Dance IS Sport [article from 24 Hour Vancouver]
SORRY DOUBTERS, BUT DANCE IS A SPORT
By Bianca Bujan for 24 Hour Vancouver
Thursday, June 2, 2016 7:45:36 PDT AM
A great divide exists between parents about extracurricular activities for children. There are the sports parents and then there are the dance parents.
Both groups of parents are equally as invested in their children, but the disconnect between parenting groups becomes inevitable as their children progress through their activities and more time is spent on the field or in the dance studio bonding with like-minded moms and dads.
There doesn’t seem to be any friction between the groups, they just coexist.
What does turn this dichotomy into a heated debate is when dance and sport are compared as equal activities. Some believe that dance and sport are incomparable. They argue that dance is less strenuous, focused only on the individual, and less competitive than traditional sports. They view dance as an artform comparable to painting or playing a musical instrument.
I believe that dance is a sport, equally as team-building, physically challenging and emulous. Yes, dance is an artform, but dancers are both athletes and artists. While they may not appear to be working up a sweat as they glide gracefully across the stage, the physical exertion of a dancer is arduous.
It takes a lot of core strength, muscle tone and stamina to make dancing look effortless. Many forms and levels of dance are competitive. Dancers learn choreography as a team and rely on each other to succeed when participating in dance competitions. Dance isn’t just about moving your body to the music, it takes a great deal of training, technique and talent.
Just like perfecting a slap shot or a lay up, there are learned skills that take time to accomplish in dance.
In many ways sport is a dance as well. Just as dancers practice their steps for performance days, football players plan and practice their plays for game days. Both train, practice, and plan their steps to achieve a main objective.
When it comes to helping your children select their activities of choice, don’t discredit dance as a team sport or physically active option. Your kids will be exposed to the same peer-bonding, competition, and physical activity as any other sport, and will reap the benefits of engaging in an activity that practices both athleticism and creativity — a perfect balance.
HERE ARE THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY TAKEN ON THIS DISCUSSION:
Poll: Is dance a sport? Thursday, October 13, 2016
88% YES / 12% NO