Menu

Benefits of Dance

Explore the many ways dancing helps brains and bodies.

Why Every Homeschool Curriculum Needs Dance — and How Crelata Makes It Simple

Why Every Homeschool Curriculum Needs Dance — and How Crelata Makes It Simple

Why Every Homeschool Curriculum Needs Dance — and How Crelata Makes It Simple

Between math lessons, science experiments, and storytime, your homeschool day is full of learning, but sometimes, your kids just need to move.

That’s not a distraction from learning. It’s an essential part of it. Movement fuels focus, builds coordination, and keeps kids engaged. And when that movement comes through dance, it adds creativity, joy, and cultural discovery that textbooks can’t match.

With Crelata®, it’s easier than ever to bring professional-quality dance education right into your home. No dance background (or studio space) required.

Movement Fuels Learning

You’ve probably noticed how hard it can be for kids to sit still for long stretches. Their bodies are built to move, and movement helps their brains absorb what they’re learning.

Dance combines physical activity with rhythm, memory, and pattern recognition, skills that support everything from reading to math. It helps children strengthen coordination, concentration, and confidence.

Whether you use dance as a brief energizing break or a full class, Crelata makes it easy to incorporate movement into your homeschool day in a way that’s both fun and meaningful.

Easy for You, Fun for Them

You don’t have to be a dancer to bring dance into your homeschool. You don’t even need special equipment. Just a small open space and an internet connection.

Crelata offers a variety of structured lessons and teacher resources designed for parents and educators. You can plan a full dance unit, or simply press play and follow along whenever your kids need to move.

Whether you’re teaching one child or a homeschool co-op, Crelata fits seamlessly into your schedule, adding excitement, rhythm, and creativity to your week.

It’s as easy as playing a video and letting your child follow along. We also supply supplemental worksheets to extend learning through activities like choreographing a dance. Lessons can last anywhere from 5-40 minutes, depending on if you’re looking for a brain break or a full dance lesson.

A Beautiful Way to Explore Other Cultures

Every dance style tells a story. It’s a window into another culture, tradition, and way of life.

Through dance, kids can experience the joy of global learning by discovering how different cultures express emotion, celebrate milestones, and connect as communities. Imagine pairing a lesson on world geography with a dance from that region. Suddenly, learning comes to life.

Most studios offer a few dance forms, like ballet, tap, or jazz. Crelata expands beyond mainstream styles to introduce children to dance styles from around the world. Crelata weaves culture, history, and music into every step. It’s a hands-on way to nurture curiosity, empathy, and appreciation for diversity, all from the comfort of home.

Physical Education Kids Look Forward To

Why Every Homeschool Curriculum Needs Dance — and How Crelata Makes It Simple

Let’s be honest: homeschool PE can be a challenge. Not every child loves running laps or doing traditional workouts. 

Dance offers a joyful alternative. It gets hearts pumping while sparking creativity and self-expression. It’s exercise in disguise, one that builds strength, flexibility, and endurance without feeling like a chore. 

Plus, it’s accessible. With Crelata, everyone can dance!

Crelata’s easy-to-follow online lessons keep kids active and excited. Whether they’re spinning, jumping, or learning choreography, they’re developing lifelong habits that promote health and happiness.

Confidence and Creativity in Every Step

Dance teaches so much more than movement. It teaches kids to express themselves, try new things, and grow through practice. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about showing up, moving your body, and discovering your own rhythm. That kind of creative confidence extends to every area of life, from public speaking to problem-solving.

Crelata’s philosophy celebrates effort and expression over perfection. Every child, regardless of experience or ability, can find joy and confidence in dance.

Bring the World of Dance Home

Why Every Homeschool Curriculum Needs Dance — and How Crelata Makes It Simple

Dance is more than an extracurricular. It’s an opportunity for your children to explore culture, express emotions, and strengthen both their bodies and minds.

With Crelata, you can make that experience accessible from anywhere, whether you’re homeschooling in a living room, kitchen, or community center.

Crelata makes it simple to bring the joy of dance and the beauty of global culture right into your homeschool. Under the homeschool plan, one adult gets full access to all Crelata classes for use with their household. Try Crelata for free today!

Want to try Crelata?

Start dancing for free

A laptop showing a Crelata lesson

Can You Learn Dance Online?

Can children really learn to dance online?

It’s a question many parents and teachers ask, especially when dance feels like something that should happen in a studio, surrounded by mirrors, music, and movement. But just like we’ve seen with math, reading, and science, dance education has evolved, too.

Today, thanks to tools like Crelata®, students can explore movement, creativity, and expression anywhere — at home, in a gym, or even in a classroom without a dedicated dance teacher. The answer is simple: yes, children absolutely can learn dance online. And when done well, online dance learning can be just as inspiring, educational, and joyful as in-person instruction.

Why Dance Education Matters

Can You Learn Dance Online?

Dance helps children build confidence, strength, and coordination. It develops balance and spatial awareness. It teaches focus, discipline, and teamwork. And it encourages kids to express themselves in ways that words can’t always capture.

Beyond the physical benefits, dance is a creative outlet that supports mental and emotional well-being. Studies show that movement-based learning improves memory, boosts mood, and enhances academic performance. In short, dance is an essential part of a well-rounded education.

Unfortunately, many schools don’t have access to certified dance educators. That’s where online dance education changes everything.

Learning from Anywhere

Over the past few years, online learning has transformed what’s possible in education. Students now have access to experts and programs that once felt out of reach.

The same is true for dance.

Crelata® was built to bring high-quality dance instruction to every child, whether they’re learning from home, attending a school without a dance program, or joining in from an after-school setting.

By connecting children with certified dance teachers through structured, video-based lessons, Crelata® makes it easy for any educator, even those without a dance background, to incorporate movement and creativity into the school day.

