You remember buying that first pair of ballet shoes like it was yesterday. Now boom, your child is 18 and about to take off for college. You’re on an emotional roller coaster – one minute excited for the opportunities that lie ahead and the next, flooded with nostalgia and a sense of loss. As you grab another tissue, take comfort in knowing your child will probably handle the transition to college just fine, especially if he or she has grown up taking dance classes or been on a dance team.
Studies indicate that the discipline, creative thought and communication skills developed in dance class helps prepare students for college and beyond. Dance helps students acquire these important skills:
• Time Management & Organization – Busy dancers have to learn how to juggle classes, rehearsals and an active social life with their schoolwork.
• Social & Team-Building – Dancers are used to working with a wide range of personalities from all walks of life. This is an invaluable tool when you’re required to work with others on school projects.
• Self-discipline & Focus – In general, dancers are self-motivated as they’re repeatedly expected to learn challenging technique and perform to the best of their ability. Whether it’s nailing 32 fouettés or cranking out essays, they have the focus and drive to achieve their goals.
• Problem Solving– So they had a little slip on stage. No biggie! Dancers are used to fixing problems quickly and effectively. Just like a class speech gone wrong, the show must go on!
• Handling Rejection & Criticism – Whether it’s not getting the desired role or being told they needed to work on their flexibility, most dancers don’t take criticism personally. So if their professor tells them they might not pass a difficult course, they’ll take it as a challenge or way to improve, even exceed their expectations.
Your child might soon be trading barre work for college textbooks but rest assured, the solid life skills they’ve learned from dance will stick with them long after they take their final bow.
