As
a mother of a nine year old son and a former Ballet dance student, I’ve always
witness the lack of participation of boys in dance, particularly in Ballet. From
a young age, boys are mainly enrolled into sports as a way to fuel their energy,
while girls tend to start dance lessons. However, in the last fifteen years, I
have observed an enormous participation of young girls in sports as well as a
rapidly growing acceptance of women’s sports.
While there has been a
considerable immersion of young girls into sports, there has not been the same progress
with young boys into the dance arena. Probably, the main reason behind it is
the perception that it’s an activity exclusively for girls. But what most people
don’t know is that dancing can be as physically and mentally challenging as any
sports. So let me fill you in on the many benefits of dance for boys. After
reading this, you will realize that young boys are missing out on valuable
skills!.
Some of the benefits of
dance for boys are:
- Dance is a safe and constructive way to express their emotions: Dance doesn’t have the dangers of injuries resulting from body contact present in most sports. At the same time, it’s a constructive way of express their feelings and as an example just watch the movie Billy Elliott!.
- It teaches them control of their body: Dancing offers young boys the opportunity to be aware of their bodies and to multi task using their brains and body parts.
- It teaches them respect: Dancing involves courtesy and consideration towards other people.
- Dance has multiple health benefits: Dance has many health benefits, such as improving body image, attentiveness, communication skills, as well as reduction of stress, fear and anxiety.
- It’s a nonthreating way to connect with girls in the teenage years.
- Dance provides them with a social advantage: A teenage boy who is a confident dancer has a social advantage over his less confident and able peers.
Thanks
for reading and stay tuned for my next weekly blog,
Vanessa
Here is a link to my other blog: http://mypassionfordancing.blogspot.com/
Sources:
- Susan, N. (April 6, 2008). Encouraging Boys to Dance. Retrieved: May 21, 2015. From: http://www.danceadvantage.net/encouraging-boys-to-dance/
- Edgerly, S. (2009). Boys and Dance - Why All Boys Should Be Taught to Dance. Retrieved: May 21, 2015. From: http://ezinearticles.com/?Boys-and-Dance---Why-All-Boys-Should-Be-Taught-to-Dance&id=3205320