How can Dance Class & Performing Arts Benefit Shy Children?
Dance and performance can be an incredibly beneficial activity for children, especially for those who are shy or introverted. For shy children, participating in dance and performance can help them build confidence, improve social skills, and develop a sense of belonging. Dance is a great place for a shy child as it has low physical or emotional risk. Very little verbal expression is required or encouraged and students are generally in classes with their own age and skill level.
Here are some ways in which dance and performance can benefit shy children:
Improving Confidence: Dance and performance can help shy children develop confidence by allowing them to express themselves creatively in a safe and supportive environment. As they learn new dance moves or perform in front of an audience, they will begin to feel more confident in their abilities and themselves. As an introvert or someone who is shy, dance can help you get out of your comfort zone. Once they begin dancing, they will feel more confident in themself while being present in the moment
Developing Social Skills: Dance and performance also provide an opportunity for shy children to interact with their peers and build social skills. Working with others in a dance or performance group can help children learn how to communicate effectively, work as a team, and build relationships with their peers.
Reducing Anxiety: Dance helps children to interact with others and reduce anxiety about new people and places. Dance also helps children to feel more comfortable about performing in front of others. This helps them at school when they need to speak in front of their classmates
Fostering Creativity: Dance and performance encourage children to be creative and explore their imaginations. This can be particularly beneficial for shy children who may feel more comfortable expressing themselves through movement and performance than through verbal communication.
Providing a Sense of Belonging: Dance and performance groups can provide a sense of community and belonging for shy children. Being part of a group can help them feel like they are part of something larger than themselves and can provide a supportive environment where they feel accepted and valued.
Improving Physical Health: Dance and performance are also great for physical health. Regular dance practice can improve flexibility, strength, and coordination, which can improve overall health and well-being.
How can Parents help their shy child at dance class?
As a parent, it can be challenging to watch your shy child struggle at dance class. However, there are several things you can do to support and encourage your child to build confidence and succeed in dance class. Here are some tips:
Talk to the dance teacher: Schedule a meeting with the dance teacher to discuss your child's needs and concerns. Ask the teacher for specific ways you can support your child at home, and ask for feedback on your child's progress.
Be positive and encouraging: Praise your child for their efforts, not just their achievements. Encourage them to keep trying and remind them that it's okay to make mistakes.
Remind your child that feeling a little nervous about trying something new is normal. If you can, give an example of a time that you felt shy and then ended up enjoying an activity.
Practice at home: Help your child practice their dance moves at home. Their teacher may even be able to let you know the music they are practicing their dance to. This can help them feel more confident in their abilities and better prepared for class.
Stay and watch classes when you can to give your child feedback on how they are succeeding! There is no need to give your child any technical improvements. Leave that to the teacher. Give them positive reinforcement of how you, as the parent can see them progressing
Attend performances: Attend performances and recitals to show your support and to help your child feel proud of their accomplishments.
Build social connections: Help your child build social connections with other dancers by arranging playdates or attending dance-related events together. This can help your child feel more comfortable and supported in class.
Be a positive role model: Remember children are always watching you as the parent for cues on how to behave. Make friends with other dance parents. Create friendliness, kindness and a non-competitive environment in your child’s dance school.
Be patient: Building confidence takes time, and progress may be slow. Be patient with your child and continue to provide them with encouragement and support.
Consider seeking additional support: If your child's shyness is affecting their ability to participate in dance class or other activities, consider seeking additional support from a mental health professional or counselor.
There are several things you can do to support and encourage your shy child at dance class. Talk to the dance teacher, be positive and encouraging, practice at home, attend performances, build social connections, be patient, and consider seeking additional support if needed. With your help and support, your child can build the confidence they need to succeed in dance class and in life.
In conclusion, dance and performance can be an excellent activity for shy children. It provides them with a safe and supportive environment to express themselves creatively, develop social skills, and build confidence. It also fosters a sense of belonging and improves physical health. Parents of shy children should consider enrolling them in a dance or performance program to help them develop the skills they need to succeed in life.
Jeanette Briggs Dance Academy located in St Helens Park and Ambarvale in Campbelltown, South-Western Sydney offers a nurturing and encouraging environment for children to develop their skills and thrive throughout their school life and beyond.
Jeanette Briggs Dance Academy enriches children's lives through dance, drama, performing arts, creativity, imagination and community. We offer an unforgettable experience for you and your children. Our classes are perfect for boys and girls from 2.5 years old. They offer a variety of dance classes as well as drama, cheerleading and musical theatre.
Improving childrens social skills, coordination, gross and fine motor skills and having FUN! Enriching them with creativity and imagination. It is the perfect activity to improve your child's academic performance.
We delight in watching children increase in confidence and independence to thrive at school and beyond. In fact we have had so many parents of shy children join us just for that reason and we love to hear the stories from their families on how the benefits of dance have helped them at school and with friendships, trying new things their parents thought they never would.
Jeanette Briggs Dance Academy offers a free introductory week so you can bring your child and experience the supportive, caring and patient dance classes and see the enrichment it provides your child while they learn, meet friends and have fun. Contact us to find the perfect class for your child.
Copyright Jeanette Briggs
1st March 2023
Reference: https://www.neishas.com/newsletter/too_shy_for_dance/
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