THE ROLE OF CONTEMPORARY DANCE IN EARLY SCHOOL-AGE MOTOR DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

This study investigated the contribution of contemporary dance to the motor development of pre-school children. The aim was to investigate how dance, as an activity that combines movement, rhythm and balance, affects children's motor coordination and their functional and physical abilities. Thirteen children (nine girls and four boys) aged 7 to 10 years participated in an eight-week contemporary dance programme, twice a week for one hour each session. Before and after the dance programme, their static and dynamic balance (stork stand test, tandem walk test, one-legged stand with eyes closed), motor coordination (ball catch and throw test, ball kick to target, jump rope test, movement sequence test) and speed-agility and reaction time (sprint test, shuttle run test, reaction time test, zigzag run test) were assessed. The results showed significant improvements between the two different time points in all tests of balance, motor coordination and speed-mobility and reaction time. It is concluded that dance is an effective tool for promoting motor development in young children.