Unfortunately, it’s a stereotype that can stop boys from discovering something they might genuinely love.
In fact, research has explored prejudice towards boys who dance and the effect that gender stereotypes can have on participation. One study involving 436 children and adolescents highlighted the continued perception of dance as a feminine activity. Furthermore, research has found that gender stereotypes can negatively affect boys’ dance performance and learning.
At Jaykays Dance Company, we think children should have the freedom to discover the activities that excite them.
For some boys, that might be football, rugby or gymnastics. For others, it might be music, theatre or dance. Of course, there is absolutely no reason it can’t be all of them.
So, what can dance classes for boys actually offer?
DANCE IS SERIOUSLY PHYSICAL
Watch a dancer leap, turn, tumble or perform a powerful piece of choreography and one thing quickly becomes clear: dance takes serious physical ability.
Dancers use their whole body. As a result, regular dance training can help children develop strength, coordination, balance, agility, flexibility, stamina and body control.
Our JK Boys dance classes in Leamington Spa embrace that physical side of dance.
Classes combine Modern and Contemporary dance styles with strong, dynamic movement. Along the way, boys learn to jump, leap, turn and tumble while developing their technique, musicality and performance skills.
Most importantly, they are moving.
At the same time, they are learning what their bodies can do, challenging themselves and developing new skills.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO “LOOK LIKE A DANCER”
There is no such thing as looking like a dancer.
Equally, there is no one type of personality that belongs in a dance studio.
A boy might arrive at Jaykays bursting with energy and desperate to move. On the other hand, another might be quieter and need a little encouragement before joining in.
Some are sporty, while others are theatrical. Plenty love music, whereas some simply enjoy learning tricks and new physical skills.
Meanwhile, other children walk through our doors having never danced before.
They are all welcome.
Good dance classes for boys should give children the opportunity to explore movement without feeling they have to fit a particular mould.
For us, that is a huge part of JK Boys. Ultimately, it is about giving boys the space to discover what they enjoy, develop at their own pace and grow in confidence as they do it.
NO, IT ISN’T ALL TUTUS AND BALLET!
Let’s tackle this one while we’re here…
Mention children’s dance classes and some people still immediately picture pink tutus, ballet shoes and classical music.
Of course, Ballet is an incredible discipline. However, the world of dance is much, much bigger.
Our boys only dance classes are energetic, physical and dynamic.
Think powerful choreography. Jumps. Turns. Leaps. Floor work. Tumbling. Contemporary movement. Modern dance. Performance.
Then add great music, plenty of energy and a group of boys doing it together.
Suddenly, the picture looks rather different.
Dance can be explosive and athletic. At the same time, it can be expressive and technical. Most importantly, it can be great fun.
DANCE BUILDS CONFIDENCE TOO
Not every benefit of dance is physical.
For example, learning a new routine takes concentration, while performing it requires courage. Getting something wrong and trying it again also helps children learn to persevere.
Then, one day, that move they have been practising finally clicks.
Those small moments matter.
Over time, children begin to see what they are capable of. Consequently, their confidence can grow alongside their dance ability.
Within our JK Boys programme, we also place a strong emphasis on teamwork and encouragement. Boys train alongside other boys, learn together and support one another.
For a child who has never considered themselves a “dancer”, simply discovering that they can dance can be incredibly rewarding.
DANCE AND SPORT CAN GO HAND IN HAND
Choosing dance doesn’t mean choosing instead of sport.
In fact, plenty of the physical skills developed through dance are relevant to other activities too.
Balance matters. Coordination matters. Flexibility matters. In addition, spatial awareness, agility and body control are all valuable physical skills.
Therefore, a child who loves football, rugby, gymnastics, martial arts or another sport can still enjoy and benefit from dance training.
It is simply another way to move their body and develop physical skills.
On the other hand, children who haven’t found their thing in traditional team sports may discover that dance gives them a completely different way to enjoy being active.
There doesn’t need to be a choice between being sporty and being a dancer.
Quite simply, a child can be both.
CREATIVITY WITHOUT LIMITS
There is another side to dance that makes it different from many physical activities: creativity.
Music changes how we move, while choreography can tell stories. In addition, performance allows dancers to communicate without saying a word.
As boys develop their skills, they also learn how to interpret music, express themselves and bring their own personality to a performance.
For some children, that freedom comes naturally. For others, it develops gradually as their confidence grows.
Either way, dance provides another outlet for children to be themselves.
AND YES… BOYS BELONG ON STAGE
We love seeing our JK Boys training in the studio.
However, there is something pretty special about seeing them perform.
First come the nerves and excitement backstage. Then the music starts. Finally, they step out and absolutely own that stage.
Performance gives our dancers something to work towards. In addition, it gives them the opportunity to experience being part of a team and celebrate everything they have learned together.
At Jaykays, our students have opportunities to take part in shows, presentations and performances throughout the year.
Every two years, our dancers also take part in our large-scale theatre production at the Royal Spa Centre in Leamington Spa.
For many boys, those moments become some of their favourite dance memories.
MAYBE HE DOESN’T NEED TO BE A “DANCER” YET
Perhaps he dances around the kitchen.
Or he might copy choreography he sees online.
Maybe music, gymnastics or performing is already his thing.
Alternatively, he could be the child who is constantly jumping off the furniture despite being repeatedly asked not to!
Perhaps you simply think he would enjoy trying something different.
Whatever his starting point, he doesn’t need previous experience. Nor does he need to know any dance steps. Most importantly, he certainly doesn’t need to decide whether he is a “dancer” before he walks through the door.
He just needs the chance to try.
TRY JK BOYS IN LEAMINGTON SPA
Our JK Boys dance classes in Leamington Spa are designed for boys in School Years 1–6.
Led by Connor, the programme combines Modern and Contemporary dance with dynamic movement, jumps, leaps, turns, tumbling and performance.
Classes take place on Thursdays at the Jaykays Studio in Whitnash, Leamington Spa:
Years 1–3: 4:30pm–5:30pm
Years 4–6: 5:30pm–6:30pm
New students can trial Jaykays for two weeks for just £10. Therefore, they have the chance to meet Connor, join the boys and discover what the class is all about before committing.
Because boys dance too.
And sometimes, all it takes is giving them the opportunity to start.
