Written by Lianne Cloot-Holt – Popdance Creative Director
1. Social interaction
Dance class is a great way to introduce young children to a class situation and learn to interact socially with other children in a class. It can improve their communication skills and as they get older to learn to work as part of a team. At Popdance kids children are encouraged to work in pairs and groups and share their ideas. For older children it’s a great way to mix with others and particularly for shy children, dance class can be another place to meet new people of the same age and make new friendships.
2. Keeping active
Dance is a fantastic form of exercise, as it is aerobic and works all muscle groups. This can aids children’s overall cardio vascular fitness as well as strength, flexibility, stamina and mobility, whilst having fun. Dance can help correct poor posture, improve co ordination and muscle tone, and can potentially help children to lose weight due to the aerobic movement. Dance class can also teach children about health and safety when exercising. Popdance kids classes run in a set format, including a warm up, stretch and a cool down as well as the main routine.
3. Educational benefits
Dance works the brain as well as the body, sparking their creative mind as well as learning about the practice and discipline required to become a dancer. Children learn how to remember a sequence of steps and patterns in order and can develop their own movement skills, choreographing their own steps. Dance exams can also be taken which as the grades progress count towards UCAS points. For a child who is not naturally academic, dance can be another focus, and skills such as discipline, practice and creativity can be useful in many different areas of a childs life. Dance activity is now a specific section in the National Curriculum under P.E and is becoming recognised as an important subject at school within Key Stages 1 and 2.
4. Improved confidence and self esteem
Dance can be a great way to gently encourage children to take part in dance exams or performances. By taking part in such activities the children can feel a sense of achievement when passing a dance exam and pride when hearing the applause at the end of a performance, helping to improve their confidence and self esteem. At the end of term at Popdance Kids we often invite parents into class to watch the children in action, allowing the children to show what they have learnt and perform the routine they’ve been working on. Dance also enables children to get to know their bodies in learning posture and movement, which can help them become more confident within themselves.
5. Dance is for everyone
No matter what your age or gender dance is for everyone. There are classes available for children as young as 18 months right up to adults and there are many different genres and styles. Whether you want to take dance seriously and learn the discipline and focus of ballet or just take a class for a fun form of exercise. At Popdance we offer classes for tots, kids, teens and adults as well as Popdance active and able for those with physical or mental disabilities.
