5 Reasons Boys can Benefit from Modern Dance
15 March 2023
There is a common misconception that dance is an activity for girls. This belief could not be further from the truth, and many boys are excellent dancers. Boys can benefit greatly from dance classes, both physically and emotionally and we’ve covered five key reasons below.
Physical fitness
It almost goes without saying, but doing modern dance regularly will improve boys’ physical fitness and strength. Keeping fit is important for overall health and well-being and can help boys avoid obesity and chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. In addition, children who are physically fit have more energy and stamina and can better participate in other activities that they enjoy. Modern dance is an excellent way for boys to stay physically fit, as it requires them to use all major muscle groups.
Emotional stability
Another reason boys can benefit from modern dance is that it can help them manage their emotions better. Boys can feel pressure to conform to masculine stereotypes of being “strong and silent”, leading to feelings of frustration, anger, and even depression. Modern dance can provide an outlet for these emotions, allowing boys to express themselves healthily and creatively. The need for coordination and precision can help to improve their concentration and focus, boosting their chances of academic success. As a result, boys who participate in modern dance often have better emotional stability and can better cope with stress.
Improved confidence
One of the great things about modern dance is that it can help build confidence in boys. Feeling fit and strong and knowing that they have excellent control over their bodies is likely to benefit their self-esteem and body image. In addition, dance allows boys to interact with other boys and girls in a non-competitive, creative environment. Performing in front of others and being an important part of a team of dancers will boost boys’ confidence and self-worth.
Coordination and rhythm
Learning dance steps and routines is an excellent way to develop better coordination and a sense of rhythm. This will prove useful for many other sports and activities, including swimming, gymnastics, tennis, other types of dancing, and video games. It’s especially helpful if your son is interested in learning musical instruments, as they all require a good sense of rhythm, particularly percussion instruments such as drums.
Social skills
As they get older, many boys feel shy or uncomfortable around girls and can struggle to talk to them confidently. By learning to dance together, they can get to know girls as equals. Going to dance classes and taking part in competitions are great ways to make new friends. Practising working as part of a team to achieve a goal will give them valuable skills for school and their future career. So if your son is looking for a way to improve his social skills, modern dance may be the perfect activity for him.
As you can see, there are many reasons why boys can benefit from modern dance. If you have a son interested in dance, encourage him to give it a try. It could be the start of a lifelong love affair with the art form and lead to many other benefits that he didn't even know were possible.