It’s flexible, accessible, and designed to fit within a teacher’s existing curriculum or a family’s homeschool routine.

Discover how to use Crelata dance lessons with your students.

What Makes Online Dance Learning Work

With the correct programs, online dance lessons can be incredibly effective. Here’s why:

1. Visual, Step-by-Step Learning

Children naturally learn through imitation and repetition. Crelata’s dance lessons take advantage of this by providing clear, step-by-step instruction led by engaging teachers who demonstrate each movement slowly and clearly.

Students can follow along at their own pace, replay steps, and build confidence as they go. Unlike a live class, where it’s easy to miss a direction, online dance gives children the freedom to pause, review, and master skills before moving on.

2. Interactive and Inclusive Teaching

Can You Learn Dance Online?

At Crelata®, inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. Our videos are designed for children of all abilities, backgrounds, and experience levels. Teachers use encouraging, age-appropriate language that helps every child feel like they belong, whether they’ve been dancing for years or are just starting.

The goal is never perfection, but instead participation, confidence, and joy through movement.

3. Structured Curriculum and Progression

One of the biggest misconceptions about online dance learning is that it’s just a collection of random videos. But with Crelata®, lessons are carefully sequenced to build skills over time.

Students start with foundational movement concepts, like rhythm, body awareness, and spatial understanding, and gradually advance to more complex techniques and choreography.

Teachers can track which lessons their students have completed, repeat activities as needed, and even integrate dance concepts into other subjects, from music to physical education.

4. Accessibility and Convenience

One of the most powerful advantages of online learning is accessibility.

Dance no longer requires a studio, special flooring, or expensive uniforms. With a device and a bit of open space, children can learn anywhere, whether that’s a school gym, classroom, community center, or living room.

This flexibility makes Crelata® a great fit for:

    • Homeschool families who want to add creative movement to their curriculum.
    • Schools without dance programs looking to expand arts access.
    • After-school, in-school, and PE teachers seeking easy-to-implement, standards-aligned activities.
  • Dance studios and dance teachers looking to expand their dance style offerings.

By removing traditional barriers, Crelata® helps make dance truly available to every child.

5. Engage with Dance Styles Rooted in Global Cultures

Through online classes, anyone can learn dance styles from all over the world. In the past, you were limited by what studios in your area could offer. Now, online learning has eased those barriers. 

Unlike traditional studios, which often focus on Ballet, Tap, and Jazz, Salsa, Popping, Haitian, Congolese, and more styles are already available on Crelata, with new styles constantly in the works.

How Teachers and Parents Can Support Online Dance Learning

Can You Learn Dance Online?

The best way to make online dance successful is to approach it as a shared experience.

Here are a few simple ways to help children thrive while learning dance online:

  • Create a safe, open space for movement. Clear a few feet of floor space and remove potential obstacles.
  • Encourage self-expression. Remind kids that dance isn’t about looking perfect; it’s about exploring movement and feeling joy.
  • Revisit lessons. Children learn best through repetition. Watch favorite videos again and let them show off what they’ve learned.
  • Make it a routine. Even 10 minutes of movement a few times a week can make a big difference in energy, focus, and confidence.

Crelata® also provides teacher resources and printable worksheets that make it easy to connect dance to classroom learning goals. Even educators without a dance background can feel confident teaching movement and rhythm with the support of ready-made materials.

The Crelata Difference

There are plenty of online videos that show dance, but Crelata® teaches it.

Every Crelata® lesson is developed by professional dance educators who understand how to make movement accessible, educational, and developmentally appropriate. Lessons are inclusive and standards-aligned, ensuring that children aren’t just watching a video, they’re learning real dance concepts.

Crelata’s curriculum includes:

  • Engaging, high-quality video lessons with closed captions in English and Spanish
  • ASL interpretation for accessibility
  • Printable companion materials that reinforce learning
  • Inclusive teaching practices so all students feel represented and supported

And most importantly, every lesson reflects our belief that dance is for everyone.

Bringing Dance to Every Child

So, can kids really learn dance online? 

Absolutely.

When online learning is designed with intention, structure, and inclusivity, it opens the door for every child, no matter where they live, to experience the joy and benefits of dance.

With Crelata®, students gain confidence, creativity, and connection through movement. Teachers and parents get the support and resources they need to bring dance into any environment.

At Crelata®, we believe that every child deserves the chance to dance, and now, they finally can.

Try it out for yourself to see how Crelata® makes dance accessible to every child, everywhere.

Want to try Crelata?

Start dancing for free

Students sitting in desks while their teacher talks

What Is a Movement Break and Why Your Students Need Them

,

What Is a Movement Break and Why Your Students Need Them

Classrooms today demand focus. Students are asked to absorb information, sit still, and concentrate for long periods. But brains and bodies aren’t designed to operate that way. That’s where movement breaks (also called dance breaks or brain breaks) come in.

A movement break is a short pause in instruction where students get up, move, and reconnect with their bodies. It’s a chance to reset the classroom energy, re-engage attention, and make learning fun again. Far from being a distraction, movement breaks can enhance focus, boost memory, and support social-emotional health.

In this post, we’ll explore when and why to use movement breaks, what they can look like, and how to make them educational.

When to Use a Movement Break

Movement breaks are flexible. You can sprinkle them throughout the day, or save them for times when focus and energy are low. Some key moments include:

  • After extended focus on one topic. If students have been locked into a lecture or independent work for 20+ minutes, a quick break resets their attention span.
  • Following data-heavy or analytical work. Math problems or fact-heavy lessons can be mentally draining. Movement helps students shift gears.
  • During transitions. Moving between subjects, projects, or locations is a natural time to get bodies moving. 
  • After a difficult lesson or negative moment. If the classroom energy dips, movement can help students shake it off.
  • For students with limited mobility between classes. In block schedules and for remote learners, students often sit for long stretches without movement. Breaks help counteract the negative effects of sitting.

