What’s so great about a dance Recital anyway?
If you are new to the dance world, you may wonder why participating in a dance recital is such a big deal. After all, it’s not just about the costumes and the applause; there are valuable life lessons and experiences your child gains from this exciting endeavor. Here are five great reasons why performing in a dance recital is so beneficial for your child:
1. Increase Confidence
One of the most significant benefits of participating in a dance recital is the boost in confidence it provides. Dancing on stage in front of an audience helps children overcome stage fright and build self-assurance. As they master their routines and face the spotlight, they learn to believe in their abilities and develop a strong sense of self-worth.
Weekly class rehearsals (plus hours spent at home practicing!) help to build confidence throughout the year. Then, on Recital day, we get a chance to see that confidence really shine! Backstage I will often hear dancers talk about how they are nervous or scared and sometimes they aren’t sure if they want to go on stage, but they do.
My favorite part of the performance isn’t seeing them rock their dance. It is after when they step off that stage with a cheer and a big “YES!” because they did it and they had so much fun. That kind of pure joy is priceless.
2. Work on Goal Setting
2. Work on Goal SettingDance recitals require months of dedication and hard work. Whether it’s your 1st Recital or your 15th Recital, there is a major sense of accomplishment at the end of the day when you take your bow. Preparation for the performance teaches the importance of setting and working towards goals. Dancers learn that success is the result of consistent effort and practice.
The euphoria of hitting that goal of performing on stage is something that stays with a person long after dance lessons finish. Achieving goals and targets is something that is useful all throughout life and a dance recital is an amazing place to learn and grow that skill.
3. Teamwork
Dance is often seen as an individual pursuit, but recitals emphasize the importance of teamwork. Dancers must work together harmoniously to create a cohesive performance. They learn to rely on each other, communicate effectively, and appreciate the collective effort needed to achieve a common goal.
On Recital day, they will feel a great sense of excitement to step on that stage together. Backstage, I love seeing how supportive they are of each other, holding hands, helping to fix costumes, smiling, and laughing together. These teamwork skills are transferable to various aspects of life, including school projects and future careers.
4. Artistic Expression
4. Artistic ExpressionDance is a powerful form of artistic expression, allowing dancers to convey emotions and stories through movement. Participating in a recital encourages creativity and self-expression, providing an outlet for them to share their feelings and ideas.
I love watching how different dancers interpret each dance. From learning the dance in the studio to performing it full out on stage, the process is a great one to witness. This artistic exploration can lead to a deeper appreciation for the arts and inspire a lifelong passion for dance!
5. Creating Lasting Memories
This is by far the best part of performing! Dance recitals are unforgettable experiences filled with joy, excitement, and camaraderie. The memories created during these performances become cherished moments in a dancer’s life. The costumes, makeup, and backstage moments become part of their personal history.
Younger dancers love watching the older dancers shine on stage and can’t wait to be “one of the big kids” themselves one day. Older dancers can be seen snapping selfies with friends, dancing around to music, helping each other stretch and so much more!
When I talk to our alumni dancers, they tell me they look back on their time performing with fondness. They loved bonding with fellow dancers and have forged many lifelong friendships.
Recital is also a special day to share with friends and family! There is nothing quite like seeing a loved one up on stage sharing something they love with people they love (and hundreds of audience members!). Speaking as a mom myself, watching my son dance on stage is just pure joy! Recital day is especially a special day for Grandparents (and know because they tend to be the ones giving the biggest bouquets of flowers after!).
Dance recitals offer more than just a chance for your child to show off their moves. They provide a platform for personal growth, fostering increased confidence, goal-setting abilities, teamwork, and artistic expression. Moreover, they create lasting memories that your child will carry with them throughout their life. So, as a dance parent, you can rest assured that your child’s participation in a dance recital is a rich and rewarding experience that contributes to their holistic development.
Talk soon,
Miss Lindsey