Get Your Child Moving with Hip Hop Dance!

by Cindy Wilkinson

I am thrilled to introduce you to my friend and colleague at the Denver Center Theatre Academy, hip hop dance teacher Laurence Curry!  In this blog, he will share ideas for getting kids off the couch, away from the television, and into a world filled with all the coolest dance moves.  His enthusiasm for dance is matched by his passion for getting kids moving, helping them wake up many different parts of their bodies while, most importantly, having a really fun time!

There are many ways in which children, whether elementary school age, tweens, or teens can benefit from exposure to dance.  This experience enables kids to increase both their levels of fitness and self-confidence.  "It provides an artistic outlet for hands that are on their game boy too much," says Mr. Curry.  He describes dancing as "marrying the movement from the body to the rhythm of a song".  And children have an opportunity to use parts of their bodies that may otherwise lay dormant.

All of these things provide important elements for children to thrive, both in their physical development and as emerging artists.  But, why is hip hop in particular a great outlet for children?  Mr. Curry states that "hip hop is the most commercially driven style of dance and affords kids the opportunity to do something they see on TV."  Hip hop has become the most universal of dance forms.  It is accessible in all types of communities across the country and is something that everyone can master.

HMMM...  I hope that this philosophy holds true during my first attempt in one of Mr. Curry's hip hop classes later this week.  Yes, hip hop dance is for grown-ups too!  It can provide the same benefits for any age student, whether a youngster or well... let's just say, an aging music teacher.  That said, it seems to be the consensus of most dance teachers, that age 7 is a great age for children to begin dance training.  At 5, most children are still filled with a high level of involuntary movement and too much structure may stifle this.  Give them a couple more yrs and they are better prepared for the discipline involved in a structured class.  For info on classes at the Denver Center Theatre Academy, here is the link:  http://denvercenter.org/education/education.aspx

I hope that you have enjoyed reading about the many ways that hip hop dance can promote the fitness of your child.  Thanks again to DCTA dance teacher Laurence Curry for sharing his expertise with us.  So, keep your fingers crossed as I enter into the world of hip hop dance, leaving my tiny, wooden hammers to my dulcimer behind.  I have visions of becoming the absolute coolest music teacher ever as I master all of the funky hip hop moves in Mr. Curry's adult dance class.  But, whether I accomplish this amazing fete, I will surely exercise many parts of my body that have been laying dormant.  And in the process, I will enjoy both the creativity and fun of hip hop dance!