The Benefits of Dance classes

We are all big champions for taking dance classes at Brenda Key, and not just because we want our students to be good dancers! Aside from dance ability, there are so many benefits to dance classes for young people. Our teachers have made a list of 5 of their favourite benefits to help spread the word about why dancing is good for you! Have a read and let us know what you/ your children benefit from the most:

Jazz classes on filming day for a music video

Discipline and perseverance:

We find that our students really benefit from weekly practice because, through repetition, they learn how to apply themselves to something and make progress. Dance (like everything) can be frustrating at times when you can't remember the steps, or when something is a little bit tricky. But by working through this with their teacher, students learn that a little hardship is okay and they see in real-time the progress that can by made from simply trying, and trying again!

It is really fulfilling for students to see themselves succeed thanks to their own hard work and, as teachers, we love those special moments when students have a breakthrough after weeks of practice! We are always so pleased to see them surprise themselves by achieving things that they once thought impossible - their first double pirouette, the first time they master a tricky combination or the first time they remember all the steps to their dance.

Especially in our very convenient, modern-day world, we have noticed that training the skillset of 'practising' is especially important. When there is a gadget for everything (remote control tissue box, chat GPT etc) and a 7-year supply of shampoo is available for next-day delivery at the touch of a button, it can be difficult for children to learn that in fact lots of things take time, patience, determination and application. Attending dance classes is a great way for them to learn these skills!

Mental wellbeing:

Dance classes are very much a gadget-free zone and students spend the duration of the class time being present in the room with their friends and teachers. The physical and creative nature of classes means that they can completely take their mind away from any external worries and is great for providing a mental reset. Studies have shown that this sort of break can really help to combat burnout, which we are seeing more and more in children nowadays due to extreme demands and pressure from schoolwork. So there you have it - dance classes actually help you to focus more when doing schoolwork!

Dancing can also offer an artistic outlet and we really enjoy adding a storytelling aspect to our dances. This helps students to enjoy the movement even more, use their imaginations and also allows them to express their emotions.

Mini modern dancers on exam day

Confidence:

Dancing is a very visual art form and requires students to present themselves and their skills to an audience (teacher, peers, examiner, parents, or occasionally a real audience!) and to be seen. This sort of experience can feel a little vulnerable, but when it occurs during our dance classes in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere, it is amazing to see the feelings of pride and confidence that arise within students. Students get used to putting themselves out there and going for it, which is hopefully a skill they can take into all aspects of their lives.

All our dance classes either work towards exams or performances. We take great time and care when preparing students for these, ensuring that they are as well-prepared as possible and assured in their knowledge of the steps. This means that they are able to really thrive during their special moments and feel satisfied that they did a good job, which helps to boost their confidence even more! Week-to-week, we always try to cultivate a celebratory atmosphere in our dance classes, where students are not only applauded for their wins but also for their effort and commitment. As teachers, we know from experience that students can achieve the steps if they put their mind to it, and seeing our belief in them often helps students to believe in themselves a little more too!

Memory:

It's safe to say that dance classes definitely help to train memory skills. An exercise in Grade 1 ballet might last 30 seconds, compared to dances in Grade 8 that can easily be 2 minutes long. Naturally this is helped by age, but nonetheless a great marker of the progress students achieve as they make their way through the grades.

Dancing also trains something called 'muscle memory' which is the memory of movement patterns. It's something that we all use in our day-to-day lives - it's most easily recognisable when we are in tired and in 'autopilot' mode and our body just gets on with things without us even realising! Training muscle memory helps to keep the brain active by challenging it to retain new movement patterns, and can also help with things like sense of direction, balance and spatial awareness.

Friendships:

Last but not least! One of the most significant takeaways our students gain from dance classes is the friends that come with them. Sometimes, students dance together from the age of 3 to 18, meaning they see each other every week throughout their entire childhood, and it's lovely to see their friendships grow and deepen over these years. Dance classes are very sociable and, with no distractions in sight, are a brilliant space for connection.

Performance opportunities and exam days are also so much fun and mean that students get to spend time together, outside of class, getting ready, rehearsing and chatting with one another. These days can form really special memories and lots of our students and staff develop rituals that they do with each other to celebrate - a group trip to the park, taking group photos, or if you're very lucky Miss Debbie might buy everyone an ice cream!

And remember, the friendships aren't only for the students - many of our Brenda Key parents sit downstairs and chat while their children are in dance classes, meaning they leave with lifelong friendships too!

Thanks for reading and let us know if you can think of any other benefits!

BKSOD x

Grade 6 ballet dancers on exam day