ARKLOW & GOREYdance studios

Developed during the 20th century, contemporary dance involves incorporating aspects of movement from several other genres such as jazz, modern and ballet.

While contemporary is a popular type of dance worldwide, it is most common amongst the U.S and European countries.

Unlike traditional forms of dance, contemporary is considered to be somewhat unbound by much rigidity and rules. The dancers of this genre have the ability to transform a performance based on their own interpretations. This is achieved through honing in on certain techniques, such as focusing on strong ballet-influenced leg movements, fall and recovery, floor work and further improvisational elements. More frequently than not, contemporary dance is performed barefoot to allow for more fluidity in movement and connection to the dance surface.

One of the most important aspects of contemporary dance is the element of improvisation. Modern-day contemporary dance is incredibly interpretive and has many applications. While traditional dance performances are still popular, contemporary dance has often been used in art, theatre, music videos, movies and more.

Benefits of Dance

Many different types of dance classes are available for children, from modern dance, ballet, tap and jazz to dance that celebrates unique ethnic and cultural traditions. What's the most important thing for parents to keep in mind when choosing a dance class? It's that research has proven that dance provides physical, developmental and artistic benefits to your child.

Physical Benefits

Students build muscle strength while increasing flexibility. Young dancers develop a sense of balance and improve agility and coordination. Importantly, children also develop body awareness and learn correct posture.

These benefits extend beyond a student's involvement with dance, helping youth involved in other disciplines, such as sports and martial arts. Studies have shown that physical activity helps children relieve stress and feel relaxed.

It also is a great way to help your child develop a positive lifelong attitude about staying active and healthy.

Developmental Benefits

Dance classes are fun and a great way to meet new friends. Young dancers develop essential social skills through interaction with other students. Group choreography fosters teamwork, communication, trust and cooperation.

Dance also has been proven to nurture important life skills, such as discipline and focus. Dancers naturally display confidence, self-esteem and poise. These skills are developed through participating in dance performances.

Artistic Benefits

One of the greatest benefits of dance is that it sparks a child's imagination and nurtures individual creativity in a unique way. Dance classes share the joy of physical self-expression in a supportive and structured setting.

This can have a positive impact on children who have limited physical abilities, who act out or who have a difficult time sitting still. Involving children in dance also teaches the basic elements of creative movement, such as time, space, rhythm and design.

While people may not be as familiar with modern dance as with ballet or jazz, modern dance in particular honours the creative spirit and celebrates the individual. Modern dance does not simply conform to conventional movements, shapes and patterns.

Instead, it requires the young dancer to learn movement from the inside out, nurturing the body and focusing the mind.

There is one final reason to get your child dancing.

Research proves there is a strong link between involvement in the arts and increased educational achievement. In fact, one study showed that students who participate in the arts are not only more likely to participate in a math and science fair, but also out-perform their peers in state exams.

These educational benefits are gained by students regardless of their socio-economic status. There's sure to be a dance class that fits your child's interests and your schedule, so why wait?

Enroll your child in a dance class. The lessons she or he learns will last a lifetime.