6 Benefits of Dance Performance Participation

 

What is my child getting out of this performance experience?

As a parent, you may be wondering "what is so important about this performance?"  Especially given that we are in a global pandemic.  Does it really matter if your child has a video performance?  What's the big deal?

Excellent question! 

Here is a short list of why any type of performing arts experience is critical for your child not to miss out on, and why each performance experience can be so valuable for their personal development. 

 

1.       Performance participation provides achievable goals

Just as athletes have tournaments and games, dancers and artists have shows & recitals!  When a student knows they will be showing their moves off to family and friends, it gives them a bit of extra motivation to work a little bit harder.  Performing is the highlight of the dancer’s experience.  It is a celebration of their work  and the pride they feel in accomplishing this goal is a real confidence-booster! 

2.        Performance participation promotes social cooperation (teamwork)

The dances are performed as a class.  Even though dance class encourages the development of the individual, performances promote working together toward a common goal.  Camaraderie is a skill that will help the student in school, career, and family life.  Students also learn patience, listening, and leadership skills as they help each other with learning and practicing the steps.  (This is also why dance classes usually result in the making of friendships that last a lifetime!)

3.        Performance participation helps kids overcome anxieties

Dancers tend to feel safer about performing because they get to do it in a group.  There group gives them a sense of empowerment over the nervous feeling.  Before they know it, their performance is complete and they overcame any fear they had experienced. The gratifying comments of pride from parents and peers will strengthen that sense of confidence.  This positive experience will encourage bravery and courage when they face other types of obstacles and challenges in life. 

4.        Performance participation promotes memorization skills

Learning how to memorize is a highly-recommended skill for future professional opportunities.  If your child can have the ability to absorb and retain the steps of their dance, they are building skills towards a successful future without even realizing it.  Actually, they are probably just having fun, which is the best way to learn!

5.        Performance participation builds problem-solving skills

Things don’t always go easily, or as planned.  This is true in life, and in dance!  Learning how to overcome unexpected challenges is one of the many benefits of participating in the performing arts.  Whether it be how to deal with a lost costume piece, or figuring out how to remember to go left instead of right, dealing with the unexpected and working through to viable solutions is very beneficial for students of all ages (and parents too…did you think you were off the hook on this learning curve? Lol).

6.        Performance participation creates moments of celebration and lifelong memories

For families, these performances are an opportunity to celebrate their child’s achievements in dance.  For dancers, the recital is a positive experience that instills a passion for the performing arts and, in turn, a passion for lifelong learning. The costumes and pictures then become valuable keepsakes of a special time for all involved.

Although the thought of taking class and participating in a performance during a pandemic may seem overwhelming at first, the benefits of performance participation are incredible for your child!  And childhood is short.  Your child deserves the full experience.  Before you know it, time will pass and the opportunities to pass on these experiences will have passed too.  

At Encore Studios, we are proud to offer programs that we know are positively impacting the lives of children & their families during these trying and uncertain times.  Our amazing programs are keeping childhood experiences accessible and safe TODAY and will continue to do so through any phase of public health.  Thank you for  supporting our small business and your child's development through dance & performing arts.