A new year brings fresh routines, renewed motivation, and a natural desire to reset. For many families, it’s a time to think about healthier habits, better focus at school, and more meaningful ways for kids to spend their time. If you’re looking for a positive change that checks all those boxes, dance may be the perfect fresh start.
At Nan’s School of Dance, we see it every year: the new year sparks confidence, excitement, and growth in kids who step into the studio for the first time. Dance isn’t just an extracurricular activity, it’s a creative outlet, a physical workout, and a powerful alternative to hours spent on screens. As phones, tablets, and endless scrolling become a bigger part of childhood, dance offers something kids truly need: movement, connection, and focus.
A Healthy Alternative to Screen Time
One of the biggest challenges parents face today is managing screen time. Between schoolwork, social media, gaming, and streaming, kids can easily spend hours a day glued to their phones or devices. While technology has its place, too much screen time can affect attention span, posture, sleep, and overall well-being.
Dance provides a natural and exciting way to replace scrolling with something active and rewarding. Instead of sitting still and swiping endlessly, kids are moving their bodies, learning new skills, and engaging their minds. Dance classes give them something to look forward to each week, an activity that feels fun, social, and expressive, not like another obligation.
Many parents notice that when kids have dance in their routine, they’re more willing to put their phones down. Dance gives them a sense of purpose and accomplishment that scrolling simply can’t match.
Keeping Kids Active and Healthy
The new year often comes with goals focused on health, and dance is an incredible way to help kids stay active without it feeling like exercise. Dance builds strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, and endurance, all while kids are having fun and expressing themselves through movement.
Unlike traditional sports, dance offers full-body movement in a creative environment. It improves posture, supports healthy growth, and helps kids develop body awareness from a young age. Dance also promotes cardiovascular health and builds muscles in a safe, age-appropriate way.
When kids enjoy being active, they’re more likely to stick with it. Dance turns movement into something they want to do, helping them develop lifelong habits that support physical health and confidence.
Improved Focus and Performance in the Classroom
It might surprise some parents to learn that dance can actually help kids do better in school. Physical activity has been shown to improve concentration, memory, and classroom behavior, and dance takes those benefits even further.
Dance requires listening, following directions, remembering choreography, and staying aware of timing and space. These skills directly support better focus, stronger memory, and improved self-discipline. Kids who dance often learn how to concentrate for longer periods, manage their energy, and transition more smoothly between activities.
Teachers and parents alike often notice that children who participate in dance are more focused, organized, and confident in the classroom. Dance gives kids a healthy way to release energy, making it easier for them to sit, listen, and learn when it matters most.
A Creative Outlet Kids Truly Need
The new year is also a wonderful time to encourage creativity. Dance gives kids a safe and supportive space to express themselves, explore music, and build confidence in who they are. It allows them to communicate emotions through movement, something especially valuable for kids who may struggle to express themselves with words.
Instead of consuming content all day, dance empowers kids to create. They learn how to tell stories with their bodies, interpret music, and develop their own style over time. This creative outlet helps build emotional intelligence, resilience, and self-awareness.
At Nan’s School of Dance, we believe creativity is just as important as physical activity. Dance helps kids feel confident, capable, and proud of what they can do.
Building Routine, Discipline, and Confidence
A new year is the perfect time to establish healthy routines, and dance fits beautifully into a balanced schedule. Attending weekly classes teaches kids responsibility, time management, and commitment in a way that feels positive and achievable.
Dance also builds confidence in powerful ways. Kids see progress through practice, learn that effort leads to improvement, and gain pride in mastering new skills. Performing in front of others, whether in class or on stage, helps them overcome nerves and believe in themselves. This confidence often carries over into other areas of life, from school presentations to social situations. Dance helps kids walk taller, both physically and emotionally.
Social Connection Without the Screens
While phones and social media promise connection, they often fall short of real, meaningful interaction. Dance classes provide kids with face-to-face friendships, teamwork, and shared experiences. They learn to work together, support one another, and celebrate each other’s successes.
Being part of a dance community gives kids a sense of belonging that doesn’t rely on likes, comments, or screens. It helps them build strong social skills and healthy relationships in a positive, encouraging environment.
A Fresh Start That Lasts All Year
The beauty of starting dance in the new year is that the benefits don’t fade after January. The habits kids build through dance, staying active, focusing their energy, expressing themselves creatively, and connecting with others, can shape the rest of the year and beyond.
At Nan’s School of Dance, we love welcoming new students who are ready for a fresh start. Whether your child is new to dance or returning after time away, the new year is a perfect moment to step into movement, confidence, and creativity.
If you’re looking for a way to keep your child active, engaged, and off their phone, while giving them a creative outlet and a boost in focus, dance may be exactly the fresh start they need. This year, trade more scrolling for more movement, and watch your child thrive one step at a time.
Reach Your Goals With Nan’s Dance!
At Nan’s School of Dance, our goal is to provide top-quality instruction at a competitive price. We encourage our students to reach technical proficiency in their favorite dance form and build self-discipline, poise, and self-esteem. We offer instruction in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro, and Pre-Dance, at all levels.
We love having new members in our dance classes and will help get your child acclimated to our dance school to make them feel right at home. When your child attends Nan’s School of Dance, they will become a part of our dance family and share in our love for dance!
Don’t forget to register!
From ballet to hip hop, we offer dance classes for ALL ages and skill levels in a variety of styles. We place students in classes that will challenge them while offering a fun atmosphere for learning and growth. We also offer Mommy & Me classes, (18 months – 2.5 years). Register online or give us a call at 919-803-6044 to hold your spot!
*Feel free to follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Want to Read More About Dance?
Take a look at some of our other articles about dance.