Nursery World - In step

Among young children, dance does more for the dancer than for the audience, with benefits for their physical development, emotional well-being and social skills Even very young children may learn that taking movement into dance can carry a special meaning - distinct from their everyday actions - and have an impact on others. Dance can represent experiences - for example, the hornpipe is based on sailors' work. Dance can covey a storyline, as in ballets such as 'The Nutcracker'. But it can also, as in disco dancing, involve particular actions that are given meaning through the order in which they are carried out and with whom.

Even very young children may learn that taking movement into dance can carry a special meaning - distinct from their everyday actions - and have an impact on others. Dance can represent experiences - for example, the hornpipe is based on sailors' work. Dance can covey a storyline, as in ballets such as 'The Nutcracker'. But it can also, as in disco dancing, involve particular actions that are given meaning through the order in which they are carried out and with whom.

Few can resist tapping along to a catchy tune. Children's instinctive impulse to respond to a beat, however rudimentary, can reveal artistic potential for self-expression using their bodies.

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