What does 'Dance' Look Like at ACTAcademy?

Written by Miss Georgia

At ACTAcademy, we pride ourselves on our diverse and technical approach to teaching dance skills within our classes. We think that dance is such an important aspect of performing arts and has so many other positive impacts on the young people that we teach here every day. It may seem obvious that dance as a subject has so many physical benefits to our bodies, and we identify these by structing our sessions to include warms ups and corner work technique as well as teaching choreography. This structure within the class encourages flexibility, muscle memory, improves posture and strengthens our growing bones and muscles. It also encourages a physically active ability as we include cardio and occasionally fun circuit routes to our warmups as a way to stay in healthy shape and increase our stamina.

There are some other benefits to dance that may not be as visibly recognisable but are certainly the ones we see improvements on the earliest. When we dance, we release endorphins which make us happy and relaxed and ultimately, we have FUN! We therefore interact more with our peers, and we show a level of confidence we may not be able to do in other places. In recent studies conducted by Harvard University, there is excellent research to suggest that dance, as a hobby or career path, has known positive impacts on neurological degenerative disorders. As well as this, there are various other studies that encourage dance for mental health benefits and reducing anxiety. Seeing these positive mental and physical benefits in our classes, and when our students leave for the week is truly empowering.

Here at ACTAcademy, we are beyond passionate about dance coaching and creating a safe space for our students to explore movement and dance styles that they may not have seen or heard of before. We like to give the students the correct knowledge and a broad, unique syllabus of dance styles before they embark on a future in an evolutionary world of performing arts. Throughout our coaching, we take a holistic approach and encourage them to combine their drama, singing and dance skills all in one. Combining these disciplines creates a united skill set and gives so many transferable skills to our young people that they can take with them to school, to social situations and even as they grow into adulthood.

We see in our dance classes all the time that the levels of each child’s imagination and confidence boost a little more with every class. Starting dance classes as a child can always be daunting as it’s new and we’re scared to do things wrong and feel silly in the body we are so comfortable in every day, but the outcome is so worth it. As coaches, we get the witness the beauty of this and see the impact dance has on our students each week, and each week we are more and more impressed with the energy and passion we are shown from our students. Dance is a universal language, a shared expression and is a truly powerful tool.

Miss Georgia.