Besides the fact that dance classes are just plain FUN, there are tons of benefits dance training offers young athletes.
Discover our Top Ten Reasons Why Dance Is Incredible Cross-Training For Sports.
| 10. | Burn-out and dropout rates in youth sports are at an all-time high and escalating according to many sports psychologists. Some estimate the rate to be as high as 73%. Dance class offers an alternative and creative training to athletes. |
| 9. | Dance training establishes movement variety. It increases athletes’ fundamental movement base and overall athleticism by working all major muscle groups. |
| 8. | Dance training increases mobility, flexibility, core strength and balance, which can reduce the rate of sports injuries significantly. |
| 7. | Dancing increases coordination and spatial awareness, which can come in handy for athletes who must arrange themselves into formations and track a tiny ball or puck across a huge surface. |
| 6. | Athletes who dance enjoy the benefits of increased muscular strength, endurance, motor fitness and muscle tone. Jean Claude Van Damme is quoted as having said, “If you can survive a ballet workout, you can survive a workout in any other sport.” |
| 5. | The cardiovascular benefits of dance cannot be ignored. In a study conducted by the University of Brighton, 30 minutes in a dance class can torch 300 calories. |
| 4. | Dancing increases bone density. Many NFL players have famously taken ballet lessons for decades. In 2013 Steve McLendon (pictured) said ballet kept his ankles, feet and toes strong, and helps you get away from knee injuries. |
| 3. | Dance training supports total body fitness and weight management. |
| 2. | Dancing is a 100 Year Skill. While the former athlete may not be able to pitch a fastball or run the bases at 80 years old, he will certainly still get up and shake it down at the grandkids’ wedding. |
| 1. | Dance training treats the whole athlete by offering physical, cognitive, emotional and creative benefits to the dancer. |
Various studies in recent years have compared dancers with professional swimmers, cross-country skiers, runners, and the like, and the dancers always seem to come out on top. It was hard for us to narrow the list to only 10 reasons, but hopefully we’ve helped you see dancing in a new light with our Top Ten Reasons Why Dance Is Incredible Cross-Training For Sports.
Looking for a dance studio in Westminster and ready to try dancing yourself? See what all the fuss is about and call us or email us at hello@elevatedanceonline.com.