Dance and physical literacy: The link between rhythm and movement
Dance develops coordination, strength, and fitness
Active for Life: Dance
It’s hard to beat dance when it comes to physical literacy and helping kids to develop movement competency, body awareness, agility, balance, and coordination.
According to the Canadian Youth Sports Report (2014), there were 625,500 Canadian children and youth ages 3-17 participating in organized dance as of December 2013. That’s more than hockey, and almost as much as soccer! Meanwhile, there were over 1 million Canadian adults either taking dance classes or performing dance in their communities as of 2004 (Canada Council for the Arts).
All forms of dance play an important role in developing physical literacy. Check out these articles and activities to learn more:
57 awesome family dance party jams
Little kids love to dance—especially when Mom, Dad, Grandpa, or Grandma joins in the fun! Try streaming our Epic Family Dance Party Playlist.
Program from Canada’s National Ballet School promotes dance across Canada
Where art and activity intersect for all ages
Boys and ballet: dance develops strength, balance, discipline
Balance, posture, and strength are universal attributes
Sir Ken Robinson: Dance may ‘help raise test scores’
Expert says dance enhances academic achievement
Sharing Dance is making Canada happy, one step at a time
Join Canadians on May 24 to celebrate the joy of dancing
Dancing may help kids develop socio-emotional skills like empathy
Evidence shows possible improvements in acceptance, cooperation, and collaboration
Misty Copeland’s unlikely success redefines ballet
An inspirational story of will helping to triumph over conventional wisdom
Dance training helped Canadian snowboarder Spencer O’Brien learn ‘body awareness’
Her father signed her up for snowboard lessons when she was 11-years-old
Ballet and dance helped Sarah Reid become a better skeleton racer
Her activities have also ranged from biking and skiing, to mixed martial arts
This father shows there are many ways to be active with your child
The beauty of “contact improvisation”