Why Movement Breaks Matter

Research backs up what highly effective teachers already notice: movement benefits the brain. Studies show that physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, improving concentration, memory, and problem-solving skills (CDC 2025). Even short bursts of activity can positively affect cognitive performance.

Movement breaks also:

  • Boost classroom energy. A sluggish group can quickly become alert with just a few minutes of movement.
  • Improve mood and behavior. Exercise reduces stress and supports emotional regulation (Harvard Health, 2020).
  • Build community. Moving together helps students connect and creates moments of joy.
  • Make learning fun. For many students, movement is inherently enjoyable—especially if it involves music or creativity.

When paired with creative activities like dance, the benefits extend even further. As we’ve shared in How Dance Education Helps Students Thrive, dance fosters confidence, collaboration, and expression, all within the structure of an academic day.

What Movement Breaks Can Look Like

What Is a Movement Break and Why Your Students Need Them

There’s no one right way to take a movement break. They can be high-energy or calming, silly or structured, depending on what your classroom needs.

Some examples include:

  • Meditation or mindfulness moments. Short guided sessions can calm nerves and bring focus inward.
  • Yoga or stretching. Great for releasing physical tension and teaching body awareness.
  • Breathing exercises. Simple but powerful, especially before tests or presentations.
  • Quick fitness moves. Think jumping jacks, squats, or push-ups—fast, fun, and energizing.
  • Dance breaks. Put on music and let students move! Even one song can shift the classroom mood.

For more inspiration, check out our post on What Is the BrainDance?, which introduces a movement sequence designed to support children’s neurological development.

How are Movement Breaks Educational?

What Is a Movement Break and Why Your Students Need Them

Every minute in the school day is valuable. That’s why it’s important to consider not only when to take a break, but how to design one.

YouTube is a popular source for movement break videos, but it comes with challenges: ads, inappropriate content, and overstimulation. Instead, consider breaks that reinforce learning while remaining fun.

Here’s how the right movement breaks can be educational:

  • Maximize instructional time. Ten minutes spent on an ad-filled video is time you can’t get back. But ten minutes of purposeful movement with embedded learning builds both the body and brain.
  • Reduce overstimulation. Too much extra media can overwhelm students. A focused movement break gives them clarity, not clutter.
  • “Sneak in” learning. Educational breaks can reinforce vocabulary, history, science, or cultural knowledge while kids are active.
  • Keep focus consistent. When movement is tied to learning, transitions back to instruction feel seamless.

At Crelata, we design dance lessons that double as structured movement breaks. Because all content is ad-free and sequentially developed by dance education experts, students stay safe, engaged, and learning.

Try Crelata classes for free in your classroom today and see how dance can transform your students’ learning.

Want to try Crelata?

Start dancing for free

Children dancing in a classroom with two teachers at the front

The Current Status of Dance Education in US Schools

The Current Status of Dance Education in US Schools

Across the United States, all 50 states have adopted arts standards that recognize dance as an essential part of a well-rounded education. Yet despite that universal acknowledgment, dance remains the least accessible and least implemented of the arts disciplines in K–12 schools.

While music and visual art are often staples of school curricula, dance continues to lag far behind, leaving millions of students without opportunities to move, create, and express themselves through this vital art form.

Where We Are Now

According to the 2023–24 National Arts Education Data Project, led by Bob Morrison, the numbers tell a clear story:

  • Approximately 17.1% of all U.S. students have access to dance classes in their schools, which means 82.9% do not have access.
  • Only 2.4% of all students participate in dance classes at school, meaning that 97.6% of students are not experiencing dance as part of their educational curriculum.

In schools that offer dance, participation rates are encouraging, with 14% of students choosing to enroll. At the elementary level, where dance is often a required class, participation rates are as high as 87%. That number drops to 16% in middle school and just 6% in high school, when dance typically becomes an elective.

This shows a simple truth: when dance is offered, students take it.

Understanding the Access Gap

The Current Status of Dance Education in US Schools

The biggest barrier to dance education is a lack of opportunity. While arts standards exist in every state, the presence of certified dance teachers, adequate facilities, and program funding varies dramatically from district to district.

Data shows that most dance programs are concentrated in large, urban school districts. Rural and suburban areas, where resources and specialized instructors are limited, often have little or no access at all.

As Bob Morrison of the Arts Education Data Project explains, this “equity gap” means that where a student lives often determines whether they’ll ever experience dance in an educational setting.

Why It Matters

Dance education supports far more than artistic growth. Research compiled by the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO), the Arts Education Partnership (AEP), and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) highlights how movement-based learning strengthens physical health, creativity, emotional regulation, and even academic performance.

Dance helps students:

In short, dance is a catalyst for holistic development.

Bridging the Divide

The Current Status of Dance Education in US Schools

Closing the access gap requires collaboration between policymakers, educators, and communities at the local, state, and national levels. 

Districts can:

  • Advocate for inclusion of certified dance educators in K–12 schools.
  • Integrate movement and creative expression into classrooms.
  • Partner with local studios, teaching artists, and community programs to expand opportunities.
  • Liaise with colleges in the state to ensure there are certification pathways for K-12 dance education

Teachers can:

  • Join the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO), Dance/USA, Americans for the Arts, or other professional organizations dedicated to advancing arts and dance education.
  • Advocate for the importance of dance in their community.

Students can:

  • Express interests to the school PTA and administration.

Parents and community members can: 

  • Advocate for arts equity and support programs that make dance accessible to all children.

Bringing dance education to more students is a collective movement. By working together, schools and communities can ensure that dance isn’t a privilege for a few, but a fundamental part of every child’s education.

