What Dance Training has to Offer Children
At birth, humans are completely helpless and unable to care for themselves.
Accompanied with this is the inability to deal with gravity, to stand up or
move in a coordinated manner. We spend years developing our bodies to
become physically competent and as we gain control of our body, a feeling of
independence and self-confidence is gradually developed.
It is thought that a baby's first experience with movement and rhythm can
be traced back to experiences within it's mothers womb. It is only natural
to assume that dance being primarily made up of movement (neuromuscular) and
sensory can assist or actually enhance the predictable sequence of physical
development.
Physical growth begins from the top and moves downward. Dance incorporates
sensory curriculum at all times providing activities to stimulate first
large then small muscle strengths. Kinesthetic sense or internal awareness
will also be enhanced, for example, balance. Some large muscle curriculum,
often referred to as gross motor skill, that are covered by movement and
dance are strength, stamina, spatial awareness, flexibility, coordination and agility.
Small muscle curriculum also covers these areas in much more
detail which in turn develops practice ethic, and patience. Creativity should be encouraged all along, and will become more detailed as fine motor
skills become better articulated.
"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist."
~Pablo Picasso
Children express and recognize feelings, communicate ideas, develop their senses and nurture an awareness of aesthetics (grace and beauty) through the
arts. Through the development of dance-related skills, self-worth and self-
concept is enhanced plus the ability to think and act creatively. Music and
movement compliment one another in the development stages of expression.
Starting with something as simple as humming to clapping to running with
start/stop signals are all ways to introducing dance as natural movement
utilizing children's own needs to be active and creative. Slowly, over time
and through the maturity process of age appropriateness, these exercises
can be incorporated in a more structured dance class.
Children who simply explore their body's movement potential will develop
overall awareness and control which in turn will affect aspects of their
personalities. During the development stages of youth, dance will provide
physical, emotional, intellectual and social benefits. Studies indicate
that participation in dance can expand academic potential, communication
skills, life skills and creativity, such as versatility, adaptability,
logical and organized thought process.
Personally, as a dance teacher, I feel there are more advantages than found
in the textbooks. Both sides of the body are developed equally including
both sides of the brain. The ability to think of and perform multitasks is
a mandatory requirement of dance that leads to shaping generations of well-
rounded, motivated, focused citizens. Many athletes see the benefit of
dance training as to how it can compliment their strengths and decrease the
areas of weakness. Students not only develop individually but learn to work
as an artistic family - there is no "I" in "Team"!
Even if the greater percentage of students that pass through our doors
do not pursue actual dance careers, they will carry the benefits from the disciplined
training into their everyday life, their chosen careers and will of course, be an appreciative
audience. Dance training can open the door to a multitude of careers such as
videography, costume design, theatrical producer, advertising and the list goes on.
Dance can be enjoyed by everyone. Not only does dance develop mind, body
and spirit - its interesting, challenging, rewarding and FUN.
