Older Dancers

dance ...

• encourages self-discipline and self-respect;
• provides opportunities to follow through on difficult tasks;
• promotes a healthy lifestyle;
• demands physical fitness;
• desensitizes a young person to being in front of an audience;
• encourages respecting others;
• promotes working in a team;
• develops leadership skills as confidence and self-assurance are encouraged;
• improves self-image;
• provides entertainment — unlike video games, the dance participant actually has to get up off the couch and move;
• develops nonverbal communication skills and makes the importance of bodily motion evident;
• is motivational — frequently older dancers would not willingly work out or exercise; dancing with a group is highly motivational not to mention fun!
• provides camaraderie which helps motivate and encourage the dancer master difficult steps/routines;
• teaches ways to make better use of what skills and abilities a student has while encouraging the student to try new things;
• provides performing and leadership opportunities