What are the benefits of learning how to dance
Dance - health benefits - Better Health Channel
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Summary
Read the full fact sheet- Dancing can be a way to stay fit for people of all ages, shapes and sizes.
- Dancing can improve your muscle tone, strength, endurance and fitness.
- Dancing is a great way to meet new friends.
- See your doctor for a check-up if you have a medical condition, are overweight, are over 40 years of age or are unfit.
About dance
There are many forms of dance, from ballroom to barn dancing and disco to Morris dancing.
Dance has always been a part of human culture, rituals and celebrations. Today, most dancing is about recreation and self-expression, although it can also be done as a competitive activity.
Dancing is an enjoyable way to be more physically active and stay fit.
Health benefits of dancing
Dancing can be a way to stay fit for people of all ages, shapes and sizes. It has a wide range of physical and mental benefits including:
- improved condition of your heart and lungs
- increased muscular strength, endurance and motor fitness
- increased aerobic fitness
- improved muscle tone and strength
- weight management
- stronger bones and reduced risk of osteoporosis
- better coordination, agility and flexibility
- improved balance and spatial awareness
- increased physical confidence
- improved mental functioning
- improved general and psychological wellbeing
- greater self-confidence and self-esteem
- better social skills.
Getting started with dancing
You can dance in a group, with a partner, or on your own.
There are lots of different places where you can enjoy dancing, for example, at dance schools, social venues, community halls and in your own home.
Dancing has become such a popular way to be active and keep fit, that most fitness clubs now offer dance classes in their group exercise programs.
Dancing can be done both competitively and socially. It can be a great recreational and sporting choice, because anyone of any age can take part. It doesn’t matter whether it is cold or raining, as dancing is usually done indoors.
The gear you need for dancing will depend on the style of dancing you choose. For example, tap dancing will involve buying tap shoes, however many forms of dance do not need special equipment or footwear.
To get started, simply choose a style you enjoy, or would like to try, look online for dance schools in your local area and join a class.
Types of dance
There are many styles of dance to choose from, each with its own attractions. Popular styles of dancing include:
- Ballet – mostly performed to classical music, this dance style focuses on strength, technique and flexibility.
- Ballroom dancing – this involves a number of partner-dancing styles such as the waltz, swing, foxtrot, rumba and tango.
- Belly dancing – originating in the Middle East, this dance style is a fun way to exercise.
- Hip-hop – performed mostly to hip-hop music, this urban dance style can involve breaking, popping, locking and freestyling.
- Jazz – a high-energy dance style involving kicks, leaps and turns to the beat of the music.
- Pole dancing – has become increasingly popular as a form of exercise. It involves dancing with a vertical pole, and requires muscle endurance, coordination, and upper- and lower-body strength.
- Salsa – involving a mixture of Caribbean, Latin American and African influences, salsa is usually a partner dance and emphasises rhythms and sensuality.
- Square-dancing – a type of folk dancing where 4 couples dance in a square pattern, moving around each other and changing partners.
- Tap dancing – focuses on timing and beats. The name originates from the tapping sounds made when the small metal plates on the dancer’s shoes touch the ground.
Choosing a dance style
When choosing a dance style, ask yourself questions such as:
- Do I want to dance to improve my fitness?
- Am I trying to improve my flexibility and coordination?
- Do I prefer fast dancing or slow dancing?
- Do I want to dance with a partner, or on my own?
- Do I want to join a group, or have private lessons?
- Will I enjoy competitions, or do I want to dance just for fun?
General tips for dancing
If you are thinking of taking up dancing, suggestions include:
- See your doctor for a check-up if you have a medical condition, are overweight, are over 40 years of age or are unfit.
- Wear layers of clothing that you can take off as your body warms up.
- Do warm-up activities before you begin a dance session.
- Drink plenty of water before, during and after dancing.
- Make sure you rest between dance sessions.
- Don’t push yourself too far or too fast, especially if you are a beginner.
- Wear professionally fitted shoes appropriate to your style of dance.
- Check with your dance instructor that you are holding the correct form.
- Sit and watch new dance moves first. Learning new moves increases your risk of injury, especially if you are already tired.
