Young Children & Dance

dance ...

• develops motor skills;
• encourages coordination;
• develops and increases range of motion abilities;
• promotes strength and stamina;
• aids in overcoming shyness;
• provides sense of achievement and accomplishment;
• encourages ease in social situations;
• by counting, clapping, and/or moving to musical rhythms, dance links basic math concepts to real life;
• provides variety to prevent bordom and drudgery

Dance: Health and Fitness Benefits

dance ...

• according to a Mayo Clinic study, helps burn calories (and burns fat);
• promotes cardiovascular conditioning (many experts recommend 30-40 minutes of continuous activity 3-4 times per week);
• builds strong bones; a Mayo Clinic study reported that side-to-side movements tend to strengthen weight bearing bones and may help prevent bone mass loss;
• improves posture and spinal health, according to a Mayo Clinic study;
• builds muscle tone;
• increases joint mobility;
• fosters good body image and physical fitness;
• provides a creativity and emotional outlet;
• is a great stress reliever;
• may improve skin;
• promotes strength and stamina