The internationally acclaimed American dancer and choreographer, Martha Graham, once famously said that “I feel that the essence of dance is the expression of man – the landscape of his soul. I hope that every dance I do reveals something of myself or some wonderful thing a human can be.”
In the Gap Dance Institute has partnered with Modern Dance Movement to bring to our young women on the margins an opportunity for self-expression through dance. This partnership will provide a platform from which they can project their beings in art, experiences, and emotions. In doing so, they can connect with God and see themselves clothed in grace, dignity and understanding and appreciate that they are each unique, unrepeatable and wonderfully made.
Dance is an exciting and simple way to offer many benefits to children. As a sport, dance has physical and mental benefits, while as an expressive art, dance has emotional and social benefits. With so many advantages, dance encourages skills that can help foster children’s growth, including their academic performance.
A dance class usually ranges between one hour to one hour and a half. Students are constantly moving as they learn technique, whether on the floor, in the center standing up, or across the floor. The physical benefits of dance include improving cardiovascular health, strengthening the body, and learning how to balance, resulting in graceful movement and proper posture. Students also gain spatial awareness, which is a vital skill when dancing in small spaces or in very large groups. A dance class also includes combinations, which can be beneficial to mental health.
Dancing can also cater to children’s emotional well-being, improving their self-esteem and confidence, and boosting their overall mood. Dancing creates an open space for emotional outlet in expressing self-love and empathy, reducing the chances of bullying, depression, and anxiety. It can also help in healing trauma from past experiences. Dancing teaches children to appreciate the performing arts and inspires them to create their own, unique art.
In the Gap Dance Institute plans to add Music classes as a complement its Dance programme. Partnering with the Pallotti School of Music, the Dance Institute’s students will also have an opportunity to attend classes in music and voice, as well as learn to play various musical instruments, such as the cello, violin, and piano.
Dance and Music are tools that can be used to support the welfare and happiness of children. Students can only progress in dance and music through continuous practice and training, but this produces far better results than solely performing well onstage for shows and recitals. It builds character and provides the proper skills that can be used successfully in everyday life.
