Dance classes are ideal for young people who want to get fit, improve flexibility and build stamina. However, dance also has a variety of mental health benefits for teenagers, three of which are explained in detail below, from improved resilience to a better social life.
Improved Resilience and Perseverance
Learning new skills is a fantastic way to become more resilient as a teenager, and dance is no exception. Learning to dance will teach your teenager the value of consistent practice, encourage them to keep trying when they don't instantly excel at a certain move or dance and give them concrete goals to work towards, such as performances. It's also a low-stakes way to learn about failure and trying again, being part of a team and showing up regularly. Learning these skills will be useful in other areas of their lives, such as school, sports and any other activities they do.
Lower Levels of Anxiety and Depression
In addition to improving resilience and helping your teenager learn key life skills, dance classes can also reduce anxiety and depression in young people. Mindwise explains that the research backs this up, with studies showing that people who participate in regular dance classes report a boost in their mood as well as better mental health overall. There could be a variety of reasons that dance classes lower anxiety and depression, whether it's the break from schoolwork, the socialisation, the joy of dancing and listening to good music or the self-esteem boost associated with learning a new skill and getting good at it, but whatever the case, it's sure to help your teen feel happier.
New Social Experiences
Dance classes are a fantastic way for your teenager to meet new people and make new friends, as learning a new activity and spending a lot of time together lead to close bonds. Even if your child already has a large friend group at school, having a group of close friends outside school can still be great for their mental health. This means that even if there's drama or arguments with school friends, they'll always have people to talk to and confide in. Dance classes are also a good option for shyer teens or ones who struggle to make friends, as the shared interest in dance will make it easier for them to bond.
If you're looking for a fun way to help your teenager improve their outlook and resilience, reduce their levels of anxiety and depression, and meet new friends, dance classes are sure to be a great option. Look for dance classes in your area.