Why is Dance class so important?

Dance lessons teach more than just dance steps. Dance improves more than your flexibility and increases mores than stamina. From self-confidence to teamwork, here are five lessons you learn from dance that may help you succeed at school, work, and life:

Perseverance. You weren’t born knowing how to shuffle ball change or pirouette. You got there by practicing. You tried. You failed. You tried again and got closer. And one day, you got it! Through determination, you persevere in life and reach goals in school or work. Spend more hours studying. Use deeper research answering essay questions or writing papers. Stay late putting together proposals. When projects require extra hours of work, you’ve got the endurance and perseverance to manage it.

Precision. The truth is: Dancers just don’t do sloppy! Dance classes are conducted with discipline and control. Dance teachers highlight excellence. They emphasize accuracy and tenacity. The mastery you learn from dance class teaches you to proofread your paper-- twice! Double-check your math assignment or lab report. And when your mom enters your room, or your boss scans your desk; she smiles, because it’s actually organized.

Teamwork. We all want to be a part of a group. The camaraderie in dance lessons encourages everyone to shine. When the group does well, we all do well. If a fellow dancer lags behind, the entire team is affected, and so is the performance. In group projects, speak up and do your part. Help others shine, too. At school or work, if you make a classmate or coworker look not-so-great, you look not-so-great. Achievement comes from leaning on your teammates, and allowing them to lean on you.

Self-confidence. Think about the first time you tried to cartwheel. You were nervous and scared. You weren’t sure you knew what you were doing, but you learned! And the next time you tried something new, the more confidence you gained. Whether at school or work, push yourself to do something scary, because you’re going to rock it! Audition for the school play. Volunteer to lead the alma mater. Pitch your proposal to your boss. Think about being onstage when the curtain rises. Think: it’s my turn to show ‘em what I’ve got!

Impact. We are all born to move. It’s human nature to start bobbing your head or tapping your toe to music. Think about that urge to move and the delight you have when dancing. That joy exists in other parts of your life, too. If you enjoy baking, make brownies for your suite mates or coworkers. If you like gardening, volunteer to water flowers in the park or plant window boxes at the local nursing home. Play to the things that inspire you, and you’ll not only leave a great impression, you’ll impact others to do the same.