The new year is well under way, and it’s time to head back to dance classes! As studios open their doors, now is the perfect time to reflect on a few of the amazing benefits of enrolling in dance classes, from developing good posture to building resilience. No matter which style of dance you study, or whether you embrace dance as a career or hobby, the benefits of dance training can be felt for a lifetime. Below you’ll find just some of the benefits of dance you can take with you into everyday life.

Core strength

The physical benefits of dance classes are undeniable, starting with excellent core strength. The core, which includes the deep muscles around the abdomen, back and pelvis, supports your internal organs and powers all movement, from picking something off the ground to executing challenging dance steps. Whether you’re studying classical ballet, hip hop, tap or flamenco, strong core muscles are the foundation of good dance technique, and will be an important element of your dance training. Whilst building your core is vital for a career in dance, it will also serve you beyond the studio; strong core muscles are a necessity for long-term health, protecting you from injuries and falls. Check out our guide to building core strength here.

Posture

Why is it always so easy to spot the dancer in the room? Their perfect posture, of course. Good posture is a key element of great dance technique, no matter which style you study. With each dance class, you’ll be making perfect posture a habit - this is especially important in a world hunched over mobiles phones and laptops. Most dancers find that even outside the studio, they can’t stop standing up straight…It simply feels wrong! This puts you in great stead for maintaining a healthy back and preventing injuries throughout your lifetime; good posture has even been shown to improve breathing and boost your mood.

Discipline

There’s no questioning it: few activities build discipline better than dance classes. The control required to execute each step (let alone an entire routine or performance!) is immense, and requires complete focus. Dancers learn to be present and engaged in every class, building their mental stamina alongside their physical strength. As important as discipline is for a career in dance, self-motivation is a highly transferrable skill; whether you’re performing a challenging dance solo, studying for a school exam, or saving to buy your first home, the discipline you acquire in dance classes can be utilized across all aspects of life.

Memory

The importance of a strong memory for dancers is often understated. However, it’s impossible to get through a dance class without a sharp eye for detail and the ability to remember combinations. As you progress through your dance training, these combinations will become more complex; you will have to work hard to retain choreography, improving your memory with each new dance you learn. Dance isn’t the only activity or career path which requires a great memory, and the techniques you use to retain combinations can help you remember just about anything! Check out a few of these techniques in our guide to improving memory for choreography.

Self-expression

Dance is, above all else, an art form. To dance is to give music physical form; this takes huge amounts of creativity and teaches dancers how to express their emotions. Modern styles in particular, such as contemporary, jazz and hip hop, give dancers the space to release their inhibitions and explore new ways of moving. The confidence and creativity instilled in dancers can be felt in all aspects of their lives, from improved public speaking abilities, to stronger communication skills, and better mental health.

Resilience

Failure is rarely given the credit it deserves. Perhaps the most critical step toward success is the ability to fail, try again, and fail again; to be grateful for the information each failure gives us, and to develop the resilience necessary for success. Dancers build their skillset from the ground up, receiving and applying corrections from teachers, and learning to correct their own mistakes in the mirror; as they try, fail, and try again, they have the opportunity to watch improvement happening before their eyes. Then, after enough hard work, they are able to execute steps which once seemed impossible. Few activities teach young people the educational value of failure, and the strength to overcome challenges, like dance does.

Friendship

By far the greatest, most enduring benefit of dance classes are the friendships forged in the studio. From meeting fellow dancers at the barre, to teaching each other new steps before class, to supporting one another at eisteddfods, dance studios are the perfect space to bond with like-minded friends. Whether you choose to pursue a career in dance or enjoy dance classes as a hobby, you’re bound to make friendships that will last a lifetime.

Some dancers may be heading back to the familiarity of the studio after a well-deserved break, whilst others might be starting dance for the first time…No matter where you’re at in your dance journey, you’re bound to reap the wonderful rewards of dance classes. Happy dancing!

Article by Taylor Venter

Photography by Elly Ford

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