Dancing kids are happy kids

An enjoyment of dance comes naturally to most kids. They love to throw their bodies around and feel the music inspire them. Children will often create their own dance routines at home. But there’s a lot to be gained from participating in school holiday dance workshops.

Children tend to have significant physical benefits after taking part in a dance workshop – even after a relatively short time. And recently, research has shown significant psychological benefits as well!

1. The physical benefits

A UK study in 2007 followed children aged 11 to 14 participating in a 10-week dance program. All participants recorded the physical benefits of improved lung capacity, flexibility and aerobic capacity.

But you don’t need to do 10 weeks of classes to notice the benefits. Shelley Ebeyer, Principal of Expression Dance School, says she notices physical benefits in her young dancers after just two days!

“Over the two days of dancing, I have witnessed an improvement in the children’s stamina and coordination,” she says. “The workshop allows the children to learn different styles of dance and steps, which utilises all parts of their bodies. They are educated on proper posture, head and body alignment and moving their entire body to create sequences of dance steps.”

2. Psychological benefits

The UK study also found improved psychological wellbeing in the 10-week dance workshop participants. (This psychological benefit was particularly strong for female participants.)

Ebeyer says she notices the following benefits in her participants:

• Learning to interact with new and other children.
• Working with a partner or as part of a group.
• Developing cooperation and trust.

She adds, “The children who participate at the workshop seem to enjoy … the opportunity to express their emotions and become aware of themselves and others through different styles of dance.

“We’ve had a few children who weren’t too confident in themselves and their dancing abilities but by the end of the two-day workshop, that seems to change,” Ebeyer says.

It’s important to choose a dance environment that is friendly and non-competitive, Ebeyer suggests. Ideally everyone should be there for two reasons, to have fun and to dance.

“I believe that dance is a powerful exercise for a growing child. It helps them improve their coordination skills, musicality skills, social awareness skills and interaction skills.”