People sometimes ask me why I dance. My answer is simply, ”Why not?” My main motive is joy. The happiness that dance has provided me is not really something I can explain – it has to be felt. The benefits and opportunities dance has afforded me and many others, can do the same for you and your child. Even if your child does not end up being a professional dancer, there are several benefits to beginning dance instruction at a young age:
1. Dance classes promote fitness for a lifetime! I cannot tell you how easy it is for dancers to transition their skills from dance class to so many other fitness arenas. Dance also provides the necessary daily physical fitness recommendations of most health care professionals. Promoting physical fitness as being fun and easy from a young age, creates an excellent foundation for future life long health and fitness.
2. Confidence, high self-esteem and personal expression. Dance is a great way to connect emotionally with an audience and other people. Throughout the KDC classes, expression, smiling and reflection will be promoted. This creates a health environment in which students can express their feelings in a productive manner, while learning to control their emotions.
3. Lifelong friendships and bonding. Most of the friends I’ve made in my life have come through my dance and yoga training. Each started with a bond formed in the studio and continued growing. As a result of working on team, partner and solo performances, we develop comfort in working independently, a taste of healthy competition and inspiration from our peers.
4. Discipline and Focus. Students will experiences challenges in their dance classes, just as people experience challenges in their life. From retaining choreography to setting and achieving goals, dancers will feel success at such a young age. They will also learn that it takes hard work and sweat to achieve their goals and dreams. Their work ethic in the dance studio spills over to their schooling and other activities.
5. Flexibility of the body and mind. By the age of 11, most people are the most flexible they will ever be, so it is important to starting stretching at a young age. Students will not only gain and expand their physical flexibility, but also mentally as they learn to control their energy and bodies in their full range of motion.
6. Creativity and imagination. Dancers will work on creating shapes and movements through imagination and exploration. This is beneficial to all aspects of life, creating endless opportunities for future development.
7. Posture and poise: You can always tell who the dancer is in the room by their posture and ability to move with grace. Technique taught in class focuses on maintaining a straight back , lift from the core , a lengthening of the shoulders down the back, and both slouching and hyperextending.
8. JOY! The number one rule in dance class is to have fun. As in life, if you can t find happiness in what you do it’s hard to build compassion and persistence. Dancers will feel the freedom of expression, meet new friends and reap the rewards of dance training!
Brookfield Classes
Register by calling: (262-754-3467)
- Beginner Ballet & Creative Movement
- Intermediate Ballet & Jazz Combo
- Hip-Hop
River Glen Classes
Register by calling: (414-352-4900)
- Beginner Ballet & Creative Movement
- Intermediate Ballet & Tap Combo
For more information and registration, you can also contact the Fine Arts Director, Ginger Lazovik [email protected].
Join us for Kennedy Dance Company at Elite Sports Clubs! I promise you will love it!
By Carolyn Culea of Kennedy Dance Company, Milwaukee
2 Comments
Nice
I like what you said about dancers feeling success at such a young age. My sister is thinking of sending her kids for dancing lessons. She would love to send them to a professional dancing studio.