Have you ever noticed that one of the earliest behaviors that a young child demonstrates is rhythmic movement, a.k.a dance? Think about it, even before most children learn to walk, they are effortlessly and eagerly bobbing around in their carriages and car seats, especially in your arms. It comes quite naturally to them, especially when music that they respond to is played. Also notice that they’re not crying while they dance, but are usually laughing, smiling and seemingly filled with joy.

Some argue that this is because dance is instinctual, while others, particularly those with two left feet may argue quite the contrary. Regardless of differing viewpoints, throughout the millennium, history does show substantial evidence of dance as an integral part of countless societies; from religious and cultural rituals, as a means of communication along with other significant rights of passage. So it is no wonder why it has been passed down from generation to generation in cultures around the world, often times beginning in childhood. “Dancing is a universal instinct, a zoological, a biologic impulse, found in animals as well as in man”. (Seton, 1).

http://youtu.be/84H3cjEeygY

Child re-enacts Dirty Dancing moves step by step

 

Although there are countless adults who don’t dance and believe that they lack rhythm or the ability to dance, the reality is that even though they may not move in a specific or aesthetically pleasing way (by the standards of others), such people can in fact move in a literal sense and physically interpret music and dance in their own unique way. Though this may not be classified as ‘good’ dancing by most, it is in fact still dancing. Going back to early childhood – a time when there are few if any inhibitions, and most children are without a care in the world; this is fertile breeding ground for creativity and expression of any kind, particularly of movement and dance. When such efforts are nourished, the possibilities are endless.

http://youtu.be/MdcuaeYV9oM

Three year old shares his love of dance with the world

 

As a child reaches an age where he or she begins to express an interest in dance, and the parent is able to nurture it by encouraging them or enrolling them in dance classes, that child can eventually develop their recreational activity into a bonafide skill and talent. Having the opportunity to take classes of any kind, in this case dance, can be beneficial to a child in many ways, and will remain with them as they grow into adults. Recreational activities like dance help children with social interaction, cognitive development and the ability to work with others. It teaches them discipline and commitment, and also provides them with a good source of physical exercise, heightened self esteem, self awareness and so much more. There are behavioral benefits such as helping to calm children with hyperactivity disorders and self destructive behaviors. In addition to the sheer joy of it, these are even greater reasons to get your children involved in dance. In a well-documented national study using a federal database of over 25,000 middle and high school students, researchers from the University of California at Los Angeles found students with high arts involvement performed better on standardized achievement tests than students with low arts involvement. Ruppert, Sandra S.  “Critical Evidence: How the Arts Benefit Student Achievement.” Critical Evidence 2006 : 10-11. Print.
What’s cuter than baby animals? Dancing babies! Check out these clips of tiny tikes effortlessly dancing their little hearts out!

http://youtu.be/i6ouaSrenAw

Dancing Babies Naturally Move to Music!

It’s a Family Affair

Did you know that ATOMIC has children’s dance classes? If you’ve ever found yourself passing up an opportunity to go dancing because you can’t get a sitter, now you can bring your little ones to class, while you enjoy your own class in the next room! If your child seems to have two left feet and you’re not sure how he or she will take to dancing, that’s all the more reason to give it a try. That’s what class is for. ATOMIC is a kid friendly kind of place, so come by and make it a family affair!