Dear Dance Educators

Dear Dance Educators,

We see you. The time, the energy, the love, and the leadership you pour into your classrooms every single day it matters more than you may ever know.

At Twinkle Star Dance, we’ve always known that dance is about far more than steps and technique. It's about people. It's about shaping resilient, confident, emotionally grounded children. And thanks to our ongoing dancer mood study, we now have the data to show what we’ve always felt in our hearts: you are a powerful, positive force in the lives of your students.

Why This Study Matters—And Why You Matter

In a world where anxiety and disconnection are on the rise, your studio has become more than a place to learn dance—it’s a haven. Our dance mood study is tracking dancer experiences across every age, every style, every teacher—and what we’re seeing is extraordinary.

• Dance lifts mood—consistently.

• Students feel safer, stronger, and more connected after class.

• And the biggest difference-maker? YOU.

Instructors who bring warmth, experience, and emotional presence create noticeable shifts in their dancers. You’re not just teaching choreography—you’re helping kids feel seen, supported, and strong.

What Makes This Research Special

Most arts-based studies happen in labs or clinics. Ours happens in our studios—where the real magic happens. We’re collecting weekly mood data from actual classes, then analyzing it in real-time to see what really helps students thrive.

• We’re discovering how things like class type, time of day, frequency of attendance, and teacher experience impact mood.

• We’re learning how to design classes that don’t just build skill—but build emotional health.

• And we’re doing it all so that we can support YOU better in the amazing work you’re already doing.

What the Data Is Saying

Early results are clear:

• Experienced, emotionally present teachers are helping students experience the most joy and the greatest emotional growth.

• Dance is acting as a protective layer—especially for kids who are shy, anxious, or going through a tough time.

• And over time, students who stick with dance are developing higher baseline moods and emotional resilience.

This isn’t just encouraging—it’s transformative. And it’s happening because of you.

You Are the Difference

You may not always see the full ripple effect of your encouragement, your smile, or the way you listen. But our research is capturing it—and confirming what we’ve always known: you are a steady, positive force in your students’ lives.

In your classroom, kids find:

• Belonging in a world that often isolates.

• Self-expression in a world that often silences.

• Resilience in a world that often overwhelms.

What This Means for You

This study isn’t about evaluating you—it’s about supporting you. The insights we’re gathering will help us:

• Refine schedules and class types to better serve different ages and moods.

• Offer professional development based on what’s working best emotionally and academically.

• Provide real feedback that helps you advocate for the tools and resources you need.

We know how hard you work. We know how deeply you care. And we know that what happens in your studio each week is shaping lives in ways most people never see.

This study is putting that impact into words and numbers—but the real power has always been you.

Thank you for being a guide, a mentor, and a light.
Together, we’re doing more than teaching dance. We’re building happier, healthier, more hopeful kids—and that is a legacy to be proud of.

With gratitude,
Tiffany and the Twinkle Star Dance team

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/

Enhancing Performance and Dancer Well-Being

Positive Psychology Interventions for Dancers on Performing Company Teams: Enhancing Performance and Well-Being

As a studio owner, you’re likely familiar with the dynamic and often high-pressure world of dance. Dancers, especially those on performing company teams, are frequently required to juggle intense training, rehearsals, and performances. While technical skill and artistic expression are key to success, the mental and emotional well-being of dancers is just as critical in achieving optimal performance. Integrating positive psychology interventions into your studio's culture can significantly enhance your dancers' well-being, resilience, and overall performance.

What is Positive Psychology?

Positive psychology focuses on the strengths, virtues, and factors that contribute to human flourishing. Unlike traditional psychology, which often focuses on fixing deficits or addressing problems, positive psychology emphasizes cultivating happiness, strengths, and positive emotions. For dancers, this approach is transformative, helping them not only overcome challenges but also thrive in a highly competitive, performance-driven environment.

By incorporating positive psychology interventions (PPIs) into your dance studio, you can foster an environment where dancers feel motivated, connected, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Key Positive Psychology Interventions for Dancers

1. Strengths-Based Approach Encouraging dancers to identify their unique strengths can boost self-confidence and motivation. Each dancer brings a different set of talents to the team, and recognizing these strengths can be incredibly empowering. As a studio owner or coach, help your dancers discover their personal strengths through exercises such as the VIA Survey of Character Strengths or team discussions about what each individual contributes to the group. This not only enhances performance but also cultivates a culture of mutual respect and appreciation.
   
   Practical tip: Have dancers reflect on their strengths before each rehearsal or performance. During team check-ins, highlight individual and group strengths.
   
   

2. Gratitude Practices Practicing gratitude has been shown to improve mood, decrease anxiety, and increase overall life satisfaction. In a performing company, where the pressure to perform is high, a regular gratitude practice can help dancers focus on the positive aspects of their experiences, both on and off stage. Encourage your dancers to regularly write down three things they are grateful for, whether it's a breakthrough in their technique, support from fellow dancers, or simply the joy of dancing.
   
   Practical tip: Start rehearsals or classes with a gratitude circle where each dancer shares something they are thankful for, creating a positive mindset for the day ahead.
   
   

3. Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Dance, like any other performance art, can involve moments of intense self-criticism and fear of failure. Mindfulness and self-compassion practices can help dancers embrace their imperfections and foster resilience in the face of setbacks. Mindfulness, which involves being fully present in the moment without judgment, helps dancers stay focused and reduce performance anxiety. Self-compassion, on the other hand, encourages dancers to treat themselves with the same kindness they would offer a friend facing difficulty.
   
   Practical tip: Integrate brief mindfulness exercises into warm-ups or cool-downs. Encourage dancers to practice self-compassion by reminding them that making mistakes is part of the learning process.
   
