Have you ever been asked, or heard someone ask “at what age should children start dancing?”.
My potentially annoying answer is “it depends”.
On what?
Well it depends on a number of things actually…but one factor that underpins many others is what that person has in mind when they refer to dance.
Now keep in mind that children are all different; each have their own unique set of circumstances, and they develop at different rates.
That said, in most situations, children under the age of 3 or 4 may not be ready for formal classes like ballet. This is because they are often not sufficiently mature to follow the instructions issued, nor do they have the necesssary physical control…and to be honest most little girls that start ballet are more interested in the outfit!!
Remember this is not ALL children we are referring to. And it certainly doesn’t mean that very young children cannot or should not become involved in dance. It may simply suggest that there are more beneficial and enjoyable ways to experience dance at this age.
Many psychologists suggest that for a child, PLAY is a valuable introduction to the world of learning. Dance and Drama can be a part of this play through which a child begins to explore their world. And while they explore this world they begin to interact with others.
Parents can start the process at home with their children…you’ve probably noticed that little ones already have the natural instinct to start bopping away to music anyway. The main purpose at this stage is to start the development of motor skills, and to bond in a fun environment.
While still a toddler, the best classes will be those that focus on creative movement where they can let off steam, have fun and use their imaginations. Often these classes will include the use props and dress-ups, and involve the parent or carer.
One such example I came across on-line was a DVD called “Pretend with Miss Kim”. My only knowledge of this product comes from the info on the website, so I can’t comment on it’s quality, but the website does have a video that you can watch if you are curious what this whole “creative movement” thing is all about. The site explains the DVD by saying it “takes children on an imaginary journey through creative movement with music and dance”.
There are tonnes of other resources available on creative movement for kids. If you are interested, check out your local library, or click here to have a look on Amazon
As children move into more structured, or formal classes, they progressively develop more complex skills. The skills a child develops through dance include but are not limited to those of a physical nature. The progressive advancement of mental, social and behavioural skills are also facilitated by dance classes.
Attending dance classes can teach children to listen and not talk while instructions are being given. They also learn to be a member of a group, to take turns, and build confidence.
Classes also offer the opportunity to develop rhythm and musicality; stimulate the use of the imagination; and a way to express feelings and emotions physically in a non-aggressive manner. On this note, research has shown that children who freely express feelings and emotions will be more resilient, and that dance is a safe way for children to express feelings such as rage and humour.
Additionally, children who become students of dance are helped to become more familiar with their bodies and to use their bodies creatively. Of course there are also the benefits of physical flexibility, co-ordination and general fitness improvements.
Dance classes are helpful to all children - including children with special needs. The Children’s Hospital in Boston in the United States set up a dance program for children with Downs Syndrome. At the end of the program the participants showed decreased body mass index as well as social benefits, improved general health and increased self-confidence.
Dance movement therapy is a very interesting subject which I will address in another post soon.
A topic that has also arisen out of today’s post, which I’ll also cover in an upcoming post, is how to choose a dance teacher/class.
As you have probably realised by now, I love dance! From what I’ve been told I started taking “dancing” from the moment I could walk. I started proper classes when I was 4 and haven’t stopped since.
Dance is something that in its various forms can offer a lot, but if you’re a parent, as with anything, always consider what is right for your child.
Tags: at what age should children start dancing, children and ballet, creative movement, creative movement classes, dance, dance benefits, Dance for Children, dance movement therapy, dancing, experience dance, Pretend With Miss Kim, should children dance
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