DewDrops—Lesson Six (Dancing)

Dear Village Parent,

Swirling, toe-tapping, and linking arms—we had a lively time this week dancing again to the Irish tune, “Belfast Hornpipe.” The energy in the room soared as adults and babies partnered with others and made this music their own.

Partner dancing gives you and your baby the opportunity to connect with others in a musical and social setting. Such connections are important not only to children’s emotional growth, but also to the way in which they learn and process information. In her book Smart Moves, Carla Hannaford, Ph.D., states that the intricate wiring of the limbic system shows that in order to learn and remember something, there must be sensory input, a personal emotional connection, and movement.

With baby in arm, put a bounce in your step at home—dance, move, exercise, and warm-up with your active happy baby, knowing that you are playing an important role in your child’s brain development. Waiting for the pediatrician—pick up your baby and dance in place with a gentle hum. Play date at a friend’s house—put on a favorite CD and try out some new partner moves. Cooking while your baby is in a high chair—break away and sway baby’s arms to a song. Adding movement to your baby’s day is as close as your next step.

Until our next dance,

Lynda