Benefits of Dance For Children

 
 
 
 
  • Do you wish your child was more active?

  • Wouldn’t it be nice to find an activity that encouraged physical movement as well as an opportunity to interact with friends?

  • Have you considered enrolling your child in dance?

There are several benefits for children of all abilities to participate in a formal dance program.

PHYSICAL BENEFITS:

  • Exercise!

  • It’s good for cardiovascular health

  • Releases endorphins which are the “feel good” hormones

  • It builds muscle strength and endurance

  • It improves flexibility

  • It improves their posture

  • It improves their balance

EMOTIONAL BENEFITS:

  • It provides the child with a way to express themselves, which is sometimes difficult for children with exceptional needs

  • It develops a sense of teamwork and acceptance of others with varying abilities

  • It teaches respect as you follow directions from the instructor

  • It builds confidence

  • They learn persistence... to not give up!

COGNITIVE BENEFITS:

  • It improves their spatial awareness

  • The rhythm improves neurotiming which improves brain function and attention

  • They sleep better and therefore are better able to focus at school

  • Research has shown that kids increase their performance on developmental tests (fine motor and gross motor) after participating in structured dance classes

  • And most of all… IT’S FUN!

If you’re considering enrolling your child in dance, here are a list of local exceptional needs dance programs:

Penguin Point Productions

Central Florida Dreamplex

Chance 2 Dance

Orlando Ballet

If you have additional questions regarding dance or physical movement for your child’s developmental stage, please contact our physical therapist at susan@collaborativecorner.org.



Susan Robins, PT
Pediatric Physical Therapist
susan@collaborativecorner.org