There’s a reason why the saying ‘dance like no-one is watching’ exists. The feelings of release and freedom that come with letting loose and dancing like a maniac are just some of the benefits that dance can offer us. If you are a girl then there is a reasonable chance you have done at least one dance class in your life. It could have been a first steps ballet class aged two or a street dance class that was part of your PE rotation. Or maybe you knew someone who took dance classes or dated someone who did and thought it was cool/lame (delete as appropriate).
Whether dance classes have been a part of your life or not, directly or indirectly, it is important to understand why they are so important. Here are five ways taking dance classes can improve your life.
It Improves Your Mental Health
There is a big focus on mental health at the moment, especially as it occurs in young girls. The pressures of social media and school cliques seem to be at an all-time high and depression, anxiety and even suicide are becoming worryingly common. Dance offers an escape from this darkness. For an hour, you become a dancer and the only thing that matters is the rhythm of the music and the movements of your body. Dancing triggers the release of endorphins and has been scientifically linked with a more positive outlook on life, higher energy levels and lower stress levels.
It Improves Your Memory
Have you ever watched a dance performance and thought: “how on earth do they remember all of those moves?” Dance has been proven to reduce the chances of dementia and Alzheimer’s in old age. Plus, it can increase your capacity to remember things – a highly useful skill as you progress through your life. If you can remember a complicated sequence of dance moves, then you can definitely remember a handful of facts for your upcoming exams.
It Gives You a Chance to Socialise
As with all clubs and groups, dance classes put you in with other people who will undoubtedly become your friends. You all have at least one shared interest – dance – and the chances are you will discover many others once you get chatting. You might or might not become lifelong friends with your dance buddies, but at the very least you will have people to chit chat with before and after your class. Even that small amount of interaction can do wonders for your self-esteem and confidence.
It Is Good For Your Health
This is an obvious one. Dance is a really good form of exercise and it is fun, which is a rare combination in the world of health and fitness. Regular dance classes will strengthen your heart, lungs, and bones and help you to maintain a healthy weight. Dance can also help you recover from an injury. Some people are nervous about working out if they are injured but dance can help ease you back into movement without the risk of worsening your condition.
Dance Encourages Creativity and Self-Expression
This is particularly important in very young children. By starting dance classes at a young age, they pass through their formative years with a greater understanding of their own creativity. They understand that music is more than just a sound, it is an opportunity to move and in doing so express yourself. This creativity can blossom into better critical thinking and a more open-mind – both important skills for the classroom and, eventually, the workplace.
