12 Great Ways IDA Can Benefit Your Child
CULTIVATES CONFIDENCE AND SELF-ESTEEM
Children become comfortable performing before groups. Parents of shy children who participate in IDA say they notice immense improvement in their children’s confidence. When children perform for an audience, they feel proud and accomplished, which in turn boosts their self-esteem.
PROMOTES FOCUS AND CONCENTRATION
Dancers learn to pay attention to details. Preparing for the IDA performance reinforces this lesson. Children who acquire these skills go on to use them in their studies and daily lives.
ENCOURAGES DANCERS TO BE THEIR BEST
IDA‘s adjudicated Awards Performance & Medal Ceremony provides a clear goal to strive for while encouraging a good and consistent work ethic.
SUPPORTS PERSONAL GROWTH
As students work through the IDA program, they mature as artists, have the opportunity to improve technique, showcase their progress to friends and family, and receive validation.
DEVELOPS SELF-DISCIPLINE
Following instructions, consistent attendance, memorizing choreography, practicing the work, applying corrections, time management, and overcoming self-doubt are all skills IDA dancers can gain.
IMPROVES DANCE TECHNIQUE
Using the progressive tiers of IDA, students work on coordination, balance, control, stamina, musicality and artistry.
IMPROVES POSTURE AND POISE
Dance requires the good use of posture, poise and alignment. Because in IDA even the entrances and exits from the performance space are important, it naturally improves their awareness while sitting, standing and walking.
PROMOTES AN ACTIVE AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
The anticipation of being adjudicated for the performance makes students more aware of the importance of sufficient sleep and eating healthy food to fuel their bodies for the Awards Performance & Medal Ceremony, while consistent attendance in class develops long, strong muscles and the required stamina.
ENRICHES CULTURAL KNOWLEDGE
Dance is an art form that combines movement, music, theater and visual arts. In IDA, intermediate and advanced students learn variations modified from classical ballets, offering an opportunity to explore a variety of choreographers and composers.
ENHANCES PERFORMANCE QUALITY
The IDA program is a performance-based curriculum. Many students say that after learning and performing the IDA work, standing up in front of a class to give a presentation is much easier. Even college interviews don’t feel as stressful!
SOCIAL BENEFITS
Experts and teachers agree that children who learn dance follow instructions better and know how to work better with teammates. Preparing for their IDA Awards Performance & Medal Ceremony in class helps children bond, and build trust and friendship with others.
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
Schoolchildren exposed to drama, music and dance may do a better job at mastering reading, writing and math than those who focus solely on academics, says a report by the Arts Education Partnership. “Dance helps with creative thinking, originality, elaboration and flexibility; improves expressive skills, social tolerance, self-confidence and persistence.” Children also learn to take instruction from adults and respect authority. They respond more favorably to goals set, manage stress better, and are more disciplined when it comes to their school work and other activities.
Quotes From Students