The Bottom Line

Dance education in the United States is still a privilege, not a guarantee. Despite nationwide arts standards and growing recognition of its benefits, the vast majority of students never experience a dance class in school.

But the data also gives reason for hope: where dance is offered, students participate enthusiastically. With greater investment, awareness, and advocacy, access to dance education can become the norm.

Crelata makes access to dance education in schools more equitable. Try it free for 7 days!

Want to try Crelata?

Start dancing for free

Children stretching and moving in a playroom

Early Dance Education for Young Learners: Moving Beyond the Studio

Early Dance Education for Young Learners: Moving Beyond the Studio

When we think of “dance class,” it’s easy to picture ballet shoes, mirrors, and polished routines. But for babies and young children, dance education is less about performance and more about laying the groundwork for movement, creativity, and connection. 

Early dance experiences nurture not only physical development but also imagination, cultural awareness, and social-emotional growth.

Everyone Dances

From a baby’s first bounce to a toddler’s spontaneous spin, movement is an instinctive form of expression. Dance does not belong only to studios or stages; it belongs to every body. By embracing this idea, caregivers and educators can create spaces where children experience dance as a natural and joyful part of life.

Moving With Babies

Early Dance Education for Young Learners: Moving Beyond the Studio

Even the youngest learners benefit from intentional movement. Gentle rocking, swaying, and clapping games foster rhythm and trust, while books with action words (“jump,” “stretch,” “twirl”) invite active participation.

Reinforcing Developmental Movements

Activities like our Nursery Rhyme BrainDance highlight the importance of developmental movements (like reaching, rocking, rolling, crawling, creeping, etc.) that support both brain and body growth. 

The BrainDance is a sequence of developmental movement patterns that follow the movement progression of early childhood, including: 

  • Breath
  • Tactile
  • Core-Distal
  • Head-Tail
  • Upper-Lower
  • Body-Side
  • Cross-Lateral
  • Vestibular
  • Eye-tracking

These natural motions are not just milestones; they form important connections in the brain that are the foundation for balance, coordination, and future learning. Parents and caregivers can reinforce these movements through playful, responsive interaction, establishing an early connection to dance.

Toddlers and Young Children: Playful Exploration

Toddlers and preschoolers thrive on imitation and imagination. Encouraging children to move like animals, explore shapes with their bodies, or dance with scarves and props to offer freedom within structure. At this stage, dance also nurtures social interaction. Children learn to share space, collaborate, and respond to one another through movement.

Beyond Technique: What Early Dance Can Teach

Early dance education is not about high kicks and route memorization of dance steps. Instead, it invites children to:

  • Experiment with improvisation – discovering personal ways of moving.
  • Explore dance making (choreography) – combining movements to tell a story.
  • Build cultural connections – engaging with rhythms and traditions from around the world.
  • Develop dance literacy – talking about movement, giving feedback, and building awareness of the art form.
  • Celebrate their bodies – gaining confidence, joy, and a sense of agency through movement.

Studio Classes: One Path Among Many

Traditional studio classes can be an important piece of early dance education, but it’s worth considering both who is teaching and what is being taught. Some programs emphasize competition, others follow a pre-professional track, while many adopt a holistic or standards-based approach aligned with the National Core Arts Standards. Each philosophy shapes a child’s experience differently, and families benefit from understanding which approach aligns with their goals and values.

When looking for an early childhood dance teacher, look for someone who understands what is developmentally appropriate and who has experience sequencing a class to keep the students engaged the entire time.

No-Cost Opportunities for Your Child to Dance

Early Dance Education for Young Learners: Moving Beyond the Studio

You don’t need a studio or special shoes to give your child meaningful dance experiences. Many communities and everyday routines already offer rich opportunities for movement and expression.

  • At home. Turn on music during playtime or while cooking dinner, and encourage your child to move however they like. You can also teach your child dances from your culture and create your own dances. Dancing together as a family models joy, creativity, and comfort in one’s body. Even a few minutes of “dance parties” in the living room can spark a love of movement.
  • Music in the parks. Outdoor concerts and community events invite children to respond to live music with spontaneous dancing. These spaces often feel less structured and more inclusive, giving kids the freedom to explore movement without pressure.
  • Library storytime. Many libraries incorporate songs, rhymes, and action-based books into their programming. These movement moments are perfect for young children to practice rhythm, imitation, and following directions—all within a supportive group setting.
  • Community centers and festivals. Local cultural events frequently feature dance demonstrations or participatory activities. Attending with your child introduces them to diverse traditions and helps broaden their understanding of dance as a global art form.

These no-cost opportunities make dance accessible and approachable, ensuring that every child can experience the joy of movement, regardless of their financial resources.

Creating a Movement-Rich Childhood

Whether in a studio, classroom, or living room, early dance education begins with movement itself. Rocking a baby, moving together to music, or celebrating playful spins in the kitchen all lay the groundwork for a lifelong relationship with dance. When we recognize dance as an essential, joyful expression of being human, we open the door for every child, not just future performers, to experience its benefits.

Try our Nursery BrainDance with your little one – no dance background required!

Want to try Crelata?

Start dancing for free

Children in a classroom with their hands raised above their heads

What Is the Best Age to Start Dance Classes?

What Is the Best Age to Start Dance Classes?

Parents and educators often wonder: When is the best age to start dance lessons? The truth is, there’s no single perfect answer. While certain stages of development are especially well-suited to beginning structured lessons, dance is a lifelong pursuit that offers benefits whether a child starts at age three, age thirteen, or even later.

With Crelata’s inclusive, adaptable approach, students of all ages and abilities (whether they have a background in dance or not) can experience the joy and benefits of movement.

Why Age Matters in Dance Education

A child’s readiness for dance depends on more than just age. It’s about attention span, coordination, and social development. For example, toddlers can enjoy simple creative movement, while school-age children may be ready for technique-based classes. Research shows that dance supports motor skills, creativity, memory, and social-emotional growth at all stages.

