Adding a dance class to your child’s new daily routine can help improve their physical and mental health as the school year begins.
Parents and kids across America are gearing up for what promises to be a unique and challenging school year. While many children will start the year from their dining room tables, others are navigating hybrid learning programs that include brief stints in their school building and time on computers at home. Parents are busy preparing for the new year by buying desks, setting up daily schedules for learning at home and organizing socially distant study groups.
One important factor to consider as parents prepare for the new year is giving your children opportunities to take a break from their screens. The challenges of our new normal are taking a toll on the mental health of our youngsters, according to new research. Taking a break from their computers during the day will help improve their focus and keep them engaged. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends kids spend one hour per day exercising. Dancing is a great stress reliever and the perfect study break. Fred Astaire Dance Studios offers a host of classes for children through its Online Lesson Platform, allowing kids to take a mental health break from their remote math class and get some beneficial exercise.
Here are five unique dance options to encourage your kids as they start the new school year.
Acro Dance. Inspired by Cirque du Soleil, Acro Dance combines classical dance technique with precision acrobatic elements. Acrobatic dance incorporates tumbling and rhythmic gymnastics to dance routines, helping increase flexibility and improve balance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbMygIYG8A8
Hip Hop. If your energetic child likes grooving to popular songs on the radio, a hip hop class might be the right choice to help them get the wiggles out. Hip Hop dancing originated on the streets of New York City. The improvisational dance style combines the complex rhythms and styles of traditional African dances with a modern twist and is typically performed with hip hop music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQHs77sHg3M
Ballroom Dancing. Learning the complicated steps of the waltz, samba and cha-cha can help youngsters boost memory and concentration, according to the National Dance Education Organization, a non-profit membership organization dedicated to advancing dance education centered in the arts. Successfully performing new dance moves helps build self-confidence. Ballroom dancing offers a low-impact, high-energy workout that helps increase flexibility and core strength while improving posture and agility.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVs7GH-mVvE
Bollywood Dancing. Introduce your children to the rich beauty of Indian culture by enrolling them in a Bollywood dancing class. Bollywood dancing, which gained popularity from Indian films, combines classical Indian dancing with modern influences such as jazz and hip hop.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qH_mAMGbb4U
Irish Dance. Traditional Irish step dancing, which inspired the Broadway musical Riverdance, is a unique option. Irish dancers wear elaborate costumes and dances incorporate rhythmic steps in their reels and jigs that will keep kids moving.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NT0qpJ0ChHs
Contact your local Fred Astaire Dance Studios to help improve your child’s physical fitness and provide some variety in their day.
