Are you thinking about putting your son in a dance class, but you’re not quite sure if you should? It is understandable that you may be unsure. Our society has certainly created a stereotype that dance is just for girls, but that’s just not true!
There are so many benefits for both boys and girls when it comes to dance. Dance presents the opportunity for emotional, physical, and artistic growth. Here are some of the many benefits of putting your son in a dance class.
Confidence Building
Have you ever just let loose and danced around in your home to your favorite song? It’s freeing and fun! Many people are nervous or embarrassed to dance in front of others, but dance classes typically include recitals for your son to show off all of his hard work.
Having the opportunity to become comfortable performing in front of others and show off his talent will build confidence that will continue in other areas of his life.
Gain Strength and Flexibility
Dance is a strenuous and intense form of exercise that produces amazing flexibility and overall physical strength. In dance class, your son will be exercising the entire time, building stamina and lean muscle.
Your son will also gain incredible core strength from the repetitive movements and balance required for dance. This training will make him stronger and more fit, building positive exercise habits that will last a lifetime.
Improve Overall Athleticism
Learning various types of dance translates really well to other sports! Most sports require strength, flexibility, balance, and stamina. Dance provides and develops all of those qualities, helping your son to be the best overall athlete he can be.
Whether he’s jumping, running, or kicking, he will be a better athlete because of his dance training. Many professional athletes have some background in dance and attribute their overall success to their lifetime of training!
He Will Improve His Coordination
Coordinating multiple body parts at one is a skill that can be improved upon by learning and practicing dance. Dance challenges the brain to complete tasks that cannot be accomplished through other forms of sport. Coordinating body movements with music is a talent, and continuous practice will hone this unique skill.
This coordination will also translate well to other tasks in life, including other sports. Being able to focus on multiple elements at once is beneficial in dance, as well as other areas of life such as school and work
It Is Great for Character Building
Dance can be very challenging and helps to build resilience and self-discipline. These qualities will translate well into all areas of life. He will also learn teamwork from working with the other dancers in the class to perform a choreographed routine, staying in sync and in time. Over time, he will find inspiration from his peers and learn how to work in a cohesive group to produce new and exciting routines together, feeding off of each other’s energy.
Your son will also develop the drive needed to succeed in his goals. He will have to study steps for routines and practice them at home for his progress to really show in each dance class. This self-discipline will help him to excel in school and other activities that bring him joy, helping him to develop his many talents in life.
From rigorous rehearsals to difficult routines, your son will be pushed to be the very best version of himself on and off of the dance floor.
He Will Develop a Healthy Emotional Outlet
Since dance is tied to body movement and is also very artistic in nature, it allows for a powerful expression of emotion. Dance allows for emotions to be handled in a productive and healthy way.
The release of endorphins we get from dancing or any form of exercise makes us happier and allows us to push past feelings of anger or sadness, channeling that energy in a positive and beautiful way. Giving your son the opportunity to dance gives him the safe place of a dance class that he can use as that emotional outlet when needed.
He Will Challenge Stereotypes
It is no secret that dance is a female dominated sport and art form. Despite these stereotypes, there is no reason that boys and men cannot or should not participate in dance classes. By setting aside these preconceived notions about what dancers should be or look like, your son will challenge the status quo.
He will be a leader among boys who would like to dance but are fearful of judgement. He will show that when you are passionate about something in life, gender should never hold you back from realizing you potential and your dreams. It is also by challenging the stereotypes that this sport can really be opened up to everyone.
He Will Learn A Form of Art
Dance is truly a form of art, and is a medium for artist expression and creativity. If you have ever watched a dancer who is really in their element, you have seen this artistic expression at work. Dancing is emotionally moving for those who watch the performances, because we can feel the art and emotion of the dancer at work.
There are so many types of dance, and once your son finds the right dance form, the true artistic expression can happen. Your son will discover his passions and emotions and translate those into movement that can inspire others!
What Types of Dance Can Boys Do?
There are so many different types of dance, and each is unique! Boys can participate in any of these dance classes, just as girls can. There are many male professional dancers, and they must start somewhere!
Ballet is one of the most popular forms of dance. Balance, flexibility and stamina are important for ballet, and your child will develop the discipline it takes to excel within this type of dance.
Another great type of dance is Jazz. Jazz is very high-energy, and great for a child who wants to have an opportunity for some improvisation during their dance lessons and recitals. With fast footwork and beats, Jazz is an excellent choice for your child who needs to expend a lot of energy.
Tap is another form of dance that mainly focuses on percussion, developing timing and rhythm with steps and taps of their feet. This type of dance uses a special type of shoe with a metal tap on the bottom, which makes the iconic sound that you hear when you watch this type of dance.
Hip-hop is a popular form of dance, especially with children 7 years and older. This is the type of dance that inspires breakdancing. In fact, many break dancers began their dancing hobby or career in hip-hop classes.
Try them all! If you are not sure which form of dance your child will enjoy the most, you can put them in a combination class, which usually teaches two or three different types of dance. This could be a great option for the child who knows they want to dance, but they are not sure what type of dance they will like the best.
Another option is to create a schedule to try them all for a little while until a favorite dance type rises to the top. There are so many dance class options! You are sure to find one that is perfect for your son.
Find Dance Classes in Your Area
Depending on your location, the possibilities for dance classes from local studios and professionals are endless. First, it is important to talk to your son about what kind of dance he finds interesting. Is there a particular kind of music he wants to dance to? Is he curious about trying any of the types listed above? If so, that can be a perfect place to start!
If you are starting your son in dance at a young age, and he does not yet know what types of dance are available, you could try a combination class first. You will quickly be able to see what is clicking and what your child is enjoying after seeing them interact in dance class.
Now that you know all the amazing benefits of dancing, it’s time to start looking for classes so your son can begin his dance journey. By supporting your son in his desire to learn dance, you will be setting him up for a successful future due to the lifelong lessons he will learn in the sport.