Have you always wanted to start dancing, but felt like the train already left the station? Well before we go any further, let’s make one thing clear. It is never too late to start dancing! Sure, there are some dancers that start at the age of 3, but just because starting young is the “norm” does not mean that is the only option. In fact, one of the most beautiful parts about dance is that there is no “right” way to experience it.
The classes offered at Joanne Langione Dance Center make it easy for anyone interested in starting their dance journey. JLDC offers Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Tap, Hip Hop, Acrodance and more that provide a safe and supportive space for dancers to learn and grow.
Whether you are interested in learning basic dance technique, or you are ready to fine tune your already amazing skills, the classes at JLDC are a great starting point when searching for ways to add dance into your life. Perhaps that’s why Boston Magazine named JLDC Best Dance Classes for Kids!
Let’s talk about some of the major benefits you might find once you decide to jump into the world of dance.
#1 Building Confidence and Getting Out of your Comfort Zone
Technically that’s already two benefits…But that is besides the point.
Learning to dance can help you build confidence, break you out of your shell, and truly transform the way you view yourself as a person.
And the best part is, everyone starts somewhere. You do not need to be an expert to start your dancing journey. Trial and error is part of the process!
#2 Being Part of Something Bigger than Yourself
At Joanne Langione Dance Center, the motto is “Teamwork Makes The Dream Work.” It is a phrase that has carried the dance center through 47 years of success. It is also present in each and every class offered at JLDC. While you might feel like you are on your own during that first dance class, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
On days where you feel like giving up, or when you don’t feel like giving it your all, that is where you get to rely on your teammates. And that is an amazing feeling.
#3 Learning Discipline and Accountability
This benefit is an important one.
Creating discipline and accountability is a lesson that applies to all areas of life no matter what stage you are in. And why not learn it through dance? You might be wondering, how on earth does dance teach discipline and accountability? Well, remember when we talked about teamwork? Your teachers and classmates are holding you accountable for your goals. They are relying on you to be present in class. They are looking to you when it comes to that big performance day. And what does all of that take? Discipline.
It might take some time, and require a bit of patience, but if there is one benefit to take with you after your dance journey, it’s this one.
#4 Taking Care of Your Physical and Mental Health
Now that we have talked about the serious stuff, it’s time to chat about some of the obvious benefits to starting dance. Starting dance can do wonders for both your physical and mental health.
One of the great things about dance is that it rarely feels like traditional exercise. It should be fun! If you are in the right class, the goal is to forget that you are even working hard at all.
Once those endorphins start kicking in, there will be no stopping all of the amazing things you can accomplish!
#5 Having Fun!
Finally the most important benefit of all. Having fun is never a bad idea. This is definitely the most cliché benefit on the list, but as cliché as it is, it is still an important one to remember.
Being able to express yourself through movement can lead to some amazing things. Dance can be a way to relieve stress after a busy day, a way to connect with friends inside of class, and something to look forward to throughout your week.
So now that we have broken down some of the benefits of adding dance to your life, let’s figure out a way to actually start dancing!
At Joanne Langione Dance Center, there is a class for everyone. No matter the age, level, or dance style you are looking for, you will find it at JLDC. If you are someone who is eager to learn proper dance technique, or want to continue growing your already strong foundation while also trying many styles of dance, The Teen Dance Collective offered at JLDC might be the perfect starting point for you.
The Teen Dance Collective is a seminar style class offered for students in grades 6-12. Specifically designed for beginner/intermediate dancers who wish to study technique in ballet, contemporary, jazz, and hip hop, it’s a great way to enter the world of dance.
Students study the fundamentals of each dance technique while simultaneously refining their skills inside of the dance center. With each dance style come unique benefits. Hip Hop will improve sense of rhythm and coordination. Contemporary builds on classical ballet, while jazz technique enhances movement vocabulary and uncovers the powers of self expression. The Teen Dance Collective is a great option for dancers who can commit to a weekly intensive class and enjoy working as a cohort for both class and performance.
Similar to The Teen Dance Collective, JLDC offers beginner to intermediate level classes for all styles.
For example, The Tween Program offered for students in 4th and 5th grade is a great starting point to learn the basics of jazz, contemporary, and tap dance.
“I love working with my tween/teen tap dancers because I get to work at levels specific to each dancer and see the growth that happens throughout the year!” –Isla Niezgoda, Tap Teacher at JLDC.
Alongside the tween program, the dance center has a fantastic hip hop program worth highlighting.
Not only do they have expert faculty members teaching each class, but they also put on their very own annual Hip Hop Show (the only all Hip Hop Show in the area) to feature all of the hard work their students have put into their classes throughout the year.
Whether you are training to become a professional, or have a goal to get accepted to your high school dance team, JLDC can help you achieve those goals.
A perfect example of just that is their Hip Hop Dance Team class offered for students in 6th-12th grade.
JLDC’s Hip Hop Dance Team for intermediate/advanced students provides intense training in the latest freestyle technique to prepare for try-outs for their high school teams.
Having the opportunity to refine their skills each week, allows students to create deeper connections to the music, movement, and each other in and out of the dance center.
Assistant Artistic Director Amanda Conroy reminds her students that dance does not have to be an all or nothing activity:
“A big misconception of dance is it’s all or nothing…when in reality it’s not! Coming once a week provides our students with joy, the benefits of friendship, exploring the arts, and community.”
There really is no right or wrong way to jump into the world of dance and Joanne Langione Dance Center takes the guessing game right out of the equation. But if you are still not entirely sure which class might be best for you, learn more about all of JLDC’s class options for all ages starting at 6month old HERE! Enrollment is Ongoing!
