sense of Community

Since dance lessons occur in a group setting where your child is with other kids their age, there's comfort in knowing they’re experiencing something new together. Children support each other and work as a team while they learn routines and practice for performances. Because this space becomes a place where your little one feels accepted and makes new friends, it can prove helpful for a child with social anxiety.     

2. Provides an Outlet for Creative Self-Expression

If your young one has trouble speaking up, dance can be another way of communicating. Quiet children still have plenty to say but are challenged with how to express those emotions. Dance uses movement to tell a story and is liberating when words don’t come easily. Students can experiment with different styles and delve into exploring the performance art form. Strengthening one form of expression can help improve verbal expression, especially if they feel motivated to talk about their interests, such as dance.

3. Encourages Learning New Skills 

New experiences can be intimidating, but when they are carried through and done well, it makes it easier to accept other challenges. Dance teaches your child new moves and instills a discipline for practice in them. It gets them out of their comfort zones and shows them it’s okay to make mistakes. Teachers recognize the significance of positive reinforcement when students are exposed to unfamiliar activities. As your child progresses, they can be proud of what they’ve learned and feel motivated to keep going.   

4. Aids in Setting & Achieving Milestones 

There are different markers your little one achieves when taking dance lessons, from mastering their first dance move to performing for the first time on stage. They learn how to set goals and work toward meeting them with practice. When they see how much they can accomplish through their efforts, they are more likely to have the confidence to tackle other feats.

Help your child open up and tap into their creative potential by enrolling them in dance lessons. Since 1993, Forte Arts Center has nurtured the artistic abilities of little ones and has locations in Channahon and Morris, IL. Classes are small, so students get the attention they require and are led by highly educated professionals. Visit the website to explore their various classes, or call (815) 521-0744 to begin enrollment.