Who is Teaching Your Child?

When choosing a dance class, it’s important to look beyond the schedule and location and consider who is guiding your child’s learning. Teachers bring different experiences, training, and philosophies to their work, and those differences can have a lasting impact.

  • Credentials and Experience: Some teachers hold formal degrees in dance education, certifications in child development, or have extensive performance backgrounds. Others may focus primarily on competition coaching. Both can be valuable, but understanding their expertise helps you align it with your child’s goals.
  • Philosophy: Does the program emphasize competition trophies, pre-professional training, or a more holistic, creative, and cultural approach? Each path nurtures different skills, from discipline and technical mastery to self-expression and artistry.
  • Setting: Dance can be taught in a private studio, a community program, or as part of an in-school curriculum aligned with the National Core Arts Standards. The learning environment will shape how students experience dance, as an art form, a sport, or a blend of both.

Taking the time to understand a teacher’s background and philosophy ensures your child is not just learning steps, but developing a positive, supportive relationship with dance.

Recommended Ages for Dance Classes

Ages Birth–5: Building the Foundation

At this stage, classes should focus on creative movement and play, not technique. Oftentimes students at this age participate in classes with a caregiver. Around three, or when students are emotionally ready, they might start taking dance classes without a caregiver in the room.

  • Benefits: Develops balance, rhythm, imagination, and early social skills.
  • Research: A study in Frontiers in Psychology found that music and movement improve preschoolers’ attention and self-regulation.

Ages 6–9: Introducing Structure

Children are ready to begin formal lessons in different dance styles.

  • Benefits: Refines coordination, builds discipline, and introduces musicality.
  • Research: Dance has been linked to improved memory and math skills through rhythm and sequencing.

Ages 10–15: Expanding Technique and Expression

Preteens and teens can handle more complex choreography and performance goals.

  • Benefits: Increases physical fitness, creativity, and self-expression.
  • Research: Studies show that students who engage in performing arts report higher self-esteem and stronger peer relationships.

Ages 16+: It’s Never Too Late

While many dancers start young, beginning in the teen years, or even adulthood, still offers powerful rewards.

  • Benefits: Improves strength, stress management, and emotional well-being.
  • Research: A study found that adults who took dance classes reported improved mood and reduced anxiety.

The Benefits of Starting Dance at Any Age

What Is the Best Age to Start Dance Classes?

No matter when the journey begins, dance provides lifelong advantages:

  • Physical Health: Strength, flexibility, cardiovascular fitness, coordination.
  • Cognitive Growth: Better memory, problem-solving, and focus.
  • Emotional Development: Confidence, resilience, and healthy stress relief.
  • Social Connection: Collaboration, teamwork, and community.

Importantly, these benefits are not reserved for the youngest dancers. Students at every stage (and their teachers) gain something uniquely valuable.
 

So, What Is the Best Age?

The best age is when a child is ready and excited to begin. Early childhood lays strong foundations, but older students often progress quickly due to their increased maturity and motivation. What matters most is creating a positive, inclusive environment where every child can thrive without judgment.

What is Being Taught?

The next question to ask is what your child will actually learn in class. Not all dance education is the same, and the content of lessons should be as important as the movements themselves.

  • Technique vs. Creativity: Some programs focus on straight technique – perfecting posture, turnout, and high kicks. Others incorporate improvisation, dance-making (choreography), and creative exploration, giving students space to develop their own artistic voice.
  • Dance Literacy: Quality programs often include cultural connections, history, and vocabulary, helping students understand dance as a language and an art form rather than just a set of moves.
  • Collaboration and Critique: Through peer feedback, group projects, and discussions, dancers develop confidence, teamwork, and the ability to critically evaluate their work.
  • Whole-Child Development: Beyond physical skill, strong programs nurture social interaction, resilience, and emotional expression – valuable life skills that extend well outside the studio.

In short, a dance class should be more than learning “how to kick your leg high.” The richest programs balance technical growth with creativity, culture, and connection.

Bring Dance Education to Your Classroom

Crelata makes it simple for teachers to bring the power of dance into their classrooms, whether students are just starting out or already experienced movers. With ready-to-use, age-appropriate lessons that fit K–12 standards, every student can benefit.

Try Crelata classes for free in your classroom today and see how dance can transform your students’ learning.

Want to try Crelata?

Start dancing for free

A physical education teacher leading kids in a dance class

Why is Dance an Important Part of Physical Education?

When most people think of physical education, they picture running laps, playing team sports, or fitness tests. But movement is much broader than that, and one of the most powerful, engaging, and inclusive forms of movement is dance.

Far from being an “extra” activity, dance is an essential part of a well-rounded PE curriculum. It develops the body, sharpens the brain, nurtures creativity, and fosters social and emotional growth. Here’s why dance belongs in physical education classrooms everywhere.

Dance Builds the Body

Why is Dance an Important Part of Physical Education?

Dance is a full-body workout disguised as fun. It improves strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and cardiovascular health, all while keeping students engaged. According to a 2022 study, the health benefits of active participation in dance classes are considerable. Unlike repetitive drills, dance combines artistry with fitness, so students often don’t realize how hard they’re working.

Research has shown that dance improves aerobic capacity and muscular endurance, making it a valuable component of PE alongside sports and fitness training. In fact, a 2024 study found that dancing significantly increases aerobic fitness, and students who dance in addition to physical education perform better on the aerobic endurance test. For younger students, dance supports motor skill development like hopping, skipping, and galloping; for older students, it builds stamina and posture, counteracting sedentary habits common in today’s digital world.

Dance Strengthens the Brain

Dance isn’t just good for the body. It’s a workout for the brain. Learning, remembering, and creating choreography improves memory and sequencing skills. Improvisation fosters creativity and problem-solving.