- Perform regular leg-strengthening exercises.
- Move as fluidly and gracefully as you can.
- Cool down after a dance session, including stretching.
Where to get help
- Your GP (doctor)
- Physiotherapist
- Victorian Square Dancing Association Tel. 1800 643 277
- DanceSport Victoria – ballroom and competitive dancing
- Victorian Line Dance Association
- Get Active Victoria
- Sports Medicine Australia Tel. 1300 711 211
- Fong Yan A, Cobley S, Chan CL et al.
2018, ‘The effectiveness of dance interventions on physical health outcomes compared to other forms of physical activity: A systematic review and meta-analysis’, Sports Medicine, no. 48, pp, 933–951.
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
Give feedback about this page
Was this page helpful?
More information
Content disclaimer
Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website.
All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.
Reviewed on: 25-05-2022
Dance - health benefits - Better Health Channel
Actions for this page
Summary
Read the full fact sheet- Dancing can be a way to stay fit for people of all ages, shapes and sizes.
- Dancing can improve your muscle tone, strength, endurance and fitness.
- Dancing is a great way to meet new friends.
- See your doctor for a check-up if you have a medical condition, are overweight, are over 40 years of age or are unfit.
About dance
There are many forms of dance, from ballroom to barn dancing and disco to Morris dancing.
Dance has always been a part of human culture, rituals and celebrations. Today, most dancing is about recreation and self-expression, although it can also be done as a competitive activity.
Dancing is an enjoyable way to be more physically active and stay fit.
Health benefits of dancing
Dancing can be a way to stay fit for people of all ages, shapes and sizes. It has a wide range of physical and mental benefits including:
- improved condition of your heart and lungs
- increased muscular strength, endurance and motor fitness
- increased aerobic fitness
- improved muscle tone and strength
- weight management
- stronger bones and reduced risk of osteoporosis
- better coordination, agility and flexibility
- improved balance and spatial awareness
- increased physical confidence
- improved mental functioning
- improved general and psychological wellbeing
- greater self-confidence and self-esteem
- better social skills.
Getting started with dancing
You can dance in a group, with a partner, or on your own.
There are lots of different places where you can enjoy dancing, for example, at dance schools, social venues, community halls and in your own home. Dancing has become such a popular way to be active and keep fit, that most fitness clubs now offer dance classes in their group exercise programs.
Dancing can be done both competitively and socially. It can be a great recreational and sporting choice, because anyone of any age can take part. It doesn’t matter whether it is cold or raining, as dancing is usually done indoors.
The gear you need for dancing will depend on the style of dancing you choose. For example, tap dancing will involve buying tap shoes, however many forms of dance do not need special equipment or footwear.
To get started, simply choose a style you enjoy, or would like to try, look online for dance schools in your local area and join a class.
Types of dance
There are many styles of dance to choose from, each with its own attractions. Popular styles of dancing include:
- Ballet – mostly performed to classical music, this dance style focuses on strength, technique and flexibility.
- Ballroom dancing – this involves a number of partner-dancing styles such as the waltz, swing, foxtrot, rumba and tango.
- Belly dancing – originating in the Middle East, this dance style is a fun way to exercise.
- Hip-hop – performed mostly to hip-hop music, this urban dance style can involve breaking, popping, locking and freestyling.
- Jazz – a high-energy dance style involving kicks, leaps and turns to the beat of the music.
- Pole dancing – has become increasingly popular as a form of exercise. It involves dancing with a vertical pole, and requires muscle endurance, coordination, and upper- and lower-body strength.
- Salsa – involving a mixture of Caribbean, Latin American and African influences, salsa is usually a partner dance and emphasises rhythms and sensuality.
- Square-dancing – a type of folk dancing where 4 couples dance in a square pattern, moving around each other and changing partners.
- Tap dancing – focuses on timing and beats. The name originates from the tapping sounds made when the small metal plates on the dancer’s shoes touch the ground.
Choosing a dance style
When choosing a dance style, ask yourself questions such as:
- Do I want to dance to improve my fitness?
- Am I trying to improve my flexibility and coordination?
- Do I prefer fast dancing or slow dancing?
- Do I want to dance with a partner, or on my own?
