Studies show that learning to move to music benefits children in numerous ways that are essential to their early development.
Before we are able to even speak, we use movement and motions to learn to communicate effectively and to learn and change ideas about ourselves, other people, and the environment around us. Every child is born with creativity that should be cultivated as a crucial part of their development.
The Joanne Langione Dance Center in Newton, MA (just outside of Boston, MA) was awarded Best of Boston in 2016 for “Best Dance Classes, Kids” for their specialized early childhood development programs that heavily focus on social skills, healthy emotional and cognitive development, sound physical benefits, and ultimately: FUN.
Using Movement as a Part of Early Childhood Development
Some benefits of preschool dance classes include promotion of artistic, cultural, social, and multidisciplinary education. Dancing can improve overall health, flexibility, stress levels as well as develop social skills, which is an important part of socialization as your little dancer begins to grow.
“Preschool dance classes provide, beyond the sound social, physical, and cognitive benefits, opportunity for freedom of expression which builds self-confidence – a child’s ultimate super power!” – Joanne Langione, JLDC’s Founding Director
JLDC’s award-winning PLAYDANCE® curriculum supports physical, social, and cognitive development, with instructors who specialize in early childhood development and genuinely love what they do.
“An early start in dance and movement provides important intervention for physical, emotional and cognitive development in toddlers allowing them a head start in gaining self awareness and self esteem,” said Joanne Langione, Founding Director of JLDC. “Pre-school dance benefits every child by providing a fun and loving atmosphere in which to explore movement, a kind and generous teacher to gently guide and peers to share in joyful experiences together. Among the many obvious inherent benefits of preschool dance is that it helps children relieve stress which creates well being and happiness.”
Playdance® was also recognized by esteemed pediatrician, Dr. T. Berry Brazelton and featured on Channel 2’s “What Every Baby Knows.” You can learn more about JLDC’s award-winning early childhood development program and current enrollment schedule by visiting our Early Childhood page.
“Thank you for all your hard work. I know that I am not the only parent who feels lucky to be part of this.” – JLDC parent
“A friend recommended JLDC and we are SO happy they did. The teachers made our daughter feel so special and comfortable right from the start! She was very excited at the end of each class to show me what she learned. I’m so thrilled to have found such a warm and nurturing environment!” – JLDC parent
All of these benefits of Playdance® classes for your preschooler can become a strong foundation that will serve them throughout their lives with work, school, relationships and more!
Benefits of Preschool Dance Classes: Point your Toes!
Studies have shown that attending dance classes regularly can improve overall health through exercise. Flexibility and staying active in a dance class can reduce the risk of injury as well.
Additionally, JLDC dance classes also assist in muscle and muscle memory development, leading to:
Increased hand/eye coordination,
Increased flexibility,
Self and spatial awareness,
Balance and coordination
“Of the many years I’ve spent teaching pre-school dance, an important lesson I’ve learned is that the class I give must meet students’ needs on three levels: the correct amount of physical exercise, proper use of imaginative play and sufficient repetition for learning,” said Langione. “The pre-schoolers are the best dancers in the school! They have without a doubt the most energy, they dance with utter reckless abandon and they create moves that are the most fun to watch!”
JLDC also offers Babydance for children ages 6 – 12 months as well as:
Intro to Dance (ages 3-5),
Kidzhop, Fit and Tumble (ages 3-5),
Pre-Ballet/Tap (grades K-1),
Hip Hop 1 (grade K-1),
Jazz/Tap (grades K-1),
Acrodance 1 (grades K-1),
and Hip Hop/Acro 1 (grade K-1)
for early elementary students and many more classes for students through age 18 years.
The dance classes offered at JLDC are beneficial as they can keep your preschooler’s mind engaged and focused, as well as keeping the body conditioned.
Before you Show Up to Class: Cognitive Development Benefits of Dance Classes
For many preschoolers, dance is a form of self-expression, and a talent to be able to express themselves through motion and choreographed movement at JLDC. It can assist students with working through feelings and build confidence from an early age.
Through committing to dance classes, children learn that through determination and perseverance, if they don’t get it right the first time, get up and try again. Once they do achieve their goal, this provides a sense of accomplishment and pride in themselves for overcoming an obstacle.
Choreography has a great impact on a preschooler’s cognitive development and capabilities. Through practicing a dance routine for a performance, memory skills and sensory awareness are enhanced and develop their non-verbal communication while performing with their friends.
“Thank you for making my son’s first year at JLDC so wonderful. He enjoyed working with his teachers and meeting many new friends. Everyone really made him feel part of the JLDC community.” – JLDC parent
Over time, the benefits of dance classes for your preschooler build more and more confidence in themselves as they learn new movements and routines to master. JLDC’s kids classes create a safe and positive environment, and recognizes the importance of healthy development.
Social and Emotional Benefits of Preschool Dance Classes
As your preschooler grows and participates in group activities, they learn that working together with others is important. In addition, children learn how to listen well, lead and share with others, and have patience in their daily lives.
Most importantly at JLDC, young students learn to interact with each other and have FUN, forming fantastic relationships with their future friends and instructors.
“My daughter has grown to love dance so much because of JLDC. What you have given her in confidence and most importantly fun, is all a mom can ask for!” – JLDC parent
“My daughter has grown to love dance so much because of JLDC. What you have given her in confidence and most importantly fun, is all a mom can ask for!” – JLDC parentSince the COVID pandemic, interacting with other preschoolers is extremely vital.
Attending preschool dance classes are beneficial to their social behavior by interacting with children their own age and having common interests. They might even meet their future best friend(s) in a dance class!
“The benefits of dance classes for preschoolers goes far beyond what they learn in the classroom,” said Lisa Giancola, JLDC’s Director of Early Childhood Development. “Socially, students are able to meet friends and begin to work and connect with peers, develop confidence and poise through sharing thoughts, reflections and ideas as well as performances, and they are introduced to a new voice of instruction other than their parents.
Cognitively, they enhance their skills creatively, verbally, physically, visually and aurally through sequence, repetition and exploration. Problem solving skills are honed in class through movement games and prompts. First, physically kids are staying active. Next, they are beginning to understand body and spatial awareness, balance, coordination and musicality.
Last but not least, the enjoyment of dance class brings everything together! They are having intentional fun, where the kids are still learning (shh, don’t tell them!). This helps promote joy within the teachers, students. It can also bring joy at home as kids share their dance experiences with their loved ones. There is nothing more rewarding as a teacher than to have a classroom of smiling children. Smiling children, alongside a soundtrack of giggles and celebrated successes!”
There are a multitude of benefits of preschool dance classes. First, preschool dance classes assist them with building a strong foundation throughout a young child’s life. Next, it helps them build all relationships – whether it’s work, school, with friends, family, and loved ones. Lastly, dance can be explorative for your child. It can help them not just physically, but mentally, socially, creatively, and emotionally.