Cross-lateral movements (where arms and/or legs cross the midline of the body) are linked to stronger reading and focus skills. Programs like the BrainDance, which cycle through developmental patterns like breath, tactile, core-distal, head-tail, upper-lower, body-side, cross-lateral, vestibular, and eye tracking, help organize the nervous system and prepare students for learning.

Emotional & Social Benefits of Dance in PE

Why is Dance an Important Part of Physical Education?

Dance gives students a healthy outlet for self-expression. It builds confidence, reduces stress, and fosters resilience when students practice, perform, and grow through challenges.

Because dance is often a group activity, it also strengthens teamwork and communication skills. Line dances like the Electric Slide or the Cha Cha Slide make it easy for students to move together and experience the joy of community.

Importantly, dance is highly adaptable. Students of all abilities can participate, whether through seated movement, modified choreography, or creative improvisation. By exploring styles from different cultures, students gain appreciation for dances from around the world.

Dance Meets PE Standards

Dance isn’t just fun. It’s foundational. According to SHAPE America’s National Standards for K-12 Physical Education, students should develop competency in motor skills, movement patterns, rhythmic skills, and cultural understanding. Dance directly supports these standards while promoting physical literacy that lasts a lifetime.

Dance also aligns with broader educational goals, including social-emotional learning (SEL), cultural literacy, and arts integration.

Download the 2024 SHAPE America National Physical Education Standards that are met with Crelata® Dance

 

Practical Ways to Bring Dance Into PE

Why is Dance an Important Part of Physical Education?

Not sure where to start? Dance in PE can be simple and approachable:

  • Line Dances: Begin with familiar, high-energy favorites like the Electric Slide, Cha Cha Slide, or Cupid Shuffle. These build rhythm and coordination while uniting the class.
  • Creative Movement: Incorporate short BrainDance warm-ups to boost focus and brain-body connection. (We even have a fitness BrainDance!) Have students explore the elements of dance including body, effort, space, and relationship. Challenge your students to create their own dances.
  • Cultural Exploration: Introduce world dances (African, Latin, Folk, Indigenous, etc.) to highlight cultural traditions. This can be a great way to bring social studies and world history themes into physical education class, connecting what students are learning across their schedules.
  • Technology Integration: Use projected videos, apps, or follow-along tutorials to guide students step-by-step. Crelata offers out-of-the-box dance lessons that make it easy to get started. No dance background required!
  • Adaptability: Modify movements for different grade levels or physical abilities, ensuring every student can participate. Download our guide to learn strategies for teaching dance to diverse learners.

Add Dance to Your Physical Education Curriculum

Dance is more than a fun break from sports. It’s an essential part of physical education. It builds healthy bodies, sharp minds, resilient emotions, and connected communities. By including dance in PE, educators prepare students with skills that extend far beyond the gymnasium.

And the best part? You don’t need a dance background to bring it to your classroom. With Crelata, you can access plug-and-play video dance lessons designed for K-12 students.

Try a class for free and see how dance can transform your physical education program!

Check out our click-and-play video dance library. 

Want to try Crelata?

Start dancing for free

Children in school uniforms running and smiling

How Dance Education Helps Students Thrive

Children love to move. From a toddler’s first spin across the living room to a group of teens dancing together at a school event, movement is a natural part of life. When that movement is nurtured and shaped through dance education, it becomes a powerful tool for growth. 

Dance doesn’t just teach students how to point their toes. Research shows that dance shapes the body, mind, and character in ways that last a lifetime.

Here’s how dance education helps students thrive.

How Dance Education Helps Students Thrive

Dance is one of the most enjoyable ways for kids to stay active. It builds strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination, all while keeping children engaged and motivated. Unlike traditional exercise, dance combines fitness with artistry, so students often don’t even realize how hard they’re working.

For younger students, creative movement supports motor skill development that lays the foundation for sports, handwriting, and everyday tasks. For older students, dance improves posture, stamina, and overall health, combating the sedentary lifestyle common in today’s screen-heavy world.

Cognitive Benefits of Dance

Dance is more than physical. It challenges the brain. Learning and creating choreography strengthens memory and sequencing skills, while improvisation boosts creativity and problem-solving.

Studies have shown that arts education correlates with higher academic achievement. A report from the National Endowment for the Arts found that, among high schoolers, arts course completion was linked with greater academic achievement, high school graduation, and post-graduation outcomes.

The act of coordinating movement with music also strengthens the mind-body connection, helping students sharpen their attention and stay engaged.

Emotional Benefits of Dance

Students today face high levels of stress and pressure. Dance provides a healthy outlet for emotions and a safe space for self-expression. Through movement, children can communicate feelings they may not yet have words for.

Participation in dance also builds confidence and resilience. Performing for peers or an audience helps students overcome stage fright, while achieving goals in the studio reinforces a growth mindset. A 2019 study found that dance movement therapy (DMT) decreases depression and anxiety and increases quality of life and interpersonal and cognitive skills, whereas dance interventions increase motor skills.

Social Benefits of Dance Education

Dance is often a group activity, which means students gain teamwork and communication skills along with their pliés and leaps. In fact, studies have shown that dance programs can be recognized as an effective tool for developing social and emotional competence in youth. Whether rehearsing for a performance or creating choreography in small groups, students learn to cooperate, listen, and lead.

Dance education also encourages cultural appreciation. Through different styles, from ballet to hip-hop to folk traditions, students gain exposure to diverse perspectives and histories, fostering inclusivity and respect.

For many children, dance classes also become a place to build lifelong friendships.

Lifelong Skills Through Dance

The lessons learned in dance go far beyond the studio. Students practice discipline through repetition, creativity through improvisation, and resilience by learning from mistakes. These are skills that prepare young people for success in school, careers, and life.

