Dancing the stress away

Mariselle Stofberg William Stafford once said that children dance even before they know what rhythm, beat and music is. They don’t wait for music to dance; they just dance because it makes them happy. “Dancing teaches a child self-confidence, self-discipline, poise and grace. Because of its high intensity aerobic exercises, this also helps children to remain active and fit. But mostly, dance classes are fun. There is something about grooving to the sound of music that seems to take all our cares away,” said Esté Swarts, the founder of H2E Dance Company in Windhoek, who has been the principle teacher for the past 11 years.“Whether you are 80 years young or three years old, engaging in dance will change your life. Dancing really does lift one’s spirits. “According to a study that tested the effects of dancing on people with depression, patients who participated in an upbeat group dance showed the fewest depression-related symptoms and the most vitality,” she said. H2E offers dance classes, exams, shows and workshops in hip-hop, modern, ballet, contemporary and jazz for ages three and older.“Dance improves your physical health, it is a great form of exercise, and a love of dance from an early age can help motivate kids to stay active as they grow into adults,” Swarts added. Safe outlet for emotionsShe said dance provides a safe environment for kids and adults to channel their emotions and energy. It encourages socialisation, because dance is a highly social activity that promotes social well-being, as kids need to interact with their peers. “In dance class, the children learn how to work as part of a team, develop a greater sense of trust and cooperation, and make new friends. Dancers who dance together as a group normally stay life-long friends,” she said. Dance further encourages creativity, no matter the style, and helps kids to express themselves in many ways. “They literally learn another language, the language of movement. By encouraging the imagination, children learn to build trust, effective relationships, and how to think critically. Dance also develops creative problem solving that will serve the child for life,” Swarts added. The power of movement“Through dance, children develop a greater range of movement whilst developing the ability to work within different spaces. They learn to interpret the effect their movement has on the world around them. Dancing also improves co-ordination, which is vital in developing skills learnt in other parts of life,” Anchen Wille, the principal at Anchen Wille Dance Academy, said.The academy teaches modern dance classes from beginner level at age six, but students are also exposed to lyrical, contemporary and jazz dance styles. Training includes musical appreciation, movement, deportment, the development of imagination, confidence as well as improving the powers of concentration.The academy also produces popular theatre productions, which include a mixture of dance and live dialogue. This, in turn, promotes artistic awareness as well as the love of dance and theatre.Courage to experiment“Through dance, children become more aware of their bodies and what they are capable of. Dancing also builds up the courage to experiment with movement and to push themselves to see what they can achieve with their own bodies,” Wille added.She further said performing arts bring together children from different backgrounds and personalities, creating an environment outside of the habitat a child is accustomed to. “Children are forced to learn to adapt and communicate in new ways. Dance is a universal language. It goes beyond nationalism, beyond identity crises. Dance is a healer,” Wille said. Benefits of danceHas high and low cardiovascular activities Dance classes increase a child’s flexibility, range of motion, balance, physical strength and stamina It promotes overall health Enhances development to excel in other sportsEnhances emotional development Can improve moodChildren learn to express themselves in a way that is beneficial for their physical and emotional health Provides an outlet for emotionsEnhances cognitive developmentReduces stress and decreases symptoms of anxietyTeaches self-discipline and time management.

Dancing the stress away

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Namibian Sun 2025-01-31

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Dancing the stress away

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Namibian Sun 2025-01-31

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