Can Boys Dance?
The short answer to the question of whether boys can dance is a resounding yes! There are many different kinds of dancing, from ballet to hip hop, and in all of them boys can thrive.
Some stereotypes have exististed that perpetuate the myth that dancing is girly or that it is not something worthwhile pursuing. However, dance is a phenomenal way to get strong, coordinated and agile. In dance class, particularly ballet, the focus boys have on certain steps is different than girls. They show powerful jumps with strong presentation of the arms. This is differentiated from the ornamented arm movement that you might see from a ballerina. Throughout training boys learn to show graceful masculine strength while dancing any step.
Athletic Benefits
Whether you consider ballet a sport or purely an art form the undeniable fact is that dancers are athletes. The strength from ballet has caused athletes in other fields to decide to take ballet in order to improve their own specialties. Sports that have used dance training include football, basketball, tennis and rock climbing. Gaining flexibility, coordination and balance are just a few areas that are improved with dance. In interviews after taking ballet not one of the athletes in other disciplines said that it was easy! Dance is challenging but with that challenge comes many important lessons aside from the physical benefits.
Many Reasons to Dance
There are a multitude of reasons to dance, and as with continued training the reason why you dance may change or develop over time. The exercise aspect is a great way to burn off energy for young boys. A disciplined environment teaches focus and work ethic. Some boys may just dance for fun and other boys might want to pursue it as a career. You can use dance as a way to improve skill in sports or it may be that other sports end up as cross-training while you improve as a dancer. No matter what the motivation is, boys can find a healthy space to move and grow in dance class.
Long Term Effects
The lessons learned in dance class stay with you long after you stop dancing. Work-ethic, self-motivation, good posture and chivalry are all things that remain with you whether or not it becomes a career. Any of those aspects can help a boy as he becomes a man and makes his way through education and a career.
Why Dance?
Finding the joy of dance is different for everyone. It may be one style or another: ballet, tap or hip hop. It may be the performances when the hard work is shown to the world or maybe it is the hard work itself where the joy is found. Regardless of where the joy is found dance class is a great environment for boys to be in as they mature. They are able to find camaraderie with other boys and a respect for girls as everyone works together dancing as a team. During the journey of a boy finding his way into dance class, the support of his family is very meaningful. Having people that appreciate his excitement for whatever style he is pursuing grants him the freedom to do his best doing the activity he loves.