When you think of the benefits of dancing its likely you’ll think of physical attributes such as better flexibility, strengthening of muscles or even weight loss. However, the benefits of dancing don’t stop there. There are many cognitive advantages to learning how to dance. In our latest blog we discuss the benefits of learning how to dance for your children.

1. Dancing can make you more intelligent

We understand intelligence to be the ability to make sound decisions quickly. A successful method to increase your intelligence is to involve yourself with activities which require prompt decisions. Dancing provides an ideal way to do this as you’re making intricate movements that encourage your brain to make split-second choices such as how to turn, which way to move and also how to react to those around you.

2. Dancing boosts your memory

Exercising increases the level of chemicals in your brain which encourage nerve cells to grow. Participating in any activity which involves learning something new, like the choreography for a dance routine, is an efficient way to boost your brain power. This results in easier access for your brain to retrieve material and recollections, such as names and places.

3. Mental Health Benefits

You’re never too young to start looking after your mental health, there is significant evidence to show that dancing promotes good mental health. Researchers have examined if dancing is a good treatment for depression. As dancing concentrates on the movement of the body and expressing emotions this can help lessen the symptoms of depression. Dancing also aids in reducing stress, whilst you’re dancing, you’re only concentrating on your environment and the music. Surrounding yourself with friends and enjoying hearing your favourite music means you’re focused specifically on that moment which in turn aids the reduction of the production of cortisol. The hormone that is associated with stress which helps lower your anxiety and tension levels.  

4. Improved sociability and confidence

Dance classes provide a safe atmosphere to improve your social circle. It’s a perfect setting for making new friends who share similar interests to you. This can be an ideal environment to hone your social skills whether you possess an outgoing personality or are more reserved dancing can help you grow in confidence.

We run dance classes for children from ages 3-18 years across Greater Manchester and Cheshire East and West including areas such as Stockport, Wilmslow and Knutsford. To find out more about our fun dance classes give us a call on 0161 914 6948 or email [email protected].