Dancing in Covid Times Education News from Alleyn's | www.alleyns.org.uk Ruth Seager, Acting Head of Dance at Alleyn’s, tells us why, especially in these times, dancing could do your child the world of good.
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t is well known that dance is beneficial to both our physical and mental health, particularly during times of stress and this has become more salient over the successive lockdowns we have undergone. People often say, ‘I just need an evening out and a good dance!’ and it is true that we all need to ‘let off some steam’ occasionally. A huge benefit of dance is that it is a mindful practice that enables us to be ‘in the moment’. When we dance, we leave our worries behind and pour our emotions into physical expression.
THE KITCHEN WILL DO! Dance clubs are of course a brilliant way for your child to develop their innate love of movement but not all clubs have reopened, and spaces might be scarce for those that have. You don’t need a club, though to get your child up and dancing and enjoying the benefits of dance. You don’t even have to have a special space – and we know everyone enjoys a dance in the kitchen!
EXPRESS YOURSELF From improvising to your young child’s favourite nursery rhymes to boogying to some of your child’s favourites or your old favourites, impromptu dancing makes you feel good and gets those endorphins flowing as well as reducing levels in the blood of the stress hormone, cortisol. Remember, there isn’t a right or wrong way to move – it’s all about expressing yourself – so if they see you enjoying yourself they are more likely to do so too!
from Frozen dancing to ballet, contemporary and hip hop, there is something for every age group and every level. I am sure that the dance industry will return to some sort of normality soon. If your child (or you!) have enjoyed taking part in virtual dance sessions during lockdown why not try to find a local, in-person, dance class? Not only will you be investing in your child’s or your own mental and physical health, but you will also be helping to keep the arts alive, so please… keep dancing!
VIRTUAL DANCE SESSIONS
USEFUL LINKS
Dance teachers and choreographers are now using a variety of methods to deliver virtual dance sessions for many ages and dance styles, and lots of these are completely free. While dancing in front of a screen isn’t always ideal, the big advantage is that everyone can discover the joy of dance and, in doing so, improve their health and well-being. See the links below for just some of the amazing free dance classes available on YouTube, 24 | SE22 - May 2021
SamCam Toddler Frozen class: www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG6rxoVWRoQ Lucie Fink hip hop for teens: www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUq5spzZrC0 YouDance.com ballet for kids: www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDflfXI4n5U Local dance classes: www.arounddulwich.co.uk/events-2/
