Surprising Benefits
Dance can be quite good for the young girls in your family, and for the boys, martial arts themselves are a sort of dance imbued with natural masculine energy.
That’s not to say that girls can’t be involved in martial arts, or that boys can’t be involved in the dance; but if you want your children to enjoy what they do to the fullest, you want to play to their strengths—you want them to be engaged.
Young boys are generally more interested in martial arts, and young girls are generally more interested in dance. Also, some dances are specifically designed for women. For example, in ballet, a grand plié will turn the inside of the feet outward, ideally to a degree wherein there is a straight line that can be drawn. Then, the individual squats down and may jump up.
Physical Differences to Consider
A male pelvis won’t have the flexibility of a female. Men are, generally, not so flexible. They can be flexible, but in different ways, owing to natural human biology. So while young girls will definitely flourish in a dance class, this can actually be damaging to the anatomy of young boys.
In ballet, adult men must wear a “dance belt” which is used to secure certain anatomical differences in males from being damaged during extreme dance moves—at least as pertains to ballet. There is no need for such a garment in martial arts, but there is choreographed bodily movement and a very similar aesthetic. Also, a jock strap is necessary.
The Value Of Motion
The value of moving the body in choreographed, controlled motion either singly or as a group has collateral advantages. For one, the body becomes more toned and flexible. This is good for overall health. For another, the mind becomes more familiar with forms of artistic expression that are much higher than that which juveniles commonly gravitate toward.
Children in some form of choreographed physical expression like dance also learn to work as a group. In ballet, jazz, and tap, the group works together to perform what the dance instructor has taught them.
In martial arts, the group goes through choreographed defense or offense movements either following the sensei or at his behest. Either movement paradigm similarly enables the brain.
The best dance school in Singapore that teaches jazz dancing styles and its experts emphasize how motions help kids not only become flexible, but also prevents them from developing any ailments later on in their life. The importance of working in a team comes to the fore and this too allows them to work with others better in their latter professional lives.
Collateral BenefitsThere’s also this hidden advantage: persistence, and fun. Those who are persistent at a discipline master it, and as they do so, it becomes entertaining; and even fun. Many young ladies dance not for athleticism, or the choreography, or the group dynamic, but for the pure joy of using their body to its utmost.
This is very similar in martial arts, just look at Jackie Chan or Jet Li! Both men are martial arts masters, but they do what they do on film, and essentially, it’s a form of choreographed dance. It’s not real martial arts; even though it absolutely is. You might compare it to the difference between dance floor choreography and that on the stage.
So in summation, there is quite a lot that dance has to offer your young ones, male or female. There are even different sorts of dance for different sorts of kids. Of course, if you do decide to get your young ones involved in dance, you’ll want to get shoes designed specifically for the activity—like those available at Just For Kix.
You’ll likely want to get them the proper attire, also. That which is flexible, stretchy, and durable is necessary for dance. In Martial Arts, young ones will likely wear a “gi”; at least in karate. And finally, whether you go with martial arts or dance, there will be group practice around three times a week at least—and for mom and dad, that’s some needed downtime!