Health and Happiness with ISPA’s Co-curricular Dance Activities
In the digital age where it is all too easy to spend hours at a screen, prioritising physical movement has never been more important. Not only is it a way to stay active, dance is an outlet where joyful movement can become a form of expression for children that promotes a stable sense of wellbeing.
Studies show that introducing young people to the joy of dancing enhances multiple dimensions of wellbeing, fosters creativity, and provides opportunities for them to develop their social skills in a playful way. With all of these positive outcomes, it’s no wonder that students are left grinning from ear-to-ear after partipcating in ISPA’s Co-Curricular Dance Activities!
Read on to learn more about why dance truly is the key to health and happiness!
Let’s get physical
Engaging in dance from a young age is a fantastic way to lay the foundations for a lifetime of healthy, active habits. Dance improves cardiovascular fitness, as well as strength and motor skill development, like flexibility and coordination – all of which are important to keep our bodies healthy and strong throughout our lives. The accessible and energetic style offered in ISPA’s Co-curricular Dance Programs empowers participants to be intuitive with their movement, and direct their high energy towards a teamwork focused activity.
The mind-body connection
Dance can also be an incredible emotional outlet for children of all ages. It is a healthy way for children to release energy in a way that encourages them to connect with their emotional state, and gives them a safe space to express these feelings without having to put them into words.
We know that regular participation in a dance program can also build confidence in young people. As students learn new dance moves and receive guidance as they master the routines, they are better able to build a growth mindset. Framing this consistent practice, and continually trying new things as a way of improving your skills is something that can leave students feeling happier, more self-assured, and with a true sense of accomplishment.
“It was so lovely to see so many smiling happy enthusiastic students thoroughly enjoying themselves on stage performing yesterday. As a parent it warms me so much to see my children enjoying performing. Music and dance are so good for the soul, and clearly from my children’s faces they love dance!” – Karen Bealby, Parent
Working hard at a dance routine also helps students foster a sense of resilience. Having the chance to dance solo is special, but there is nothing quite as rewarding as the feeling of collective pride and happiness gained from creating something in a team, and working towards a common goal, such as a performance in a concert or school assembly.
After working on just one dance, many students then become empowered create their own dance routines with each other, and start exploring different styles of music to tell their own stories through movement.
Growing social connections
In a group dance performance, it’s essential that everyone works together in order to comfortably move in a space, and achieve a sense of unison in movement. If young people learn to do this through a dance routine, then they concurrently develop their communication skills, intuition, rhythm and teamwork skills without even having to think about it!
Embracing the rhythm of dance isn’t just about steps and routines. It is a gateway to a world of health, creativity, friendships and team work. ISPA’s Co-curricular Dance Activities help children build strong cognitive and physical strength, cultivate a love for self-expression and help nurture their emotional and social growth and development – one dance step at a time!
Discover more ISPA dance opportunities at an ISPA Holiday Camp or enquire now about a Co-curricular program at your school
