5 Benefits of Modern Dance for Kids
12 March 2023
If your child is interested in trying modern dance, you may be wondering what they stand to gain from this activity. Dancing is a great way to get kids active and moving while improving their balance, coordination and strength. Modern dance is less structured than more traditional genres like ballet, so children can explore their creativity and learn new skills while having fun.
Improved Balance and Coordination
The movements in modern dance tend to be very fluid, so they require dancers to use their whole body to create the desired effect. This can help kids develop a better sense of balance and coordination as they learn to control their movements and place their bodies in space. In addition, props used can further challenge kids' balance and coordination.
Improved Strength
Modern dance is a valuable opportunity for young dancers to build strength quickly. The fast-paced, highly physical nature requires dancers to use their entire bodies in new and innovative ways. This can lead to significant gains in strength, particularly in the core and lower body muscles. It often integrates props such as chairs or walls, which can have further beneficial effects on muscle strength. When combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, modern dance can be an excellent way for kids to build strength and improve their overall health.
Increased Flexibility
Modern dancers are constantly stretching and moving their bodies in new ways, which helps to increase flexibility and range of motion. Flexibility and agility are useful assets for a lot of other sports and activities including gymnastics, yoga, martial arts, ball sports and ice skating. The more flexible a child is, the less likely they are to incur injuries while playing or participating in other activities.
Relieve Stress & Anxiety
The primary objective of modern dance is expression, without the focus on technical positions and following exact choreography that is core to ballet. This form of self-expression can help dancers to cope with their emotions. Experiencing anxiety and stress can be especially overwhelming for children and teenagers, so it’s important to find activities which help relieve these feelings. The physical activity involved can help to release tension and improve mood. For children and teenagers struggling with anxiety or stress, modern dance can be an extremely beneficial activity.
Build Confidence
Confidence is an important quality for kids to develop, and they can improve it through performance activities like modern dance. When children express themselves through dance, they often feel empowered and achieved, increasing their confidence both inside and outside the dance studio. In addition, the physicality of dancing can help kids feel strong and capable, which can further boost self-confidence.
These are just a few of the many benefits of modern dance for kids. If you're looking for an activity that can help your child grow and develop in various ways, modern dance is worth considering.