Teenagers are often prone to mood swings, peer pressure, and other difficult situations. Even if your teen doesn't want to talk about their problems, you can support their mental health by encouraging them to express themselves creatively. Dance classes can be particularly helpful for your growing teenager. Review this guide to learn how dancing can improve and maintain good mental health.

How Joining a Dance Class Can Improve Mental Health

1. Increases Self-Esteem & Confidence

Dance classes provide an environment conducive to forming strong bonds with other learners. These connections will help reduce your teen's social anxiety and make them feel more comfortable opening up and expressing themselves. 

Improved confidence will encourage them to stick with and master routines. The resulting sense of accomplishment will help your child continue with the class, future training, and other life goals with pride and determination.

2. Reduces Stress Levels

From school demands and social pressures to bodily changes and hormonal influences, the teen years are filled with many sources of stress. If your son or daughter becomes overloaded with difficult situations, they may experience anxiety, depression, and physical illness. Finding ways for them to manage stress levels will help decrease their heart rate and promote relaxation.

As a form of aerobic exercise, dance produces endorphins — natural pain-relieving chemicals and mood elevators produced by the brain — that decrease tension, stabilize and boost mood, and improve sleep. Physical exercise also reduces the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol. Your teen will have more energy, better concentration, and a stronger command over their body and life.

3. Promotes Social Interaction

Loneliness is common among teenagers, and social isolation is often associated with an increased risk of depression, substance abuse, and self-harm. Encouraging your teen to join a dance class will give them more opportunities to interact with their peers.

They'll spend time talking with others about routines and everyday life issues. This will help them make friends and enjoy a sense of belonging. As they get better at communicating and forging relationships, they'll feel more confident about pursuing more social activities.

Signing up your teen for dance lessons at Forte Arts Center will help them grow into a strong and balanced individual. Since 1993, this music and dance school has provided a variety of performing arts classes at their two locations in Channahon and Morris, IL. Their teachers are dedicated to the development of each student’s mind, body, and spirit, going beyond technique and poise to instill positive life skills. Visit their website or call (815) 521-0744 to learn more about their programs.