Former dancers often carry these traits into adulthood, excelling in fields that value collaboration, leadership, and creative problem-solving.

Dance Education Helps Students Thrive

How Dance Education Helps Students Thrive

Dance education is so much more than an extracurricular activity. It develops the body, strengthens the mind, nurtures the emotions, and fosters social connections among students. In short, dance helps students become healthier, happier, and more capable human beings.

That’s why supporting dance programs in schools and encouraging children to participate in community classes is an investment in their future. If you’re an educator, remember that dance is not just entertainment; it’s education. 

You don’t need a dance background to bring dance to your classroom. With Crelata, you can teach dance lessons without any prep. Try a class for free! 

Give your students the benefits of dance

Try Crelata free

Dance class in a studio with big windows

Is it Too Late to Learn Dance?

At any age, movement is enjoyable. Unfortunately, some people believe that once you reach puberty it is too late to learn dance. The truth is that it’s never too late to learn and benefit from dance!

When is it too late to learn dance?

Never! While it may feel “late” to start dancing as a teenager compared to dancers who start as toddlers, you can begin dancing well into old age. Even elderly individuals with reduced mobility can benefit from movement. 

The only scenarios when it might matter when you begin dancing is if your goal is to be a professional dancer (depending how you define professional) or to enter a performing arts school. In these situations, it’s typically beneficial to have previous dance training, but even then, there are ways around this. 

If you need help accessing dance lessons, reach out to a local dance studio or community center, try to find a mentor in the community, and use all the resources available to you online and in books. If you are unable to afford dance classes, you can offer to help the studio or barter in exchange for free or discounted classes. Crelata’s founder Ella Rosewood cleaned a dance studio for multiple years in exchange for free classes!

Anyone — at any age — can benefit from dance lessons!

Why Might Someone Begin Dancing Later in Life?

There are tons of inequities around access to dance classes. Many individuals who hoped to dance professionally, wanted to enjoy dance lessons, or didn’t even know dance was an option may never have had access to classes due to finances, location, time, or other factors.

According to the National Arts Education Data Project, only 3% of students in the USA participate in dance classes in school. Where dance is present and students can participate, the 3% goes up to 17-18%. When you look at the breakdown by school configuration, 77% of elementary school students participate in dance classes when they are offered. 

Lack of interest is not an issue. Lack of opportunity is the barrier to students in school receiving dance education! When students have dance programs at their school, participation is strong. 

Luckily for dance teachers in schools, there are National Dance Standards. Depending on what age students begin learning, they may miss out on elementary-level standards since they didn’t get to take classes during that time. While a dance educator may want to jump into teaching lessons using the standards for student’s age level, in some situations, it would be more appropriate to first train them on foundational skills.

Individuals may begin dancing as adults via electives in college, parent-toddler classes, social outings, community activities, cultural events, or for their health. Some adults take their first dance lesson before their wedding! There isn’t one right reason for dancing — individuals of all ages turn to movement for different reasons.

Understand Your Goal

Do you hope to dance for personal health? Do you enjoy moving to music? Is dance an opportunity for you to socialize with others? You can enjoy dance without aspiring to become a prima ballerina. Depending on your specific goals, there are many opportunities to begin or continue dancing at any age. 

To find dance classes in your area, check online and ask around the community for recommendations!

Is it Ever too Late to Start Dancing Professionally?

You don’t need to begin dancing as a toddler to have a future dancing professionally. In fact, American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Misty Copeland didn’t start dancing until she was 13! Discovering the joy of dance in middle school, high school, college, or adulthood isn’t too late at all — students of all ages still have the whole world open to them.

What Career Opportunities Exist for Individuals Who Started Dancing Later in Life?

While you don’t need to aspire to have a career in dance to benefit from movement, many students become interested in pursuing jobs related to the arts after finding joy while learning dance. 

There’s a place for dance at every level, not just on huge stages. Access to dance education enables individuals to choose whatever direction they want for their career, including as a dancer, set designer, costume maker, choreographer, stagehand, or even an attorney specializing in dance. 

Older adults can find dance careers as well, such as working at a studio, dancing in community productions, or performing in TV commercials. There’s no expiration date for a dance career. 

How Can I Bring Dance to More Students?

Through programs like Crelata, educators from all backgrounds can bring dance lessons to their students — regardless of whether they have experience dancing themselves. As a teacher, it can be intimidating to bring new material to your classes, particularly if you have no personal expertise in dance, aren’t in great physical shape, or don’t feel confident. 

With Crelata, you get to learn new dance styles alongside your students. By opening up and being vulnerable, you’ll show your students that it’s okay to mess up. Dance is a fun opportunity for teachers to step out of their comfort zone and try something new.

If you’re interested in bringing dance to your classroom, school, homeschool group, dance studio, community center, nursing home, or living room where no one can see you, give Crelata a try for free. When you sign up for our freebie bundle, you’ll get access to one Salsa dance lesson and one Popping dance class, completely free. 

Most of all, remember: dance is for everyone!

 

Want to try Crelata?

Start dancing for free
middle school dance lessons

How Dance Education Helps Students of All Ages

Learning dance isn’t just for children who are looking for a career in the arts. There are benefits for learners of all ages, both physical and emotional. For educators interested in bringing dance to their students, understanding the benefits can help you advocate for resources to school administrators and policymakers.

The Benefits of Dance for Different Ages

Dance in schools benefits learners of all ages! There are a few benefits that are particularly valuable to different ages.

Pre-schoolers: Motor Skills & Learning in a Group

Preschool dance lessons

Under five years of age, children in dance lessons benefit from being able to fine-tune their motor skills and brain-body connection. Through dance, young children learn how to control their movements, increase coordination, and improve their balance. One study shows an increase in sensorimotor synchronization and balance after just eight weeks of dance programming.

