While this might seem like a strange choice of sport, the benefits of ballroom dance far outweigh the “icky-ness” that comes to mind as soon as ballroom dance is mentioned.
Unlike solo dance styles, the necessity to dance as a pair teaches children a whole new set of invaluable skills.
First of all, let’s define Social Ballroom Dance. It is a non-competitive, less formal version of Ballroom and Latin dance. The beauty of Social Ballroom is that it is one of the few dance styles that can be used outside the dance studio and off the performance stage. It is a practical skill to be enjoyed while socialising in such situations as high school formals (yes, home educated kids do attend these), weddings, business functions, informal gatherings, parties, in the kitchen, the park, in fact anywhere you have room to move. As a result, it is a modest version of competitive dance, while wearing more clothing.
Now that you know what it is (and not) we can look at some of the benefits. Do a Google search on the benefits of dance and you will immediately see a large list including physical fitness, balance, strength, improved confidence, etc, etc. But it is due to the sneaky benefits that Ballroom Dance is our activity of choice.
Let’s define the benefits of Ballroom Dance
1 Fitness
OK, this one is not so sneaky, however, the level of fitness is entirely up to you. Along with fitness comes balance, agility, and stamina. Once you have a few basic steps under your belt, you can speed up (or slow down) the music to your desired level of workout. Everyone of all fitness levels can participate. Social dance is a cardio workout that is gentle on the body. Have you ever seen a couple dance the Quickstep, or knock out a Jive?
2 Social Interaction
First of all, anybody of any age can learn this style of dance, so social diversity is experienced. Family participation is encouraged. Dancing as a pair trains you in the art of conversation with any given partner. But the real sneaky stuff like manners, respect, etiquette, patience, self-assurance, teamwork, co-operation and development of friendship is what I love.
3 Sharper Mind
Along with improved memory, discipline, focus, concentration, and perseverance dance has been known to improve academic performance. Who does not want that for their kids? It takes focus and concentration to memorise steps and a routine, then dance it with someone else, while carrying out a conversation. Now that is multitasking.
4 Posture and Grace
Yes, this will come to the social dancer. Often one of the first things parents tell me they notice about their child is the improvement in their posture. After several weeks of dance, you generally become aware of the muscles responsible for holding you up-right and therefor conscience of your posture. Great posture leads to poise and grace which leads to self-confidence.
5 It is just plain fun
No, really it is! Every child that has tried our class has signed up for the term. You can read the testimonials of our Dance for Development class here.
6 My personal favourite and the essence behind our Dance for Development program: Personal Achievement
I think Broadway dancer, choreographer, and dance fitness instructor Joseph Corella sums it up best in explaining how dance teaches kids that diligent work pays off when he said:
If they continue to put in effort in class, they will literally see results in the mirror. It’s such a concrete way for children to see that observing their actions and listening to guidance from teachers, combined with hard work, leads to positive results.
Joseph Corella
Once a child experiences results on the dance floor it is possible for him to take those skills and replicate them outside the dance studio. If you can set a goal in dancing, you can set a goal with your career. If you can persevere with a difficult step in dancing, you can persevere with a difficult topic in academic study. When you are confident to speak with people on the dance floor, you can show that confidence by speaking with people off the dance floor. If you can achieve on the dance floor you know you can achieve off the dance floor.
We all want results fast, especially children. A physical activity in which children with all levels of physical fitness can participate, that is fun, and will quickly have the children interacting with each other had to be chosen. The interaction with others that is involved with partner dancing quickly teaches respect, patience, co-operation, and acceptance. While the kids are focusing on the steps and staying in time to music, they are too preoccupied to think about the fact that they are also interacting with someone else. Isn’t this what personal and social development are all about?
This post shares my experience and opinions only and is not professional advice. Please make your own decisions on what is right for your child and family given your individual circumstances.
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