September 2021

Dance Like
No One is
Watching
Four reasons why you
should consider dance
classes for your child
Dancing is a great activity for kids of all ages and if your child
tries one type of class and it isn’t a good fit, the good news is
there will many other options.
According to members of NDEO (National Dance
Education organization) “Dance is a powerful ally for
developing many of the attributes of a growing child. Dance
helps children mature physically, emotionally, socially,
and cognitively. The physical benefits of dance are widely
accepted, but the emotional, social and cognitive attributes
have only recently begun to be appreciated.”
Here are four reasons you should consider enrolling
your child in dance classes:
Dancing increases confidence and self esteem.
1. Confidence comes from doing. Dance classes inspire
children to try, fail, and then try again. As they set goals, try
and then master new moves, their feelings of confidence
will increase. Performing in front of an audience is another
hurdle for kids and helps them feel stronger and more
confident. Additionally, when you exercise, you release
chemicals called endorphins that trigger positive feelings.
Dance offers a way to express emotions. One of
2. the best ways to deal with anxiety is through physical
activity, which releases endorphins. Even well-adjusted
happy children have times of stress and anxiety. Dancing
helps them express themselves and work through their
upset. Plus, time in a dance class helps get their mind off any
troubles as they move their body and concentrate on the
dance moves.
Improved socialization. Classes present an excellent
3. opportunity for children to build friendships with others.
This is especially true if your child is shy or reticent in social
situations. In a typical dance class kids have opportunities to
communicate and cooperate with the instructor and other
children. Dance is also an opportunity for children to meet
others outside of their school or neighborhood–children that
may be very different from them.
4.
Dance contributes to creativity and imagination.
Early childhood is the best period for the development
of creativity. Most importantly, learning to dance opens a
child’s experience to new cultures and music.
EDUCATING CHILDREN IN MONTEREY COUNTY SINCE 1967 • WE MAKE LEARNING CHILD’S PLAY!
• Offering Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten
• Open to ages 2-5
• We work on developing reading readiness,
introducing number concepts, and creating
social adjustment using a theme-based
curriculum
• Science, language, social studies, and
nature curriculum
• Open 7:30 am to 6 pm
• Call for rates
Now enrolling
for 2021-22
school year.
831-883-2616
www.missbarbaras.com
24 montereybayparent.com MONTEREY BAY PARENT • september 2021