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.
