Dancing and Brain Development in Early Years

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• Dancing Minds How Dance Enhances Brain
  Development

• Give Your Child theGift of Dance

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• Introduction

• Early childhood is a critical period for brain
  development.
• Brain is most malleable during early childhood
• Stimulating activities like dance can
  significantly impact brain development
• Dance combines physical movement with cognitive
  processes
• Dance, with its unique blend of physical
  movement, cognitive challenges, and emotional
  expression, offers a powerful way to stimulate
  and enhance brain development in young children.

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• Neuroplasticity The Brain's Ability to Change

• One of the most remarkable aspects of brain
  development is its ability to change and adapt in
  response to experiences. This phenomenon is known
  as neuroplasticity.
• Neuroplasticity is essential for learning,
  memory, and recovery from brain injury. It allows
  the brain to adapt to new situations and
  challenges, and it is particularly active during
  childhood and adolescence.
• Factors that influence brain development
• Genetics It determines the basic structure and
  function of the brain.
• Environment Early experiences, nutrition, and
  exposure to toxins, can significantly influence
  brain development.
• Experiences Engaging in stimulating activities,
  such as dance, can help to promote brain
  development by fostering new connections between
  neurons.

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• Physical Activity and Brain Development

• How physical activity stimulates brain growth
• Increased blood flow Physical activity boosts
  brain blood flow, delivering essential nutrients
  and oxygen. This enhances cognitive function and
  stimulates brain cell growth.
• Neurotransmitter release Physical activity
  releases neurotransmitters like dopamine and
  serotonin, essential for learning, memory, mood,
  and brain cell growth.
• Improved brain connectivity Physical activity
  strengthens neural connections, improving brain
  connectivity and cognitive abilities.
• Reduced inflammation Physical activity reduces
  inflammation, improving brain health.

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• Cognitive Benefits of Dance for Brain Development

• Problem-solving Dance enhances critical thinking
  and creativity, improving problem-solving skills.
• Improved memory Dance strengthens memory by
  requiring children to remember complex sequences
  of movements.
• Enhanced spatial reasoning Dance develops
  spatial awareness by requiring children to
  understand and manipulate their bodies in space.
• Increased attention span Dance enhances focus
  and attention span by being a highly concentrated
  activity.
• Enhanced cognitive flexibility Dance develops
  adaptability by requiring children to adapt to
  new situations and challenges.
• Improved executive functions Dance improves
  planning, organizing, and decision-making,
  strengthening executive functions.

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• How Different Regions of the Brain Are Stimulated
  through Dance

Brain Region Stimulated Functions Dance Relationship
Hippocampus Memory formation, spatial awareness Learning and remembering routines, understanding relationships between objects
Basal Ganglia Habit formation, reward system Practicing dance movements, motivation
Parietal Lobe Sensory integration, spatial awareness Engaging senses, navigating dance space
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• How Different Regions of Brain are Stimulated
  through Dance

Brain Region Stimulated Functions Dance Relationship
Prefrontal Cortex Decision-making, planning, problem-solving, emotional regulation Remembering choreography, adapting to rhythms, coordinating movements, stress relief
Motor Cortex Movement control, fine motor skills Executing dance steps, precise muscle control
Cerebellum Balance, coordination, timing Maintaining rhythm, navigating space, improving posture
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• Different Dance Styles and Their Benefits for the
  Brain

Dance Style Benefits
Ballet Spatial awareness, balance, coordination, discipline, posture
Hip-Hop Rhythm, timing, creativity, expression, cardiovascular health, strength
Salsa Social interaction, cardiovascular health, coordination, rhythm, memory
Jazz Improvisation, flexibility, range of motion, musicality, creativity
Contemporary Emotional expression, mind-body connection, flexibility, strength, balance
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• Contact us

• Vaughan Studio

• Etobicoke Studio

Yorkdale Studio

• 331 Cityview Blvd., Unit 2 Vaughan, ON
• L4H 3M3

• 37 Advance Rd., Suite 104
• Etobicoke, ON
• M8Z 2S6

124 Cartwright Ave. North York, ON M6A 1V2

• 905-856-1030

• 647-640-5010

647 262-1550

• info_at_pdayorkdale.ca

info_at_pdato.ca

• info_at_performingdancearts.ca

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• Thank you