Big Question: My four-year-old son wants to take a dance class... I don't want him to be teased... should I let him?
A recent query on the website: winnie.com matched a question raised by one of our readers: Should boys be allowed to take dance classes?
As a parent and educator who works hard to dispel gender stereotypes, and as a human who absolutely loves to dance …. my response is a resounding YES!
Fortunately, we are moving away from boys-only and girls-only activities and children today have or should have broader opportunities to pursue the areas that match their interests, not their “supposed” gender.
It’s a good idea to look together online at some different styles of dance ie. ballet, tap, and hip hop, to help your child choose what kind of class they are most interested in. Also, do a little research to be sure that the level of dance matches your child’s physical abilities and attention span.
Not only do dance and movement classes benefit physical development, but they also offer growth in cognitive, and social, and emotional development as well.
Check out “The Benefits of Dance For Kids” on the website: momlovesbest.com for a thorough look at what participation in dance has to offer.
Your child may not be the next Fred Astaire or James Brown, but they have a lot to gain from dancing… and having fun tops the list!
