| In the last few years, there has been an explosion of | | | | one half for technique and control and the other for |
| dance across Britain thanks to shows such as 'Britain's | | | | creativity and artistry. Dance can therefore increase |
| Got Talent' and BBC's 'Strictly Come Dancing'. Children | | | | brain productivity and children can increase their |
| and adults are more interested in dance than ever | | | | attention spans. |
| before and although they may not be the next | | | | Dance is also a 'subject' which requires discipline and |
| Darcey Bussell or George Sampson they will have fun | | | | motivation, key skills in lifelong learning. |
| attending lessons and benefit immensely not just | | | | Human's earliest means of communication was |
| from the great health benefits but from many the | | | | through movement. Our bodies respond with |
| other advantages of dance that other activities may | | | | movement more instinctively than with words. |
| not have. | | | | Movement can convey several feelings and ideas. |
| According to government reports, three in five | | | | Through dance, stories can be told and beliefs and |
| children under ten years old are predicted to be | | | | emotions can be conveyed. Dance can also be used |
| overweight by 2050. Dance is an excellent all-round | | | | to widen a child's vocabulary as they come in contact |
| way to keep fit and healthy. Every style of dance | | | | with new words and ideas. |
| builds stamina, flexibility, strength and co-ordination. It | | | | All forms of exercise improve your blood circulation |
| also helps children develop good posture and a | | | | and improve the flow of nutrients to your brain, |
| positive attitude to staying fit as it releases that fun, | | | | allowing the brain to function at it's best. |
| feel-good factor and gives an emotional high. | | | | Dance stands out as it requires both sides of the |
| Confidence and self-esteem can also be built through | | | | brain to be used; control and creativity. Skills essential |
| the many performance opportunities that come with | | | | in every other subject taught at school: |
| dance. | | | | 'By providing rich and varied contexts for pupils to |
| Attending a dance class is not just about staying fit - | | | | acquire, develop and apply a broad range of |
| it is a social networking opportunity too and much | | | | knowledge, understanding and skills, the curriculum |
| better than networking online in front of a computer! | | | | should enable pupils to think creatively and critically, |
| Children can make new friends in their dance class | | | | to solve problems and to make a difference for the |
| and increase social skills through co-operating with | | | | better. It should give them the opportunity to |
| others. Children will develop bonds of trust and | | | | become creative, innovative, enterprising and capable |
| quickly learn a code of courtesy within the class. The | | | | of leadership to equip them for their future lives as |
| dance class can also provide a secure and supportive | | | | workers and citizens.' |
| environment where children can explore their feelings | | | | (National Curriculum) |
| and creativity over a common ground - dance. | | | | So there you have it. Dance is SO good for you, |
| Dancing involves using use both sides of your brain: | | | | your kids, your parents...in fact everyone! |