The Gifts Dance Brings to Our Lives

The journey between who you once were and who you are now becoming, is where the dance of life really takes place.” Barbara De Angelis


Anyone who has taken dance classes will have been taught not only steps and positions, but valuable life lessons about life as well. As Thanksgiving approaches, stop and think about the gifts dance has brought to your life. Here are a few.


The first lesson children are taught in ballet class is to stand and sit up with straight backs. It is one of the hardest and most important lessons to achieve. Good posture is a key factor to good health as well as a better appearance. It also improves confidence and strength.

Standing up straight with the head proudly held up, shoulders pulled back and stomach held in will strengthen the core of the body, help avoid back problems, make the body look thinner and can improve circulation, digestion and mood. This simple action reduces the appearance of insecurity and shyness, thus improving confidence. Eating healthy food and regular exercise will also improve overall health.

Dancing is an excellent form of physical exercise for anyone, young or old, as it requires the full use of one's energy and physical participation by every part of the body. No one can dispute the health benefits of dance. Likewise, dance offers the unique opportunity of venting our frustrations, of stomping away anger, of leaping with pure joy,of speaking our needs without words, of connecting movement to music that soothes and heals our mind and spirit as well as soul.

Socializing with other people is the best way to keep mentally active and healthy.

Ballroom dance also teaches grace, movement, and style. Ballroom dance improves walking. Actors and actresses study ballrooom dance. It helps to promote excellent movement skills on and off the screen. Doctors are now telling people that ballroom dance is good for the heart. Ballroom dance is a nice, easy exercise that doesn't challenge the heart, but gives it the right balance of exercise.

Expression of One's Culture -  Way to Communicate

We have the freedom to dance. The freedom of dance cannot go unacknowledged, as people from many parts of the globe still do not know the full meaning of true liberty.

Dance is also important as an art form and used in plays, operas, and other stage productions. Modern dance and ballet are used extensively in this venue. And of course  tap dance is a great show stopper. Belly dance is also a very expressive dance and is used to help actresses and opera singers learn to be more creative in their movements on stage.
The use of dance in reality shows is a unique phenomenon for our era. Reality shows are now being televised and shown globally. Dancing on an open stage, directly in front of a live audience, while being filmed by television cameras, is only one potential source of entertainment. When this dancing is unedited, people comprehend it on a totally different level. Even the worst would-be dancer, who dances with two left feet, can relate to it.

Internationally, dancing is a very significant and appropriate art form. Dance is loved by people all over the world because it is such a true expression of human art. It helps people to explore their own lives and worlds, as well as to set their bodies, minds and spirits free, while allowing the manifestation of their full artistic potential.

Dancing competitions represent an international challenge. Almost everyone enjoys attempting to do something new. Competing in dance, on various levels, makes it even more exciting. At the same time, all of us can develop an understanding and appreciation of dancing, simply because dancing challenges us mentally, physically and emotionally.

Disipline and Self Control
Professional ballet dancers stay in shape by taking ballet class every day. Children and beginners learning to dance attend at least one class a week, if not more. They have to listen to their teacher, follow instructions and take criticism without offence. They work hard to improve, and practice the steps and technique over and over until they’re perfect.

Ballroom dance  helps in the socialization of children. It is being used successfully in many inner city schools today to foster social skills, improve study habits, and build self-esteem. Once children are successful in something they become successful in other things. Ballroom dance teaches self-discipline. It teaches how to conduct yourself with the male or female. It teaches courtesy and etiquette.

The world today seems to be a place where discipline and self-control are unpopular and old-fashioned. Learning to say no to things that are damaging to health, lifestyle or environment is requires a similar discipline and dedication that dancers use to push their bodies to the limit every day.

Smile - You'll Feel Better: Expressing Your Emotions

This is the easiest lesson of all. Smile. It doesn’t hurt, makes others feel happier and brightens the room. Even if you don’t feel like it, smiling through the crabbiness, sadness or anger can at least disguise those feelings until true happiness returns.

Dancers who smile in class, at auditions, during rehearsals and in performance are opening a window to their soul, allowing people in to experience their joy of dancing. It comes naturally to some, while others need reminding. Smiling takes practice, like anything else.

Personally, dance has taught me how to gain and maintain self-control of body and mind.  The emotions from being able to use it as a form of expression and communication motivated me to become more sociable and active.

Dance taught me how to dig deep inside my soul and pull out those strong and effective feelings that I struggle with. You discover yourself by your movements, your timing, grace, speed, creativity, and constructiveness. Dance is a tool to influence someone’s emotions, thoughts, and desires.

 Courage