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The Benefits of Dancing for Kids

Dancing is a wonderful way for kids to get active in a creative way.

When I was little, my two older sisters took dance lessons. I waited and waited for my turn, and then when I turned four (when I had expected to start), my parents decided to cut back on activities. I never did get to take dance lessons – or gymnastics, which I had also waited to start. I had extra time to play, and I did end up taking a few dance classes in college. I wasn’t particularly good at dancing, but I really enjoyed the classes.

I always thought that I would sign my kids up for dance, and I have taken all of my kids to trial classes. So far, we haven’t found a program that is a good fit, but my kids still dance – just like I did as a kid. Dancing is a wonderful activity for all ages, and I think there are a lot of benefits of dancing for kids! Classes can be expensive, and schedules are not always family-friendly, but you don’t have to be learning technique to enjoy dancing!

Benefits of dancing for kids

Benefits of Dancing for Kids

Here are a few ways in which I think dancing is great for kids –whether or not they are learning dance techniques:

  • Physical activity. Dancing is a great way to get kids moving indoors – you don’t need a large space or any special props!
  • Rhythm. Dancing to music helps kids develop their sense of rhythm.
  • Creativity. Dancing – especially freestyle dance – is a great way for kids to develop creative self-expression.
  • Emotional Intelligence. Music conveys a lot of emotions, and dance can be a wonderful way for kids to safely explore a range of emotions.
  • Fun! Dancing is a great way to have fun together! My kids think it is awesome when Mike and I dance with them, even though we are both pretty terrible dancers. Actually, I think that the goofy aspect of our dancing makes them enjoy it even more!

Lily and Anna spend a lot of times dancing with their dolls (Lily’s doll was actually mine when I was little). My kids LOVE to dance with play silks – so if you are looking to encourage a little dancer, that’s a great way to go! I am still hoping to find a dance program that Lily and Anna will enjoy since they would love a class, but in the meantime we will be listening to a lot of music and improvising our own moves.

Do your kids dance? Did you as a kid?

MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.

14 thoughts on “The Benefits of Dancing for Kids”

  1. Natalie PlanetSmartyPants

    I so agree with you – you don’t have to take dance classes to discover love of dancing and derive its benefits. We tried dance once, but daughter didn’t like it, and we now settled on gymnastics which she enjoys.

  2. I have to send you J’s talent show video. I really want to get him into dance and gymnastics since he’s such a natural! We may try the after school dance activities next year (they were advertised for 1-5th). I’ve been a dancer my entire life. It is very sad that nothing “fits” here.

  3. Elisa | blissfulE

    What beautiful photos!!! That second one is especially dreamy.

    I danced around the house as a kid all through high school, and I do now with my kids, too. I thought I danced so beautifully growing up, and I can see that same feeling on my kids’ faces when they dance around the house. :)

  4. I also love the freedom that comes from letting loose and dancing. I’m not necessarily good at it, but it sure does feel good when I do it.

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