Are you thinking of signing your child up to dance class? From toddlers to teens, there are countless benefits of dancing for children. It not only has health and cognitive benefits, but dance also allows children to acquire a love for music and the arts that they’ll carry with them for life. Plus, most children love to dance, so it’s a win-win!

If you’re wondering whether dance is the right choice for you and your child, we’re talking through some of the major benefits of dance in early childhood.

Here are just some of the reasons dancing is a great activity for kids…

1. Dance encourages socialization

One of the best things about dancing for kids is the social benefits. Whether you’re taking a toddler to their first ballet class or an older kid is showing an interest in starting dance, the social aspect of a regular dance class is a huge benefit for children.

Your child will become comfortable meeting new people and trying new things in front of their peers. They’ll learn all about positive communication during a dance lesson and how to work together in a group towards goals—all positive skills to take forward in life. Dance is also a great way to learn how to manage emotions, especially as part of a group. Plus, they’ll make lots of friends with plenty of things in common!

The social aspect of dance provides many benefits for preschoolers and toddlers who may not have a large peer group yet, but it is also excellent for growing kids who want to expand their interests and meet new people.

2. Dance helps improve cognitive skills

Dancing, especially to music, can help improve neurological function. Music stimulates children’s brains, which can help them improve their cognitive skills as they grow. Dance combines music with learning and problem solving. Your child learns how to focus, work with rhythm and improve their memory as they figure out new steps and routines.

Regular dance can also improve judgement and spatial awareness, making classes an excellent, beneficial after-curricular activity for children.

3. Dance helps parent and child bonding

Research we carried out earlier this year found that regular after-school hobbies such as dance can help improve the bond between parent and child. Over 70% of parents we spoke to said they found their child was more open and honest when chatting on the way to and from dance class, while a huge 80% of parents said they look forward to the quality time they get to spend with their children when travelling to class.

When you support your children’s interests, you’re showing that you care about them and their passions. Having a hobby that your child cares about, and that you support, opens up countless opportunities for time spent together and bonding.

4. Dance helps build confidence

A key benefit of dance, especially in early childhood, is confidence. Learning and mastering something new is an excellent way to build confidence and self-esteem. Young children who go to dance classes know they have the power to learn. They understand how with practice, they can improve anything.

Getting a toddler or younger child involved in dance also helps them learn how to perform in front of an audience. Learning how to perform comfortably from an early age will bring countless benefits later in life, such as reducing shyness, being more confident when public speaking or not being scared to try new things.  

5. Dance encourages commitment

Dance helps get children into good habits. As well as being a fun, confidence building activity, dance teaches children how to get into a routine, persevere and work towards goals. From being on time to class to learning how to prepare and practice before a performance, children who dance understand how to commit to something and work hard at it—a great benefit throughout life.

6. Dance improves physical health

One of the biggest and most obvious benefits of dance is physical—it gets kids moving and keeping fit in a way they enjoy, showing them from an early age that exercise can be fun.

Dancing helps improve overall health, build muscle strength, increase balance and improve flexibility. It teaches children to work on their endurance and stamina, helping them take their skills into other sports or areas of fitness as they grow older.

7. Dance is a creative outlet

Dance provides a creative outlet—perfect for energy-filled kids! A regular dance class offers somewhere positive for toddlers and children to channel their energy. It not only provides a release, but helps get children into a better routine, so they have more energy during the day and are more tired at night. (So, this could mean a better night’s sleep for the whole family!)

Having a creative outlet such as dance can also positively improve children’s mood, meaning they’ll leave class feeling more upbeat and confident. Plus, dance provides an excellent outlet for children’s imaginations, which are constantly developing as they grow.

Finally, it’s fun! Dance is a creative skill and one that offers years of joy and inspiration. For parents looking for a benefit-packed hobby, dance is definitely worth considering.

If you’re thinking about signing your child up for dance, you can find out more in our Parent Guide: What Do I Need for Ballet Class? on our blog. Or, to get them fully prepared, explore our collections of children’s dancewear and children’s dance shoes.