Dance classes have the added benefit of allowing preschool children to learn how to listen and engage in a group setting. This is critical for young children to learn and a great way to prepare them to enter school. While everyone is learning together, each student will go at their own pace and require different support. 

Elementary School Students: Cultural Identity & Body Control

In elementary school, young children learn a lot very quickly. This is an age where kids are very open to learning about the world around them and their place in it. Online dance classes can help positively influence how they feel about themselves and the rest of the world.

Often, elementary school is the first time children are expected to sit at a desk for hours each day, with limited opportunities to get up and move. While dance class can provide a physical release, there are still boundaries children must follow. Dance in school allows them the benefit of creative expression and a movement break while still following directions.

Middle Schoolers: Body Image & Self-Confidence

middle school dance lessons

Middle school can be a challenging time filled with change. As children go through puberty and experience body and hormonal shifts, they often experience shifts in friend group dynamics and struggle with their identity. Even if they had high self-confidence in elementary school, they’re likely not as confident any longer.

Without an outlet for creative expression, it can be challenging to establish a strong sense of self, especially during such an awkward stage. Dance lessons help children build a positive body image and cope with the strong emotions they feel while learning how to establish healthy peer relationships. Dance classes in school are essential to build confidence in young adolescents.

High School Students: Public Performance & Self-Expression

High school students are getting ready for college and their future careers, so they spend a lot of time figuring out what they want to do with their lives. While some classes might provide public speaking opportunities, nothing is quite as vulnerable as dance, where you’re using your body to express yourself.

Learning how to dance and perform in a group setting during high school is critical preparation for anything a young adult wants to do in the future by building discipline, respect, and an understanding of true collaboration.

How Dance Benefits Learners of All Ages

In addition to the specific benefits for learners in each stage of life, there are a surplus of ways online dance classes for kids improve everyone’s lives.

Increased Self-confidence

Some of the most impactful benefits children experience from dance education are emotional. Through dance lessons at school, kids are encouraged to come out of their shells and can be their true selves without feeling embarrassed. It’s critical for children to get the opportunity to express themselves physically while building trust with the adults around them.

Students of all ages also can grow their confidence in other classes and life scenarios by practicing being in front of a group of their peers. One study found that after just a one-day dance workshop, learners enjoyed increased mental stamina and memory, increased self-confidence, joyful self-expression, emotional exploration, setting and attaining goals, and taking on new challenges.

Low-barrier Opportunity to Try New Things

Trying new activities can be expensive and intimidating for parents and their children — particularly if kids want to try everything. Creating an opportunity to try out various dance styles at school is a fantastic way for kids to sample activities without having to invest in tuition at a dance studio, costume fees, and more.

For many families, dance lessons at a studio are unattainable for various reasons, whether financial, location, or scheduling. By offering dance education in schools, students get a chance to try something new that they may have never had access to.

Strengthen Friendships & Interpersonal Relationships

Through dance classes, students of all ages learn how to give and receive constructive criticism. Communication is a critical life skill that will be useful in anything a child chooses to do. Similarly, students will learn how to work with different groups and personalities to practice both teamwork and relationship skills.

Build Intrinsic Motivation

With most school subjects, children are externally motivated, either by a parent or educator, to get good grades so they don’t get in trouble. When it comes to dance, students can build their intrinsic motivation as they feel pride when nailing a new move or routine they’ve worked hard on. 

Children enjoy getting to make their own decisions, such as choreographing a routine or picking a song to dance to. This keeps them more engaged in school and can increase their attendance rate — which is critical as school attendance rates still have not recovered from COVID-19.

Strengthen Focus

Due to the rise in screen time, children are having a harder time staying focused and processing information than ever before. Participating in dance class is fantastic practice for strengthening focus. This is because learning choreography and new steps increases students’ ability to absorb and retain new information.

Additionally, movement breaks for kids enable improved focus in other classes during the school day. According to the CDC, “Higher physical activity and physical fitness levels are associated with improved cognitive performance (e.g., concentration, memory) among students.”

Perhaps most notable, studies by the National Dance Education Organization have shown that dance in schools supports higher rates of academic achievement across math, language arts, and science.

Increase Acceptance of Differences

During kids’ dance lessons, students practice accepting each other’s differences by watching their peers demonstrate their creativity. Each student makes unique creative choices, letting them practice sharing their own culture while learning about other cultures and building empathy.

In the first year of a two-year study on dance in schools, Rob Horowitz, the associate director of the Center for Arts Education Research at Columbia University’s Teachers College, found that 66% of principals reported an “increased acceptance of others” among their student bodies after a series of 20 classes. Similarly, 95% of teachers reported their students improved cooperation and collaboration.

Learn New Cultural Traditions

While students may learn about different cultures in school, they don’t often get many opportunities to physically experience various cultural traditions. Learning different dance styles, such as Salsa, is a great way to embody other cultures, increasing students’ understanding and respect for others.

Bring Dance Education to Your Students

Dance education benefits students of all ages, improving their physical fitness, self-confidence, emotional well-being, and more. Unfortunately, according to the National Arts Education Data Project, only 3% of students in the USA have the opportunity and access to participate in dance classes in school. 

Thankfully, children don’t need to enroll at a dance studio to see the benefits of dance education — online dance classes for kids offer all of the same benefits, without the high cost or strict dress code restrictions. Bringing dance education into schools is critical to making this valuable art form accessible to all students.

Crelata makes it easy to bring dance education to your students — no matter what age you teach or your experience level. Crelata’s on-demand online dance classes feature closed captions in English and Spanish, as well as ASL interpretation, making classes accessible to learners with varied backgrounds.

Not sure about implementing dance with your students? Give virtual classes a try when you sign-up for our freebie bundle. 

Want to try Crelata?

Start dancing for free

Load More