Boost Focus, Confidence, and Have Fun: The Back-to-School Benefits of Dance
As summer comes to a close and the school year begins, many families look forward to resuming their after-school routines and extracurricular activities. At Dance Expressions, we are thrilled to welcome many new and returning families to dance with us this year for our 2025-2026 season. As our dancers return to our marley floors, it is a great time to recognize the incredible cognitive benefits that dancing offers. Dance engages children both physically and mentally; it is a creative outlet and provides discipline and structure. Being a dancer translates into becoming a lifelong learner, which can be a significant advantage for kids as they progress through school.
Here are a couple of ways that dancing can help our brains:
Encourages Functional Brain Connectivity
When dancing, the brain recruits multiple brain regions, which then lends itself to cross-hemisphere coordination that enhances connectivity. In our pre-school classes, dancers work on different motor skills in a fun and engaging way that gets them thinking and their bodies moving! As dancers progress through our curriculum, they continue to build on those foundational skills to create more complex sequences of movement.
Promotes Emotional Self-Regulation
Dance integrates music and movement in a way that naturally regulates the stress response. Our teachers at DE have a great selection of fun and age-appropriate music that we play for our classes. Pop into one of our Cecchetti Syllabus classes and you’ll hear lovely classical piano music being played. Take a peek into one of our Modern classes, and you may listen to exciting drum beats!
Strengthens Social Belonging
Group dance settings activate social bonding neurochemicals, such as oxytocin, and reduce feelings of loneliness. Our dancers at the studio strengthen their social bonds before even stepping into our classrooms. They enjoy catching up and connecting in our lobby before and after class, and working hard together in class!
Why Parents Should Say “Yes” to Dance
Dance blends fun with powerful cognitive development in a way few activities can. It’s not just about moving to the beat—it’s about helping kids grow into more focused, imaginative, and confident learners.
Encouraging your child to dance today could mean stronger memory, focus, and creativity tomorrow. Don’t miss the chance to nurture both their mind and body—enroll them in a dance class at Dance Expressions today!
