Dance: Sport, Art, or Both?

Dance is an extracurricular activity or hobby that has something for everyone. The craft called dance involves sound, creativity, collaboration with others, learning and strength. So how come not everyone sees it for all that it is? 

Dance has proven to benefit its participants, but the reasons to exclude it as a sport may overlook its overall benefits.

“Dance takes both strength, technical skill, and flexibility,” junior Katie Weigel stated. “[It includes] coordination and movement.”

If dance is so good for your body, is it good for the mind and creative outlet?  The answer is yes, but how does an actual dancer find artistic expression through dance? In a questionnaire Ariana Duchene, Elite Dance Center company dancer submitted, she answered why she felt dance has made an impact in her life.

Explain why dance could be important to someone's (or your own) life.

As a dancer, dance is important in my life because it allows me to express my emotions even when I can’t find the words to express myself. Dance could be important to someone who isn’t a dancer (someone who's watching) because it can show them a story, similar to reading a book!

Dance can be a way of self-expression and a way to increase social activity for individuals looking to add another layer of fun into their lives. 

“It also contributed to social skills development and the integration and enhancement of emotional elements resulting from performing in groups,” (the) National Institutes of Health found.

Dance includes athleticism, graciousness, and overall versatility. Still, there have been many critics who have brought down the dancing community by claiming that dance cannot be one or the other. Despite the criticism,  the saying “Never judge a book by its cover” remains true. 

“Dancers work just as hard as gymnasts, swimmers, volleyball players, etc.” Duchene defended. “I believe that dance should be viewed as a serious activity.”