Our society emphasizes helping children develop in such a way that they meet standardized measures of achievement. As they reach school age, these measures are increasingly cognitive in nature. But by overemphasizing a heady sort of learning, we may be missing out on embodied learning experiences that boost mental strength even more than traditional methods could!
Promotes Body Sense Knowledge
Our brains are responsible for sensing a need for, then carrying out, essential bodily functions. However, it’s important for our brains to learn how to do this kind of “body sense” through intentional activity. Psychology Today writes that “body sense is easily lost while growing up in technological societies with an emphasis on in-the-head thinking. This is because body sense is a skill, like math and reading, and must be actively maintained, cultivated, taught, and renewed to sustain well-being.”¹ Dance classes are an effective and fun way to cultivate this skill. In dance, your brain is required to make many connections across all parts of the body. Dancing actually builds neural connections as it strengthens and improves muscle, skill, and coordination.
Prevents Mental Health Symptoms
Research is finding that consistent movement helps decrease incidence of negative mental health symptoms², like depression and anxiety. Dance and exercise lead to the release of healthy hormones in the body, regulating essential systems and promoting overall balance. By enrolling in dance lessons, students can enjoy the excitement of dance experience while resting assured that they are making healthy choices for their future mental health.
Improves Overall Cognitive Health
The benefits of dance classes for mental health aren’t just a future investment. They have demonstrably positive effects on the brain right away. For example, studies find that even in practicing synchronized movements (movements integral to choreographed dance routines), subjects show improved recall abilities, better self-esteem, and even a greater aptitude to enjoy the other people that were moving with them.³
Are you interested in enrolling your student at either our Cedar Creek or South Olathe, KS locations? Click here to find out more about current dance class offerings and enrollment.
Sources:
¹https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/body-sense/200910/embodied-education
²http://time.com/4624768/exercise-depression-kids/
³https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-simply-moving-benefits-your-mental-health-201603289350