How do social connections formed through dance classes affect children's well-being

by Paul Henderson

April 7, 2025

Social connections formed through dance classes profoundly impact children's well-being across multiple dimensions. Dance creates a unique environment where children develop bonds that contribute to their emotional and social development in several key ways.

Twinkle Star dancers age 3-4 form a loving bond during their dance classes at Tiffany’s Dance Academy.

Emotional Well-Being Benefits

Dance classes foster emotional well-being by providing children with a supportive community. Research shows that the social bonds formed through dance significantly improve overall well-being, with studies demonstrating that even a 5-week online dance program can lead to measurable improvements in adolescents' well-being and hope for the future. These improvements stem directly from the stronger social connectedness that dance facilitates.

The social connections in dance classes create a judgment-free, inclusive environment where children feel safe to express themselves. This supportive atmosphere helps reduce stress and anxiety while promoting positive emotions. The camaraderie and mutual encouragement found in dance classes help children build a social support network that mitigates stress and anxiety.

Social Skill Development

Dance classes uniquely develop several social skills that enhance children's well-being:

Enhanced Communication Skills: Children learn both verbal and non-verbal communication through dance, improving their ability to express themselves and understand others. They develop the ability to read emotions through facial expressions and body movements, skills that extend beyond the studio.

Trust and Cooperation: When children rely on each other to perform lifts, synchronize movements, or complete routines, they build trust and understanding that strengthens their bonds. This collaborative atmosphere teaches children to work together harmoniously toward common goals.

Empathy and Inclusion: Dance teaches children empathy and understanding as they learn that not everyone learns the same way or comes from the same background. This connection with others on an emotional level encourages inclusion and acceptance of differences.

Long-Term Impact

The social connections formed in dance classes often create lasting friendships that support children throughout their development. These shared experiences and challenges of learning dance routines create strong connections that can last a lifetime, providing children with a sense of belonging that contributes to their long-term emotional resilience.

Research indicates that increases in social bonding through dance significantly predict increases in well-being, demonstrating that the emotional benefits of group dance stem directly from having stronger social connectedness.