In Physical Education this month, students in Kindergarten through Grade 10 have been participating in a hip hop dance unit. Many classes performed live on Teams for parents on Friday, while others will finish next week.

Over the last few days, we have been asked several times, “why teach dance?” and the answer is that it might be the most important unit that students will do in physical education. Besides that is meets curricular outcomes, dance strengthens muscles, improves balance, and increases flexibility. Spatial awareness and movement patterns are necessary in every sport an athlete will participate in. Rhythm and timing are essential in most activities, and cardiorespiratory endurance and flexibility are important for maintaining fitness, improving performance, and injury prevention.

Beyond the physical advantages, dance in physical education also provides social opportunities for students to work together in a non-competitive environment. Watching them support one another, as well as push themselves out of their personal comfort zones; all while learning new skills has been incredible! And finally, we dance because it’s fun!