Many kids with special needs have difficulty with motor skills. Whatever the type of dance studied, dance movements emphasize all body parts and the way they move. Children learn through dance therapy to move their arms, legs and bodies smoothly and in a more coordinated way, improving motor skills. Dance tends to be a more enjoyable way to practice motor skills than simple exercise, because it is done to music.
All kids---not only those with special needs---can improve their health through dance. When children are dancing, they are moving: filling their lungs with air, strengthening bones and muscles, raising heart rates, and reaching their physical potential. Dance often improves mood as well, as endorphins are released during physical exertion.
Dance therapy can help children with special needs become more flexible. Dancing of all types typically begins with a period of stretching, which increases muscle strength and flexibility.
Dance can inspire confidence in those who study it, no matter their age or abilities. In dance therapy, children learn to relate to others better as they work cooperatively to learn dance routines. Even the child who has great difficulty relating to others can experience personal fulfillment and increased confidence as she performs and is applauded for her efforts.