Benefits of dance for young people

According to a new report from Finland children and teenagers who dislike ‘result-oriented’ physical activities can find huge benefits through dance.  The report found that dancing together with peers helps to build confidence, reduces prejudices and the fear of performing in front of others.

As previous studies have shown that physical activity has a positive effect on learning, dance is also a great way to improve cognitive performance, challenge motor skills for those who do not participate in sports.  Equally for those children and teenagers who are actively participating in sport already the benefits will be even greater.  

Dance can also be a useful tool for those who learn best through kinaesthetic and creative experiences.  The report also found that dance helps to improve the development of academic skills of those who fall within the spectrum of autism, or have learning disabilities or cognitive disorders. 

The University of the Arts Helsinki State “In bodily expression and dance, physical activity is combined with expressing feelings, social interaction and cultural participation, which creates a multidimensional link to one’s holistic development, learning and wellbeing in the school context.  This is why dance can play a useful role even in preventing mental problems and social exclusion among children and teenagers.”