- Do I want to join a group, or have private lessons?
- Will I enjoy competitions, or do I want to dance just for fun?
General tips for dancing
If you are thinking of taking up dancing, suggestions include:
- See your doctor for a check-up if you have a medical condition, are overweight, are over 40 years of age or are unfit.
- Wear layers of clothing that you can take off as your body warms up.
- Do warm-up activities before you begin a dance session.
- Drink plenty of water before, during and after dancing.
- Make sure you rest between dance sessions.
- Don’t push yourself too far or too fast, especially if you are a beginner.
- Wear professionally fitted shoes appropriate to your style of dance.
- Check with your dance instructor that you are holding the correct form.
- Sit and watch new dance moves first. Learning new moves increases your risk of injury, especially if you are already tired.
- Perform regular leg-strengthening exercises.
- Move as fluidly and gracefully as you can.
- Cool down after a dance session, including stretching.
Where to get help
- Your GP (doctor)
- Physiotherapist
- Victorian Square Dancing Association Tel. 1800 643 277
- DanceSport Victoria – ballroom and competitive dancing
- Victorian Line Dance Association
- Get Active Victoria
- Sports Medicine Australia Tel.
1300 711 211
- Fong Yan A, Cobley S, Chan CL et al. 2018, ‘The effectiveness of dance interventions on physical health outcomes compared to other forms of physical activity: A systematic review and meta-analysis’, Sports Medicine, no. 48, pp, 933–951.
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
Give feedback about this page
Was this page helpful?
More information
Content disclaimer
Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website.
All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.
Reviewed on: 25-05-2022
Benefits of dancing for children
Dance classes bring a lot of benefits to children. Dancing to the music, the kids not only have fun and get a charge of positive emotions, but also develop harmoniously and diversified. We will talk with you today about the benefits of dancing classes for preschoolers, and at what age you can send your child to dance lessons.
Physical development of children through dance
Children who regularly attend classes at the dance school enjoy good health. Properly selected physical activity and activity in the classroom contribute to:
- Strengthening of all muscle groups;
- Formation of correct posture;
- Development of endurance;
- Improving the functioning of the heart and lungs, strengthening blood vessels;
- Development of coordination of movements, "muscle memory";
- Development of flexibility and plasticity;
- Development of dexterity and speed of reaction.
The correct execution of dance movements requires school and considerable physical effort, but, unlike sports, dance lessons are practically not traumatic and have no contraindications.
Intellectual development of children
It may seem that active activities have little effect on the intellectual development of children. But this is absolutely not true! Learning movements and their combinations perfectly trains the memory of preschoolers, and the need to constantly monitor the music, the teacher and comrades in the lesson perfectly develops attention. Lessons at the dance school form spatial thinking, the baby quickly learns to perceive the concepts of "top", "bottom", "right", "left", "side", "in the middle", "above", "under", "before", " for" and so on. To transform into the image necessary for the dance, the child actively uses the imagination. In general, intelligence is the ability to adapt to new conditions and learn quickly.
In the classroom, children not only perform pre-prepared dances, but also often improvise. Knowing himself and the possibilities of his body, the baby creates a fundamental basis for new discoveries.
Artistic and aesthetic development at the dance school
Dancing instills in preschoolers a love for art, a sense of beauty, and also opens up a new way of perceiving the world through music and movement. The variety of forms of conveying feelings is formed in the dance school due to immersion in various images. With the help of plasticity and artistic movement, children learn to express their creative ideas, moods, and thoughts. Toddlers also develop an ear for music and a sense of rhythm. Dance lessons undoubtedly contribute to the artistic and aesthetic development of preschool children.
The unity of movements and music is a special way of perceiving the world, which opens up before the baby during dancing and stays with him for life.
Development of personal qualities
Listening to music makes a great contribution to the development of a child's personality, including his emotional sphere, because it contains many experiences, emotions, feelings, events.
Thanks to dancing, children recognize themselves, orient themselves well in their inner world. In addition, babies develop such qualities as:
- Artistry;
- Creativity;
- Public speaking skills;
- Activity;
- Self-confidence;
- Self-monitoring;
- Discipline;
- Purposefulness;
- Persistence.
