Get kids active through dance

POLOKWANE – Dancing is a universal language understood by young and old. Children can often dance before they can run, or say their first word.

It is believed to be an art by many, and is practiced as a sport across the globe. Review spoke to dance instructor and owner of Universe of Rhythm and Dance, Jouney Steenkamp, to find out why it is important for children who want to dance professionally, to start young.

“Out of experience, I find it better for children to start dancing between the age of five and 10,” she says.

“At the age of five or six, it is as if a light comes on for them and they catch the steps easier. At a young age, they are very brave too and will try any movement without the worry of looking ridiculous. They mime the moves very well.”

Steenkamp’s studio accommodates dancers from as young as four, when they start working on fine and gross motor skills.

“It is never too late to start dancing, even if you are a teenager or adult. The only thing that makes it difficult is that older participants are usually shy and you struggle to get them out of the box. A dance instructor cannot help you if you cannot show what you are capable of,“ Jouney explains.

Benefits of dance:

• It is an alternative exercise.
• Is a confidence booster. “There have been many incidents where the shy, quiet dancer takes my breath away in a competition or concert,” Jouney gushes.
• It is fun and social and you make new friends.
• It improves your ability to concentrate.
• It improves posture and balance.
• It teaches you to care for your body and work to maintain a strong healthy body.
• It teaches endurance.
• Dance is the only activity that reduces your chances of dementia, because you use multiple parts of the brain at the same time.
• Dancing helps you express your emotions in a healthy manner.
• Improves creativity.

“Dance teaches us dedication, communication, skills, passion, endurance and to handle criticism well,” Jouney concludes.