Preschool Dance Boosts Social and Emotional Learning
Recently, I came across an article that highlighted several types of play that “skyrocket a child’s social and emotional development.” As I read through the list, I had an aha moment: many of these forms of play are already a big part of our Once Upon a Ballet curriculums! In fact, we cover five of these types of play in our children’s ballet and creative dance lesson plans—each one helping children grow emotionally, socially, and even cognitively. Let’s take a fun look at how these forms of play support your child's development, both inside and outside the dance studio!
1. Independent Play: Freedom to Explore and Build Confidence
If you're familiar with our preschool and children’s dance curriculums, you’ve probably noticed that we include a “free dance” segment in every class. You might be thinking: why is this so important? Well, just like independent play, free dance lets children move and explore on their own terms. It’s their time to get creative, trust their instincts, and let their imagination run wild. And guess what? This leads to big boosts in self-confidence and autonomy!
Independent play also encourages children to express themselves without boundaries, giving them the freedom to experiment with different movements and ideas. As they build their confidence through this kind of exploration, they also develop a sense of leadership—perfect for those little dancers who may one day want to take the lead in class or the world beyond!
2. Dramatic/Imaginative Play: Exploring Emotions Through Movement
At Once Upon a Ballet, we LOVE role-playing, and it’s a huge part of our dance activities. I’ll admit, I first added more role-playing into my lessons because it helped grab my students’ attention in a fun and engaging way. But as it turns out, role-playing also does wonders for emotional development.
When children pretend to be characters from stories—whether it’s a swashbuckling pirate or a graceful fairy—they explore a whole range of emotions. They get to experience joy, sadness, excitement, and even a little fear—all through movement! Dramatic and imaginative play helps children make sense of their own emotions in a safe, non-judgmental environment. By acting out different feelings, they learn how to understand, express, and even manage their emotions. It’s like an emotional workout for the mind!
3. Physical Play: Enhancing Brain Development and Cognitive Skills
Exercise isn’t just good for the body; it’s also great for the brain! In fact, physical activity helps increase blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients that support learning and memory. When children dance, they’re not just improving their motor skills—they’re helping their brains form new neural connections and boosting their ability to focus and retain information.
Every time your child practices new steps, stretches, or moves across the room, they’re engaging in physical play that enhances their attention, memory, and overall cognitive function. Plus, we all know how good it feels to move! The endorphins released during physical activity help keep kids happy and motivated. So, every leap, twirl, and jump is contributing to both their mental and emotional health.
4. Sensory Play: Engaging the Senses to Focus and Learn
Props in dance class aren’t just fun—they’re also a great way to engage a child’s senses and support their development. Whether it’s a soft scarf, a shiny ribbon, or a colorful ball, props help children explore the world around them through sight, sound, and touch. This is what we call sensory play.
Using props also helps children focus and relax. If a child is feeling a bit anxious or distracted, holding a prop can serve as a grounding tool, giving them something to focus on as they dance. Plus, experimenting with different textures, colors, and sounds while moving helps children develop better body awareness and coordination. And let's face it, dancing with props is just plain fun!
5. Cooperative Play: Building Teamwork and Social Skills
If you’ve ever watched children learn a group dance, you know that cooperative play is in full swing. Whether they’re preparing for a quick parent observation or a big performance, children have to work together to make the dance come to life.
Even something as simple as standing in a straight line and moving in sync requires children to practice cooperation. They learn to listen to the music, watch each other, and move as one. As they grow older, they take turns, partner with their classmates, and collaborate on more complex choreography. Dance teaches children the importance of teamwork—how to share responsibilities, communicate effectively, and respect each other’s space. These are vital social skills that will serve them well in all areas of life.
Why Dance is So Powerful for Social and Emotional Development
Incorporating these different types of play into dance class doesn’t just teach kids how to dance—it helps them develop key social and emotional skills that will last a lifetime. Dance encourages children to express themselves, collaborate with others, and understand their own feelings. Plus, the physical benefits of dance contribute to better brain function and overall well-being.
By engaging in independent, dramatic, physical, sensory, and cooperative play, children not only learn to dance—they also learn to thrive. Dance helps them grow into confident, compassionate, and well-rounded individuals. It’s truly a beautiful thing to watch!
Dance as a Lifelong Tool for Growth
So, the next time your child steps into a class at your studio, remember: they’re not just learning to dance—they’re learning to grow, connect, and thrive. Through movement and play, they’re gaining the skills they need to succeed in life, both on and off the stage. It’s pretty magical, right?
At Once Upon a Ballet, we’re proud to offer a curriculum that helps nurture both the body and the mind, giving children the tools they need to succeed—whether that’s in dance class or beyond!