Hi, let’s talk about the amazing benefits of Dance classes for kids and more specifically preschoolers! Dance classes have so many benefits for kids for both their bodies and minds.
In this video, I’m going to first talk first about The physical benefits of dance for kids. Then we will move on the intellectual and emotional benefits. Now sometimes we might think, what can a preschooler actually get out of a dance class?
Little introduction first, I remember, once a Grandpa was watching one of my classes and after the class he said something like, well we really can’t expect much, can we? And that made me really think. In fact I thought a lot about what he said on the drive home from the class. Because of course, I believe greatly in what I do and know all the benefits for preschoolers in a dance class.
So His perspective versus my perspective were completely different. In fact I expect a lot and I believe that my students get a lot out of my classes.
Are preschoolers going to be able to perform pirouettes by the end of the year? No. Are they going to be able to do a choreographed Dance by themselves? Probably not.
So what are the expectations? What is going to be accomplished in a preschool ballet class? Let’s talk about expectations or benefits from a preschool ballet class. So first what are the physical benefits?
I remember reading an article about whether ballet classes were good exercise. And I remember being a bit frustrated by that article because exercise is not just about doing the typical 20-30 minutes of cardio every day. I am also a certified fitness coach so I know there is so much more.
First, learning how to use your body is so important in being physically active. If we are not comfortable in our bodies we are less likely to move. So getting kids used to being active at an early age is so important. We then understand and appreciate what our bodies are capable of. When we understand what we are capable of we can tackle something more advanced and are more confident going forward.
So dance gives us the feeling of being comfortable in our bodies. When someone goes to a gym for example and they look at all the exercise equipment and there’s other people around then they might feel uncomfortable and not stick with an exercise program. But if they moved at a young age that won’t be as much of an issue.
I have teenagers and I want to make sure my kids know their way around a gym. That They can go into a gym and understand how to use all the equipment and not feel intimidated. Then hopefully they will exercise in the future. I think that’s huge.
So I feel like taking a dance class is the same thing. Because when taking a dance class not only are you learning the techniques of whatever you are doing, but you’re getting more comfortable with how to use your body in a space. Then you feel like – I know I can do this because I’ve done this before!
And so, when you start kids off in a dance class they’re learning – Oh wow! I can do this! My body is capable of doing this activity. Then they will feel more confident going into other activities. Whether it is a more advanced dance class, a gym class or a sport.
Okay, so that’s my big speech about that!
But dance is physical exercise. We dancers also know that when we are in a dance class it is hard work! We do get our hearts going and our bodies are getting stronger. Just look at any professional dancer!
For example the other day in class I had a new student and we were leaping over little animals and they asked if we could leap again sometime. I said of course we will leap every class because it gets our legs nice and strong and having strong bodies is so important.
There is definitely some cardio and muscle building involved. We dance around and jump and get out of breath. There is exercise. But also again the students are learning I can do this! I can work hard and it’s actually fun!
Next there is flexibility, learning how to stretch is also very important and in a dance class. Kids learn different types of stretches and how to stretch appropriately.
How about Posture and balance? Dance helps us hold our bodies better. Then our core is stronger which keeps us in line as we age and we’re less prone to accidents and injury.
We are teaching healthy habits for life! Preschoolers can learn to stand and sit up straight and stretch tall.
Then there is range of motion – when we dance we use our full range of motion. We move our arms and legs all around. It’s not like running where you are doing the same movement over and over. You are using your whole body.
Finally dance is a release. It is great for stress relief and gives us a better sense of well being. This can also improve a child’s sleep, focus, and routine. Which we will address more in the next videos.
So we have increased cardiovascular health, strength building, flexibility, posture, balance, range of motion and release. These are all the physical benefits of a dance class.
In the next video we will move on to the cognitive benefits. How does dance affect us intellectually and then we will talk about the emotional benefits. Stay tuned!