Music & Movement Benefits: Why We Dance in Circles

In our baby music classes and toddler music classes, we almost always include a circle dance in every class. Together we’re a circle of support, love, and belonging.Those circle dances are great fun, but there’s serious purpose behind them too.
A circle is a symbol of community, and in it we all contribute equally. For your child, our circle dances give him a chance to see everyone, be part of our community, and to belong. There is no beginning or end to our circle, just as there are no leaders or followers; we all create our dance together.
Besides the power of the emotional connections created in our circle dancing, we are also igniting the brain to work at its fullest capacity. Only through movement and movement activities can the brain fully develop. As Anne Green Gilbert, dance and movement expert, explains: “The brain has a plan for development that involves specific and intensive motor activities to make full use of our complicated nervous system.”
“Circle dances come from the wonderful tradition of communities dancing together, a tradition which is timeless in origin and yet relevant today in its capacity to foster togetherness. Dancing in a circle actually benefits the mind, body, and spirit.” (Michaelsen)
Want to experience some of these same music and movement benefits in the best early childhood music classes on the planet? Come dance with us at Kindermusik! You can try a class on us for free!
Compiled by Theresa Case, whose Kindermusik program at Piano Central Studios in Greenville, SC, is proudly among the top 1% of Kindermusik programs worldwide.

One Reply to “Music & Movement Benefits: Why We Dance in Circles”

  1. Theresa, I so love the circle dance time in our classes! Sometimes there’s a child who is feeling independent (or maybe defiant!) and is either standing in the middle of the circle or outside of the circle. Here is a beautiful lesson in individuality and how individuals can only be defined by a community such as our circle. What a wonderful experience for everyone in our classroom!

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