   

4. Flow States and Autotelic Experiences Flow is a mental state in which a person becomes fully immersed in an activity, experiencing a sense of deep concentration and enjoyment. This is the optimal state for dancers, where they can feel like they are performing at their peak. As a studio owner, you can help dancers achieve flow by creating an environment that challenges them appropriately without overwhelming them. This can involve setting clear goals, providing structured feedback, and offering opportunities for both solo and group work that allows for personal growth and achievement.
   
   Practical tip: Break down complex choreography into smaller, manageable sections and set individual performance goals. This helps dancers maintain focus while still feeling a sense of progress and achievement.
   
   

5. Positive Social Connections and Team Cohesion Building a strong sense of community within your dance company is essential for fostering positive emotions and collaborative energy. When dancers feel supported and connected to their teammates, they experience less stress and greater satisfaction. Encourage team-building activities that go beyond dance rehearsals, such as group outings, shared meals, or casual hangouts. Fostering strong bonds among dancers can help them navigate the ups and downs of rehearsals and performances together, ultimately leading to better team dynamics.
   
   Practical tip: Organize regular bonding activities like a pre-performance pep talk, group celebrations after successful performances, or team-building workshops focused on trust and communication.
   
   

6. Growth Mindset A growth mindset, as opposed to a fixed mindset, is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed over time with effort, learning, and persistence. Dancers who adopt a growth mindset are more likely to take on challenges, persevere through adversity, and view setbacks as opportunities for learning. As a studio owner, it’s important to encourage this mindset by praising effort rather than innate talent. Highlight the value of perseverance and continuous improvement.
   
   Practical tip: Reinforce the concept of the growth mindset by celebrating progress—no matter how small. Encourage dancers to reflect on how they’ve grown since their last performance or rehearsal.
   
   

The Role of Studio Owners in Implementing PPIs

As a studio owner, you play a pivotal role in creating a positive and supportive environment that integrates positive psychology principles. This requires more than just teaching choreography—it’s about shaping the mental and emotional culture of your dancers. Start by leading by example: maintain a positive and solution-focused attitude, express gratitude, and prioritize the well-being of your dancers.

You can also offer workshops, invite guest speakers on topics like mindfulness or resilience, and create a culture of feedback that is constructive and uplifting. When dancers feel valued, supported, and mentally strong, their performance and overall experience will improve.

Incorporating positive psychology interventions into your dance studio can lead to enhanced performance, greater emotional well-being, and a more supportive team dynamic. By emphasizing strengths, gratitude, mindfulness, flow, and a growth mindset, you’ll empower your dancers to thrive both in and outside of the studio. The long-term benefits are clear—dancers will experience improved mental health, a deeper connection to their craft, and ultimately, a more fulfilling and successful performance journey.

By embracing the principles of positive psychology, you’ll not only develop exceptional dancers but also create a nurturing, uplifting environment that fosters long-lasting success.

The Power of Dance: How Positive Psychology Helps Parents Reflect on Its Benefits for Children

As parents, we all want the best for our children. We enroll them in activities that will foster their growth, confidence, and happiness. Dance is one such activity that offers a multitude of benefits, not just physically but also mentally and emotionally. By applying the principles of positive psychology, parents can gain deeper insight into how dance enriches their child's life in meaningful ways.

Building a Strength-Based Mindset

Positive psychology emphasizes focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses. Dance encourages children to recognize and build on their abilities, whether it's mastering a new routine, improving flexibility, or expressing themselves through movement. Parents can support this mindset by celebrating progress and effort rather than just perfection, reinforcing resilience and self-confidence.

Enhancing Emotional Well-Being

Dance provides a powerful emotional outlet, allowing children to process feelings and reduce stress. Research in positive psychology suggests that activities promoting joy and self-expression lead to greater overall well-being. The uplifting music, creative movement, and supportive environment in dance class contribute to increased happiness and emotional regulation, helping children navigate life's challenges with confidence.

Fostering Social Connections

Human connection is at the heart of well-being, and dance class is a wonderful way for children to build friendships. Through teamwork, partner work, and group performances, dancers develop strong bonds with peers, learn collaboration skills, and gain a sense of belonging. Positive psychology highlights the importance of social support in building resilience and happiness, making dance a valuable space for nurturing these essential relationships.

Developing a Growth Mindset

A core principle of positive psychology is the idea of a growth mindset—the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and effort. Dance naturally cultivates this perspective, as students experience firsthand how practice leads to improvement. Parents can reinforce this lesson by encouraging perseverance, praising effort, and reminding their children that challenges are opportunities for growth.

Encouraging Mindfulness and Presence

In a world filled with distractions, dance provides a rare opportunity for children to be fully present. The focus required for learning choreography, feeling the rhythm of the music, and expressing emotion through movement fosters mindfulness. Positive psychology supports mindfulness as a key to reducing stress and enhancing overall well-being, making dance an effective tool for developing this valuable skill.

Reflecting on the Impact

As parents, taking a moment to reflect on how dance benefits our children can deepen our appreciation for the activity. Observing their joy, confidence, and resilience in class or on stage reinforces the positive impact dance has on their lives. By viewing dance through the lens of positive psychology, parents can shift their focus from external achievements to the internal growth and well-being their child experiences through movement.

Dance is more than an extracurricular activity—it is a powerful tool for fostering personal growth, emotional resilience, and social connections. By incorporating principles of positive psychology, parents can better understand and appreciate the long-term benefits of dance for their children. Encouraging and celebrating their journey in dance not only strengthens their skills but also nurtures their happiness and well-being, making every step in the studio a step toward a brighter, more positive future.