Dancing like the Stars: Dance offers fitness and confidence building

Childhood dance lessons aren't just about little girls in tutus anymore. From ballroom dancing to hip hop to ballet, boys and girls are enrolling all across the state and the benefits don't stop at physical fitness. Children who take dance lessons develop social skills, self-confidence, and leadership tools that can help them succeed in school, college and beyond.

Competitive Dance

Dance Fever in Newton is the largest competitive ballroom dancing studio in North America. When it opened seven years ago by Lithuanian born Emil and Ruta Ioukhnikov, this type of dancing for children was common in Europe, but hadn't yet hit the United States. Now, with the popularity of hit reality shows like Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance, business is booming. Students begin as early as 4 years old, and as they progress through lessons, can decide to participate in competitions, 75 percent of which are held in New England.

"It's a way to find positive company to socialize with," said Emil Ioukhikov. "Later, they can decide if they want to compete."

Dance Fever lessons are as popular with teenagers as they are with the younger set. The lessons can get a 14 or 15-year-old ready for school dances and socializing, all while building self esteem. "You can't dance and be in a bad mood," Emil Ioukhikov said.

"You also can't dance without talking to your partner…after a while, you become friends and are ready for the stage."

Energetic Dance

AnneMarie McVicar, owner of Dance Explosion in Dedham, offers everything from jazz, tap, hip hop, theater, and voice lessons to children as young as three at her Dedham studio. Parents frequently enroll their energetic children as a way to give them a creative and physical outlet. From jumping, hopping, skipping and basic ballet positions, McVicar and her instructors are able to teach children how to take direction in a classroom setting, which will benefit them once they enter school.

"That's part of our job-we teach them how to behave in a dance class," she said. "If they can pay attention in a dance room, they'll do much better in a relaxed classroom."

The gregarious students aren't the only ones who do well at Dance Explosion. McVicar also has children who are shy and parents who think dance class might help. "We let [the children] sit off to the side and every few minutes ask them if they'd like to join," she said. "They need to do it on their own time and eventually, they do."

Fitness Dance