We had two interviews until now, with Ildiko from Hungary and Milagros, from Spain/Belgium. They are both passionate dancers.
This time we talked with Nela Maran (USA); her beautiful daughter Leona dances from an early age. We wanted Nela to tell us, from the position of a parent, why she thinks children should dance.
PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF BRIEFLY FOR OUR READERS (YOURSELF AND YOUR CHILD, BASIC INFORMATION AND ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO TELL US AND YOU ARE HAPPY TO SHARE)
While some of us choose dance as a way to express ourselves, I can say with confidence that dance had chosen Leona! This is by far her greatest talent that gives her happiness and freedom. Leona is my 11 years old daughter and dance has been part of her life for the past 7 years.
SINCE WHEN YOUR CHILD DANCE AND WHY? WHO IS HER INSPIRATION IN DANCING?
Ever since Leona was a baby she enjoyed music and dance. She couldn’t even walk on her own before making her first dance steps in front of the TV while listening to Barney’s tunes. The sound of music will immediately have her move with the groove!
She would perform for us her own made-up dances with such enjoyment and pride, that it would leave us mesmerized.
Around the age of 4, she was insisting that we take her to a dance school! Naturally, we wanted to encourage her love for dance so we enrolled her at the dance school where she chose 3 dance classes: lyrical ballet, tap dance and jazz. She loved it!
HOW DO YOU THING DANCE WAS USEFUL FOR YOUR CHILD AND CHILDREN IN GENERAL? WHAT DOES YOUR CHILD ENJOY THE MOST IN DANCE?
Since Leona has always enjoyed the attention it was only natural that she would love performing on the stage and enjoy all the moments that will allow her to shine. Dance and stage boosted her confidence as all came so naturally to her!
After two years of dancing she joined the competition team and being the competitive person that she is, she loved it even more. But competitive dance has also thought her that success will only come with hard work and discipline, nothing less.
While dance was giving Leona wings to fly, it was also helping her with so many important skills like listening, following directions, memory, punctuality, all that can help a child fit better and adopt easier in new environments and be more successful not only in school but in the real world, as well. It thought her the importance of teamwork, but also of being a leader. It thought her to enjoy and appreciate the results of diligent work and that only perseverance will lead to success. It also helped with her perfect posture, acting, and social skills. However, the most important lesson of all is that dance brings joy and happiness and to always have fun!
WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND PARENTS TO TAKE THEIR CHILDREN TO DANCING SCHOOL?
For the last two years Leona has been focused on classical ballet and she has magically transformed into a graceful, elegant dancer. As she passionately dances throughout our home, every free moment she has, I can see the love and emotions she puts into every move she makes. I can see the sides of her that I am only able to see when she is dancing! Beautiful colors of her young personality.
As a parent, I believe it’s beneficial to enroll a child in any activity that they enjoy and feel passionate about. If they love to dance, please support it. It helps them to develop physically and mentally, but most importantly it makes them happy. As parents we want our kids to be healthy and happy, so if your child chooses dancing, help them dance their hearts away and color our homes and stages with their wonderful, colorful dances. It’s magical!
