Dance school isn’t just about getting the kids out of the house for a few hours every week. There are real benefits that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives:
Teaches Discipline
Our head dance designer began taking dance classes when she was three, and she’s one of the most disciplined and polite women I know. Actually, most dancers I’ve met in my dancewear career have been exceptionally polite and disciplined. I think that attitude and demeanor stems from the discipline and manners that are taught in the dance studio.
Let’s face it, manners and discipline are lacking in a lot of kids these days. But, put them in a room with some of the ballet teachers I’ve met, and they’ll have them saying please and thank you left, right and center.
Posture
Dancers don’t slouch. Why? Because dance school teaches you how to hold yourself — keep a flat back, stand tall and remember your legs. It may seem frivolous, but good posture is key to preventing future back problems.
Exercise
Dance school gets kids out of the house, away from the TV and actually moving. It’s an amazing workout that teaches them how to move their bodies, use their bodies and stay active.
Opens Kids to the Arts
For me, this is probably the biggest benefit of dance school for children. Dance is a great way to open kids up, at a young age, to the arts and the beauty of creative expression.
Unfortunately, our arts programs in schools are constantly being cut and I think it’s up to us, the parents, to make sure our children aren’t losing an important part of our culture. By exposing your child to the arts early, you’re setting them up for a lifetime of artistic appreciation. It’s hard to measure that, but I value it highly.
Photo: Tom@HK
