It’s well known that dancing positively impacts physical and mental health. Plus, it’s a fun activity that encourages physical movement and artistic expression. But there’s less awareness of the benefits of dance for toddlers, which includes the above benefits and more!
Here are some of the reasons dance is an activity you should consider incorporating into your toddler’s schedule.
1. Physical health
Toddlers have a lot of energy to burn — much more so than adults. They need plenty of exercise as it’s how they build muscle, strengthen bones, increase flexibility, and maintain cardiovascular health. Worldwide studies have shown that toddlers should spend at least three hours physically active, while children ages 3 to 5 should get three hours of physical activity and one hour of vigorous exercise that elevates their heart rate.
Exercise also releases endorphins and lowers stress levels, benefiting children’s immune systems. Dancing is enjoyable and motivates children to reach these physical activity goals easily, without creating pressure or negative association.
2. Mental and emotional health
Along with physical health, dance also has a positive impact on children’s mental and emotional health. Combining exercise and having fun releases endorphins, which can lift your child’s mood.
Dance promotes a resilient attitude to practicing and developing a skill. For your toddler, this is not something they can expect to perfect immediately. However, they will gain a sense of accomplishment from learning new things in a supportive environment, which will also boost self-esteem and confidence.
3. Socializing and communicating with others
Dancing can essentially be considered a “team sport,” as it involves many children and a teacher leading the class. This means that your toddler can enjoy the benefits of group activities, such as socialization with other children and communicating effectively to work together as a team. Toddlers and children who are drawn to certain styles (tap, ballet, jazz, hip hop, etc.) may also have similar interests, making it likely for them to make friends and form connections with others.
4. Skill development
There are many different dance styles that you can enroll your toddler in. Regardless, the physical skills, dance steps, and choreography comprehension they gain will significantly aid them in many areas of skill development. Some of these include:
- Gross and fine motor skills
- Cognitive development, including problem-solving, memorization, and abstract thinking
- Understanding and getting a feel for rhythm
- Limb and hand-eye coordination
- Spacial awareness and consciousness of themselves in relation to others
- Balance
5. Appreciation of music
Dancing is usually practiced along with the music. This will encourage not only the development of rhythm but also the enjoyment of different types of music they otherwise may not have been exposed to. Toddlers can develop an appreciation for diversity and the opportunity to develop their own tastes in music genres that they can explore as they get older.
The benefits of dancing for toddlers are truly endless. It’s worth considering how it can be part of your child’s life.
Contact the Landing Dance Centre to learn about dance classes for toddlers
If you haven’t yet signed your toddler up for a dance class and want to know what you need to consider before starting, the Landing Dance Centre may have the answers you’re looking for. We offer classes for toddlers that will let them explore dance and work on developing their skills.
Contact us for more information or sign up for a free class now to give us a try!
