Dancing in the Seats

Every Kindermusik class incorporates a type of community or circle dance. Whether it's in the form of a line, circle, free, synchronized, layered or partner dancing, it is one of the highlights of the Kindermusik experience where babies, children and grown-ups can all enjoy moving rhythmically, expressively and creatively to music!

In a recent article in the New York Times, Daniel J. Levitin, author of “This Is Your Brain on Music : The Science of a Human Obsession” and professor of psychology and music at McGill University, makes a compelling argument about the "ancient connection" that exists between music and movement.

"Children often demonstrate this nature at classical music concerts, swaying and shouting and generally participating when they feel like it. We adults then train them to act “civilized.” The natural tendency toward movement is thus so internalized, it is manifest in concert halls only as a mild swaying of heads. But our biology hasn’t changed — we would probably have more fun if we moved freely."

In fact, he has research to support the music and movement connection. "Brain scans that I and my colleagues have performed make it clear that both the motor cortex and cerebellum — the parts of the brain responsible for initiating and coordinating movements — are active during music listening, even when people lie perfectly still. Singing and dancing have been shown to modulate brain chemistry, specifically levels of dopamine, the “feel good” neurotransmitter," explains Levitan.

No wonder it feels good to twirl and whirl my toes while I sit in my chair listening to music.

For the full article, check out Dancing in the Seats by Daniel Levitan.