Being part of a Dance Show teaches students so many things! They learn to work as a team, they gain the confidence to get up and dance in front of a large audience, and they learn to conquer nerves and put adrenaline to good use! On top of this, attending their weekly classes and rehearsals teaches children about commitment; realising it is difficult to plan Show routines when peers are missing.
They learn spatial awareness in the patterns of the routines. Their posture and poise improves as they think about being up there on stage for all to see. The improvements we see in children's technique during Show term is huge! Here are just some of them:
Social skills
A study was conducted with low-income adolescents in New York and investigated how an after-school theatre programme could affect the social and academic benefit for the children. The study included 26 middle school students from Harlem. They attended 19 weeks of rehearsals to prepare for several public appearances. This group was compared to a second group of 26 students who did not participate in the theatre programme. At the end of the study, each group was given a survey with 26 positively worded statements on a 1.0-5.0 scale. The students who completed the program had a significantly higher scale rating than did the children in the control group.
Building confidence and poise
Being yourself and feeling relaxed in front of a crowd is a skill that has to be worked for. The more we do it, the easier it gets. The experience of performing helps a child learn to feel comfortable with being themselves and feel at ease in front of a group of observers. This can translate into many aspects of a young child’s life which can be tremendously helpful when faced with other situations in school and life.
Improves public speaking and self-presentation skills
These skills help us in leading meetings more efficiently or being more confident when presenting to a large group of people. For children, this can be especially beneficial, as performing has a lot to do with social interaction and cooperation. Children can learn to share their passion with others.
A way of self-expression
Art, in general, promotes self-expression. It helps makes sense of emotions and boost our creativity. Dancers find a way to express themselves through body movement and musicality. It’s a physical effort with a spiritual connection.
Healthy competition
Watching others perform is a motivational factor that can inspire us to try new things and work harder at constantly improving ourselves. Sharing the stage with others is a great opportunity for growth.
Promote interpersonal skills
Performing allows children to empathise with others and develop compassion. In group settings, it can become more about sharing a performance goal than going after your own glory.
Perseverance and problem solving
During a live Show, you never know what can happen. Performing arts develops creative thinking and reasoning, as well as teamwork, concentration, and motivation.
Increased intelligence
There is evidence to support the fact that being involved with dance can improve intelligence. Learning new skills and routines (like you do in a Dance Show) encourages a child’s general knowledge and vocabulary. Each child performing in front of an audience will take away (a little) something different. As parents, we can encourage our children to embrace the experience, to discover more about themselves, to develop skills that are unique to the performing arts and to be there to support and clap for them at the end of their Show.
References: Catherines Dance Studio KC & Bella Diva Dance