It’s that time of year again. After a year of lessons, costume fittings, and choreography practiced over and over again, local dance recitals are on the calendar. Of the three main dance studios in and around Habersham, Premiere Dance and Performing Art Academy in Cornelia had its recital Saturday, April 16, and Rhythm Academy Dance Company had its recital on Saturday, May 7th. Only Clarkesville School of Dance has its recital to come next weekend on Saturday, May 14th.
In honor of all the teachers, children and families who put countless hours into preparing for these recitals, it’s a great opportunity to remember what makes dance important in the lives of children.
Children need something physical to do
There’s no question that physical activity is important for children. They are born to move and run and jump. They have boundless energy that needs an outlet. And the children today get bored quickly and easily.
Many parents turn to sports as a place to work out some of that energy. Pass local fields on any Saturday and you’ll see the crowds for football, baseball and soccer. There are basketball and tennis and swimming teams as well.
One activity that doesn’t receive as much attention in creating opportunities for physical activity is dance, yet the benefits of dance training are huge as well.
The benefits of dance training
Physical benefits: Most sports activities keep children moving. Dance does that and more. Washington Parent, an online magazine, credits dance with the improvement of “flexibility, coordination, balance, range of motion, stamina, strength and posture.” According to SportsRec, other physical benefits come from the repetitive movements of dance training and include the improvement of “muscle tone, correct poor posture, increase balance and coordination and improve overall cardiovascular health.”
The physical benefits are so great that some NFL players have begun to use dance in their training regimens. They are drawn to dance to improve flexibility, endurance, balance, and speed, while strengthening their legs, knees, and ankles.
Social benefits: Some sports provide opportunities for children to socialize with others, develop long-term relationships, and learn to work as part of a team. Dance is one of those and can help even the shy children develop relationships with other children their age.
Educational benefits: Dance requires a commitment of time, the ability to listen and follow directions, and the discipline of working over and over again to learn a new step or jump. Those skills are necessary in life as well. According to Family Talk Magazine, “Students who regularly participate in dance lessons typically tend to perform better academically than their nonparticipating peers.”
Positive self-esteem: Learning a dance, its steps, the choreography, and the music rhythms builds self-confidence in children, and self-confidence is a major element in having positive self-esteem.
Local Dance Schools
If you’re interested in enrolling your child in dance, check out these area dance studios:
Clarkesville School of Dance is located at 1955 Hollywood Highway in Clarkesville. They are registering students for classes in the summer and fall. Tickets are still available for their recitals by calling 706-754-9984.
Premiere Dance and Performing Art Academy is located at 127 Hodges Street in Cornelia. For more information, call 706-778-2015.
Rhythm Academy Dance Company is located at 147 North Alexander Street in Toccoa. For more information, call 706-282-1931.