We can say that this is a whole school of life.
Development of communication skills
Dance lessons help children improve their communication skills. Kids usually make new acquaintances without difficulty, because the atmosphere that reigns in the dance school is conducive to close emotional communication. Even shy and unsociable children are liberated and quickly join the team. Basically, dancing is a teamwork, so preschoolers develop a sense of trust in others, as well as develop interaction skills with other people, the ability to find a common language with peers in the classroom.
In choreography classes, children are taught to express their emotions through facial expressions and gestures, and this greatly helps them to better understand how other people feel.
At what age can dance lessons start?
Every parent wants his baby to develop actively and fully, so almost from the very birth of the baby, he thinks about which circle to send the child to, which will better prepare him for school. Most sections enroll children over 4 years old. But dancing is exactly the kind of activity that is suitable for kids from 2-3 years old. This is due to the level of physical development of children of this age and their needs. At 2 years old, children usually love everything that has to do with movement. They can run, jump, overcome obstacles almost without stopping. As the vestibular apparatus develops, the ability to maintain balance develops. By the age of 3, movements become more precise and coordinated, and the reaction rate increases. From the age of 4-5, preschoolers have access to complex motor skills that require good physical fitness, dexterity, flexibility and responsiveness.
Of course, preschool children, in most cases, cannot master complex choreography and achieve high results. But dancing classes under the guidance of a professional and attentive teacher will allow the kid to express himself and fully satisfy his need to be in motion, as well as prepare the basis for future victories. To accurately determine whether the baby is ready for dance classes, you can ask yourself the following questions:
- How does the child prefer to spend their free time? Does he like active or quiet games?
- How does the baby tolerate physical activity?
- Will he be able to listen to the teacher of the school and fulfill his requirements?
- And most importantly: does the child like to dance? To find out, you can simply watch the baby or invite him to dance with you.
Toddlers 2-4 years old, along with older preschoolers, can be safely sent to dance lessons, since active physical development takes place at this stage, but you should always take into account the individual characteristics of the child.
Conclusions
When parents are faced with the choice of which section or circle to send their child to, many choose a dance school. And this is exactly what children of early and preschool age need. Dance classes make a great contribution to the physical, intellectual, personal, social and aesthetic development of the child. Children involved in dancing develop self-control skills, the ability to work in a team and cooperate with peers, and listen to the teacher. Going to school for lessons, the child will be psychologically prepared for new conditions for him.
Conclusion
In the Montessori club "Sozvezdie" dance classes are held for boys and girls from 2 to 7 years old. Pupils of the younger group learn to work harmoniously in a team and master the lessons of the simplest movements. Senior dancers learn more complex compositions, get acquainted with such expressive means as plasticity, pantomime and facial expressions. In addition to artistic moments, we pay great attention to the development of general physical fitness, stimulate coordination of movements, flexibility and endurance.
We respect the physical and emotional reserves of each child, therefore, if necessary, we adjust the pace of work, take breaks, and give the opportunity to improvise. In our classes, kids get an amazing charge of positive emotions. Come and see for yourself!
The article was prepared by a dance school teacher
Svetlichnaya Zhanna
The benefits of dancing for children
Speech therapist, Psychologist, Neuropsychologist
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The current young generation needs active leisure more than adults, because preschoolers and teenagers need to throw away excess energy. Dancing is a great pastime, because children have the opportunity to master the skills of rhythm and plasticity.
Dance classes help to strengthen the body and promote physical development, but most importantly, they relieve the child of the accumulated school stress. Thanks to dance lessons, you can get rid of negative emotions, as well as learn how to work in a team. As a result, attending a dance school can transform your daughter or son not only externally, but also internally.
Why is dancing good for children?
When we talk about any physical activity (and dancing is no exception), we usually mean a positive effect on the body. Dancing classes really affect the development of the child, his health and body condition:
- Correct posture is formed, gait improves;
- The figure becomes slim and pumped up due to muscle strengthening;
- Indicators of flexibility, endurance increase, coordination of movements improves;
- The spine is strengthened along with the muscular corset, tension in the back disappears;
- Stabilizes blood circulation, as well as the work of joints and blood vessels;
- Correct breathing is established, due to which the exact work of the heart is maintained;
- Improves the overall tone of the body.
