By La Salle Healthy News reporters | Healthy News reporters got a surprise when they started their interview with dance teacher/choreographer Benjamin White. Instead of answering questions, Mr. White instructed the reporters to “get up and dance” as he had them pair up and taught them a dance called the shimmy.
It turns out that enjoying or creating art can also be good for your health, according to The Mayo Clinic, a hospital and research center.
Taking a group dance class is great for your physical health as a form of exercise, and research has also shown benefits for your motivation, social skills, and overall mood, says the National Institutes of Health website.
“My job is to teach young people how to properly move their bodies because movement is like art,” said Mr. White. He said dancing makes your heart healthier, because when you’re moving, it increases your heart rate.
Dance is a great way to connect with other people. Just look at how we connected before we started this interview. We were all dancing together and enjoying ourselves. Dancing is fun,” said Mr. White.
The arts and dancing can also be good for your emotional and mental health. “Dancers must really think when they are dancing to remember their steps. Dancing helps you focus and makes a lot of people happy. And physical dance makes you stronger and more flexible,” said Mr. White.
Mr. White said when it comes to dance, he suggests trying all types of dances. The goal is to find the style of dance you enjoy the most.
Some kids may be hesitant to try the art of dance because they may think they aren’t good at dancing. “If you don’t think you’re good at dancing, you should still give it a try. There are many styles of dance, and you are bound to find a style that you like,” said Mr. White.
“Dance is not just a fun activity; it is also a great way to make friends and connect with others,” he said.
Illustration by Mia, fifth grade, CCSA, 2025-26
