What are the long-term effects of dance on children's self-esteem

Dance has profound long-term effects on children's self-esteem, creating benefits that extend well beyond the studio and into adulthood.

Research indicates that dance education helps children develop a positive body image that can counteract negative self-perception trends seen in adulthood. Studies show that as many as 90% of adults are unhappy with their physique, but children who dance develop stronger satisfaction with their self-image through increased strength, mobility, and flexibility[6].

A 16-week dance intervention study demonstrated significant improvements in self-esteem among participants, with measurable increases in self-esteem scores using Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale[7]. These benefits weren't temporary - the structured nature of dance education builds lasting confidence as children master increasingly complex routines and overcome challenges.

Dance also cultivates emotional intelligence and self-expression skills that contribute to long-term self-esteem. By learning to communicate complex emotions non-verbally, children develop deeper emotional awareness and resilience[1]. This emotional exploration enhances interpersonal skills and provides tools for navigating complex emotional landscapes throughout life.

The performance aspect of dance helps children overcome stage fright and develop public speaking confidence, addressing one of the most common adult anxieties[6]. Regular performances build a comfort with public presentation that transfers to many professional and personal situations in adulthood.

Additionally, dance fosters problem-solving abilities through progressively challenging choreography. As noted by Queen City Dance, "Just as they were able to overcome the dance challenges they faced in class, they will be able to approach the obstacles they face outside of the classroom in the same fashion"[6]. This creates a foundation for confidence when facing life's challenges.

The social connections formed through dance also contribute to lasting self-esteem. Group performances teach children that their contributions are valuable and essential to the team's success[2], building a sense of belonging and social confidence that extends beyond the dance floor.

Sources

[1] The Science of Dance: Cognitive & Emotional Benefits for Kids http://www.dancedynamicslv.com/dd-blog/dance-cognitive-emotional-benefits-kids

[2] How Dance Can Boost Confidence and Self-Esteem in Kids https://www.sharonsdance.com/post/how-dance-can-boost-confidence-and-self-esteem-in-kids

[3] How Dance Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem in Children https://www.klingerdance.com/articles-press/how-dance-boosts-confidence-and-self-esteem-in-children

[4] Dance And Early Childhood Development- How They Are Interlinked? https://www.morethandancers.com/posts/dance-and-early-childhood-development--how-they-are-interlinked

[5] The Effect of Providing Creative Dance Education on Early ... https://pusdikra-publishing.com/index.php/jsr/article/view/1927

[6] How Dance Helps Build Confidence In Children https://queencity.dance/blog/how-dance-helps-build-confidence/

[7] Effects of a 16-week dance intervention on loneliness and self ... https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11762727/

[8] Benefits of Dance for Kids - Pinnacle Gymnastics https://www.pinngym.com/benefits-of-dance-for-kids

[9] DANCING AND SELF-ESTEEM IN CHILDREN - Unified Dance Studio https://unified.dance/dancing-and-self-esteem-in-children/

[10] The Physiological and Psychological Benefits of Dance and its ... https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9234256/

[11] [PDF] Creative Dance: Can It Improve the Self-confidence of Early ... https://www.scitepress.org/Papers/2019/89951/89951.pdf

[12] How Dance Classes Boost Confidence & Self-Esteem in Children https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/how-dance-classes-boost-confidence-self-esteem-in-children/

[13] [PDF] the effects of dance on self-esteem and body-image https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1349&context=etd

[14] Effects of Dance Interventions on Aspects of the Participants' Self https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6056677/

[15] [PDF] Exploring the Physical, Psychological, and Social Effects of Dance in ... https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1414&context=senior_theses

[16] How Dance Enhances Children's Mental Health and Well-Being http://www.dancedynamicslv.com/dd-blog/dance-childrens-mental-health-well-being

[17] The Ugly Side of Competitive Dance: Harmful Outcomes and Ethical ... https://www.scu.edu/ethics/healthcare-ethics-blog/the-ugly-side-of-competitive-dance-harmful-outcomes-and-ethical-concerns/

[18] The Role of Dance in Developing Confidence and Positive Body ... https://redlanddance.com.au/the-role-of-dance-in-developing-confidence-and-positive-body-image-in-children/

[19] Dancing With children or dancing for children? Measuring the effects ... https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03004430.2025.2452587?ai=wf&mi=5t0s03&af=R

[20] Effects of a 16-week dance intervention on loneliness and self ... https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-87954-0

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

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.

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.

Sources

[1] How Dance Develops Social Emotional Skills In Kids https://rugcutterz.com/how-dance-develops-social-emotional-skills-in-kids/

[2] Benefits of an online group dance program for adolescents' social ... https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11618708/

[3] How Dance Classes Develop Social Skills in Children https://www.rocdance.net/post/dance-classes-develop-social-skills-in-children

[4] How Dancing Can Help Improve Social Skills in Young Children https://www.performingdancearts.ca/dancing-can-help-improve-young-children-s-social-skills/

[5] Dance Classes Can Improve Your Child's Social Skills https://danceclassicstn.com/dance-classes-can-improve-your-childs-social-skills/

[6] Reducing Stress in Children Through Dance: Discover Well-Being https://www.adoredance.london/post/dance-as-a-tool-for-stress-relief-in-children-encouraging-mindfulness-and-relaxation

[7] Dance and Social Development in Preschool Children https://www.danceacademyusa.com/dau-blog/dance-and-social-development-in-preschool-children

[8] How Dance Classes Support Emotional Well-Being https://www.americaskidsinmotion.com/dance-as-therapy-how-dance-classes-support-emotional-well-being/

[9] How Dance Enhances Children's Mental Health and Well-Being http://www.dancedynamicslv.com/dd-blog/dance-childrens-mental-health-well-being

[10] Dancing may be better than other exercise for improving mental health https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2024/02/12/dancing-may-be-better-than-other-exercise-for-improving-mental-h.html

[11] Dancing towards wellbeing: a scoping review of dance interventions ... https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1750984X.2025.2471759

[12] Emotional and Social Benefits of Dance for Kids https://kewschoolofdance.com/emotional-and-social-benefits-of-dance-for-kids/

[13] The Benefits of Dance for Kids and Teens - Jensen Performing Arts https://jpadance.com/2024/10/21/the-positive-effects-of-dance-lessons-for-kids-and-teens-at-jensen-performing-arts-in-milpitas-ca/

[14] Social dance and movement for mental health: A narrative review https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/mhs2.62

[15] 10 Benefits of Kids Dance Classes: Unlocking Physical, Social, and ... https://www.principalarts.com/10-benefits-of-kids-dance-classes-unlocking-physical-social-and-emotional-growth/

[16] Helping Children Develop Social Skills with Dance Classes https://dkdancepro.com/dance/helping-children-develop-social-skills-with-dance-classes/

[17] Using Dance to Promote SEL Skills - Edutopia https://www.edutopia.org/article/using-dance-promote-sel-skills/

[18] How to Teach Social Skills in Dance Class https://shannondoolingdances.com/2022/10/14/how-to-teach-social-skills-in-dance-class/

[19] 10 Benefits of Inclusive Dance for Children of All Abilities https://www.moveinclusivedance.com/blog/benefits-of-inclusive-dance-for-children

[20] The Physiological and Psychological Benefits of Dance and its ... https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9234256/