ARTICLE | 5 Things Dancers Do Differently - They Are Ready For Anything

5 Things Dancers Do Differently - They Are Ready For Anything

Good dancers usually start dancing very young. Parents recognize a natural talent in their child and thankfully, they help them develop that talent. A dancer is not born great, but they could be born for greatness. 

The disciplines and values a child learn while in dance will serve them well for the rest of their lives. Here are 5 things a dancer does differently that carries on to other phases in life.

They listen to instruction

Every parent knows how easily distracted young children can be. In the dance studio, they learn quickly that if they do not listen, they can fall behind the group. They learn that the instructor is there to help them, but they cannot be disruptive. Disobedience could mean disappointment, correction, and in some cases even injury.

They wear proper clothing

Dance attire is not worn for fashion. Quality tights and leotards support the body, including veins and tendons in the legs. You would not send your child out to play football without proper attire. Neither will you send your child out to dance without dance shoes, leotards, warm-up clothes and dance accessories.

They practice effectively

A dancer works hard at his or her craft. They practice every detail, striving for perfection. They do not make excuses nor do they accept defeat. There is nothing they cannot do; just things they have yet to do.

Dancers will use mirrors and video to critique their work.

They learn the importance of food

A dancer knows there is value in all food. The body needs all food types. They learn about the food they consume to ensure they protect and develop their bodies.

They learn to embrace their music

Music is part of their very being. They learn to hear it on a different level than the average person. They take it in and use it to take their dance to a new level. A dancer who cannot adjust with the music provided will not make it far.

Bonus tip: A dancer loves to dance

If your child simply does not like to dance, they will not be a dancer. This is something you must love to do in order to become good at it and to reap the benefits of dance.

How does dance incorporate into other areas of life?

A good dancer learns self-control, discipline, and accountability at a very young age. This carries over to various areas of life. They are generally better students and obtain higher grades. Their training in the skill of listening is invaluable in the classroom setting.

Young dancers soon learn the value of money. They are taught that dance studio equipment (including their own) is expensive. Parents and teachers working together to protect their investments, give the child a sense of financial responsibility.

It protects their self-esteem. Dancers learn to shut out the criticism of others. They understand that there will always be “haters” and in order for them to grow as a dancer, they learn ways to tune the haters out. A dancer learns that their own view of themselves is critical and because of that, the opinions of others matter much less. This helps in every situation from bullying at school to the gossiping co-worker later in life. The skill of taking anything good and constructive from a person and disregarding anything negative or meant to hurt is one that all people should embrace.

As a child dancer matures, so does their concept of the world. Dance is invaluable in the development of young minds.

Written by Wendy Dessler, Outreach Manager of JustForKix
Visit their website: www.justforkix.com