How Dance Classes Can Positively Influence Your Child

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Children may rely on their parents and other family members for approval at a young age, but once they enter school they’ll begin a shift that causes them to lean heavily in favor of their peer group when it comes to building their self-esteem. It is because of this that many children struggle with self-confidence as they head in to their adolescence; other kids can be rude, crude, and downright nasty as they, too, try to discover their own identities by trying on a variety of hats. However, there is a third option to build your child’s self-esteem, aside from the spheres of school and home life. You can also enroll your children in extracurricular activities. And although dance may not be the first thought that comes to mind (team sports and music lessons might be your first choices), there are several reasons why dance classes could be a better confidence booster for your kids.

For one thing, dance classes allow your kids to interact socially in a setting that has some structure and purpose, but also a social element that is more relaxed than school. And this can help them to develop both individually and as part of a group of like-minded children. If they excel in dance, they will start to feel good about their abilities. They can gain confidence not only from seeing their skills grow with instruction and practice, but from knowing that they can set their mind to a goal and accomplish it with hard work and diligence. And the fact that they’re sharing the experience with other children who are also building their self-esteem makes for a positive social environment in which to form relationships. This is not to say that the dance world can’t be cliquey and competitive, especially as the age group advances. But from an early age it can certainly help to endow your kids with a special skillset that provides them with added confidence.

In addition, dance classes can contribute to the process of making kids comfortable with their bodies as they grow and develop. Initially, dance will help your children to develop coordination and experience a mind-body synthesis that helps them to understand what their bodies are capable of. As children head into adolescence, most go through an awkward phase as their bodies seem to turn against them, awhirl with hormones and accelerated growth. Having dance to fall back on can help them to cope with the changes they’re experiencing.

And of course, there is the physical fitness aspect to consider. Although dance classes for young children aren’t likely to be too strenuous or difficult, kids that stick with it and begin to master more complex technique will have to work harder and harder. This is not only good for their focus and dedication, but it also makes for a great workout, potentially keeping your kids from entering the ranks of childhood obesity that seem to be so prevalent these days. And when kids are fit and feeling good, they’re bound to have better self-esteem. So think about entering your progeny in a children’s dance class in NYC, LA, or whatever city you live in. You could end up granting them a lifelong passion and helping to build their confidence in the meantime.