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As our dancers grow up and move into high school, university, and beyond, one question comes up again and again:
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“Is it realistic to keep dancing once school gets harder?”
What Dance Meant to Them Growing Up
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- Joy, strength, happiness
- Responsibility, commitment, belonging
- Stress relief and emotional expression
- Creativity, imagination, freedom
- Fulfillment and passion
For many, dance was the place where they made lifelong friends, felt safe to express themselves, and
created memories that carried them through difficult seasons of life.
Dancing Through High School: Why It Helped
Every alum who continued dancing in high school described it as beneficial, often in ways they didn’t fully appreciate until later:
- Confidence and self‑esteem grew as they mastered new skills.
- Physical activity came naturally, even for those who didn’t enjoy gym class.
- Time management improved because they learned to balance classes, rehearsals, and academics.
- Stress relief became essential during exam seasons.
- Friendships deepened and provided a supportive community.
- Discipline and responsibility developed through consistent training.
One alum put it perfectly:
“Dance taught me that I could be responsible, maintain my grades, and still do something I loved. Those time‑management skills carried me through university and into my career.”
Dancing in University or College: A Lifeline, Not a Burden
Every alum who danced in post‑secondary said the same thing:
Dance made school easier, not harder.
Here’s how:
- A built‑in stress outlet during heavy academic weeks
- A supportive community when school felt overwhelming
- A way to stay active without needing to schedule workouts
- A creative escape that helped them reset mentally
- A sense of identity beyond their program or grades
- A part‑time job for those who taught dance—often paying better and requiring fewer hours than other student jobs
One dancer even shared that teaching dance paid her entire way through university.
Another said:
“I came back to dance during university because I missed it so much. It felt like coming home.”
The Two Big Concerns: Time and Cost
…and Why They’re Not Barriers After All
1. “They won’t have time.”
Students who dance often manage their time better than those who don’t.
Dance provides structure, routine, and a healthy break from studying—making it easier to stay focused and productive.
2. “We can’t afford both university and dance.”
Many dancers offset costs by teaching, assisting, or working in the dance world.
But even without teaching, one or two classes a week still provide all the major benefits:
- Reduced stress
- Improved mental health
- Physical fitness
- A positive social environment
- A creative outlet
- Stronger academic performance
And yes—studies show that dancers often score higher on exams than their non‑dancing peers.
Why Dance Supports Academic Success
Dance uniquely strengthens both the body and the brain. It:
- Engages both hemispheres of the brain, improving memory and learning
- Reduces stress through movement and expression
- Builds confidence and emotional resilience
- Improves kinesthetic intelligence and body awareness
- Creates mental structure that supports organization and time management
- Enhances overall quality of life—students feel healthier, happier, and more grounded
We’ve seen dancers complete demanding degrees—medicine, physiotherapy, engineering, education, and more—while still dancing every week.
The Bottom Line
As students get older, they need:
- Structure
- Exercise
- Stress relief
- Social connection
- A place where they feel confident and supported
Dance provides all of that in one place.
Whether it’s one class a week or a full schedule, keeping dance in their lives helps students thrive academically, emotionally, and socially—and it keeps them connected to something they genuinely love.
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