Amy Fabris-Shi is a former professional ballerina from Australia. She teaches children’s ballet classes and the new BalletBODY workout for adults at Zy Dance Studio. We spoke with Amy about the numerous benefits that dance classes can have for children.
According to Amy, depending on each child, three years of age is generally a good time to begin with creative movement classes in a dance studio environment.
1. Dance appeals to children’s natural energy and is great for total body fitness
Dance provides so many benefits – in terms of physical ability as well as creative expression and social skills – that will serve children well throughout life. With regular classes, expect to see your child improve in flexibility, stamina, balance, coordination, spatial awareness and overall body confidence.
Beyond this, an emphasis on self-expression separates dance from other forms of physical activity. All children are born artists and dance nurtures this creative spirit. As a former ballerina, artistry is key to the magic of dance for me. My students love the interpretive dance section of our classes where we dance to different types of music.
2. Dance helps improve social and communication skills
In a dance class, we communicate and cooperate in groups as well as individually; stretching together and dancing in formations. In addition, dancing can help reduce any fears a child may have about performing in front of others. Most importantly, the friendships that form in the dance studio are wonderful to behold.
3. Dance is the perfect mixture of fun and discipline
There are times to stay quiet and follow directions and times to let loose and dance your heart out!
4. There is a reason classic arts have stood the test of time
Exposure to all kinds of inspiring classical and modern arts – dance, music, theater – offers the richest education and inspiration. Ballet is the basis of many forms of dance and gives young dancers the best technical foundation, enabling them to evolve in their own personal directions later.
5. Dance classes are not just for girls!
In fact, our director Shi Zhongyi and many of the teachers at Zy Dance Studio are amazing male dancers, and are great role models for young boys who are interested in dance. Children naturally love to dance, given the right environment.
As a special gift for that’s Shanghai readers, show this article and receive 5% off for the new semester children’s dance classes at Zy Dance Studio.
For enquiries and further details, please contact 138 1720 4098 (English and Chinese) or 131 222 76568 (English).
See a listing for Zy Dance Studio.