Artel has more than 15 dance styles for children and adults.
Speaking about the benefits of dancing, one cannot limit oneself to the effect of general health improvement. It is much more important that classes at the dance school have a positive impact on the psychological state of the child.
- Children learn to work and communicate with their peers, they develop communication skills and learn to be truly team players.
- At the same time, dancing will help develop a child's motivation for life, strengthen his self-esteem and awaken leadership qualities in him.
- Children become liberated, cheerful, forget about uncertainty and fears. Young dancers learn to be patient with all sorts of failures and keep moving towards success.
- Regular participation in training and competitions makes every child disciplined and purposeful.
Any dance style can reveal the potential of a child and awaken dormant talents in him.
Children begin to hear and listen to music, understand it and feel the rhythmic nuances. Dancing also has a huge impact on the formation of aesthetic taste in adolescents, since students from an early age begin to follow a neat appearance.
Basic types of dances for children
If parents decide to enroll their child in dance classes, the next question that arises is the choice of a specific direction. There are many varieties of dances, each of which has its own nuances and features. Some of the directions are more suitable for shy and romantic children, while others are more suitable for energetic little fashionistas. Therefore, when choosing dances, you should focus on the character of your daughter or son, and also take into account that special clothes may be required for performances. Moreover, some classes may take place in special shoes, which also need to be taken care of in advance.
- Contemporary dances. This category includes various fashion trends that are in demand not only in Russia, but also abroad.
Modern and contemporary develop acting skills in a child, add plasticity and flexibility to his body. Professional dancers in these areas often become eminent coaches abroad.
- Breakdancing and hip-hop. These dances came out of the modern direction, but today they are already considered classics of street style. This dance technique is in demand among boys, especially since it requires physical endurance and strength. Hip-hop and breakdance make students confident, masculine and fashionable. It is worth bringing a child to such an activity at 7-9years.
- Ballet. Real dance art can become a vocation for both boys and girls at a very early age - from 4-5 years old. Ballet is the basis for many other dance styles, as it helps to instill discipline and endurance, self-control and perseverance in a child. In addition, ballet can make a world career.
- Jazz funk. This direction of dance fascinates the audience through a combination of completely different movements.
There is a place for smoothness and sharpness, tenderness and slight aggressiveness. Dance makes the child plastic and flexible, because there are many slips, arches and waves in it. This is a very creative direction in which there is room for interesting improvisations. Jazz funk can become a favorite dance for both girls and boys.
- Variety and folk dances. This is a very large group of dances associated with active communication in the team. Such dances are almost always massive, so the child will have a great opportunity to make new friends. Another plus is that such performances are accompanied by theatrical elements, so that children can learn acting skills. Pop and folk dance direction will help the child become charismatic and get rid of shyness. It is worth giving children to such classes from the age of 4.
- Ballroom dancing. This is a sports direction for working in pairs. Such dances are one of the most popular among parents, because they teach how to present themselves, develop grace, and improve communication skills.
Ballroom dancing also helps with movement control and balance, and improves concentration. You can send a child to such a direction from the age of 5, but not later than 12 years.
- Oriental dance. This direction is especially in demand among girls, because it helps to develop plasticity and flexibility. Oriental dances help to become feminine and graceful at any age. In addition, such exercises correct the figure, forming the press and pumping up the abdominal muscles. Giving to oriental dances is worth children in the period of 5-7 years.
Dancewear
It has already been said above that any direction in dance needs an appropriate stage outfit, as well as suits for training. Sometimes you may even need additional paraphernalia.
If we are talking about bright attires for competitions, then here parents will have to prepare in advance:
- Latin American dances are obligatory girlish short dresses with a puffy skirt and a spectacular cutout on the back;
- Hip-hop and breakdancing - wide leg pants or shorts, loose T-shirts, tops and shirts;
- Folk dances are bright themed costumes with national ornaments;
- Ballroom dancing - classic outfit;
- Ballet - white tutu for girls;
- Oriental dance costume with glittery skirt and sequins.
