Monday 25 May 2015

Dance classes for kids

Dancing is a fun activity for all age groups. There are many YouTube videos of toddlers jigging away to music in their playpens. Children do not have the inhibitions that adults have and therefore childhood is the best time for teaching children how to dance. You probably wonder at that logic, since when attending a club or a party, you will find adults untrained in dancing, swaying quite rhythmically to the music. But ask any one of them to do a waltz or something faster, like a salsa or tango, and they would fail miserably. Like swimming and cycling, trained dance movements are like a sport. It is learnt best when young, and once learnt, never forgotten.


Why is dancing a good form of exercise for kids?

Many kids have different passions. It can be for a sport, like football or tennis or in other areas in the academic field. They could be good singers or writers. But nearly all children like dancing. It is a fun activity. If your child is passionate about a sport, let them take that up. But if it is more about you as parents, pushing them into the sport, take a step back and pause. Most children, unless they’re passionate about a sport, give it up after a while and become unfit. Instead introduce them to dance. They can dance even later in life when they get busier, though they may not have time to continue with a sport.

Children who are more into academia or the arts get very little exercise. And all children need some form of exercise to not only keep them fit physically, but also to increase focus and concentrate better. Dancing is a good way for them to unwind whatever their age is and they can continue de-stressing through dance, even after they have become adults. 

Structured dancing is helpful

Dance classes for children do not mean a large room with loud music, with a whole lot of children shouting and screaming as they jump about. As in any other sport or any other kind of exercise or activity, structure is important, especially for children. Having a structured class helps them learn the importance of learning a level well, before moving on. This increases focus and concentration and makes them fitter mentally. 

Of course, children should have fun. So, most dance classes mix a lot of fun activities as part of the structured programs. Some of the steps are also taught in a way that would make it fun for children. The goal in these dance classes is to make dancing a recreational activity for the children, while learning a new interest. At the end of the day, the whole point is lost if the dance class becomes a stressful activity for the child rather than a fun activity.

Appreciate your child’s efforts

When your child comes home from their dance class, and wants to show you what they learnt that day, take the time to watch it. Do not belittle their dancing. Remember, boys can dance too. Some of the most famous dancers in the world were men. Be happy that your little boy likes to dance, and applaud him when he does well.

Find a good dance class for your kid

Where your child learns to dance is important. The dance class should have a well structured program with a good element of fun thrown in. Make enquiries about the dance class and try and speak to someone who sends their children there for lessons. In fact, most dance classes will give you references, if you ask them. When you want your child to learn a new activity, make sure that they’re going to the best place to learn it.