I've written about the benefits of kids learning ballet. And recently I came across an article about research being done in Baltimore, Maryland that helps stroke victims relearn to walk with an even stride. Here is a link for those interested in reading the details.

What I found teaching ballet, rhythms and dance is that these physical disciplines help students of all ages learn academics.

This is useful at any age. When I taught adults ballet they indeed became more coordinated and were able to learn to use their arms in different positions and movements from each other, as well as move their legs around in different directions from each other.

For example, in ballet training one leg is the 'working' leg and the other the 'supporting' leg. And then the movement is done with the other leg taking the opposite role.

Here is a photo showing the arms and legs in different positions to give you an idea of what I'm talking about. And this photo is but a quick look of what was really motion that completely changed in the next moment - as ballet or dance in any form does.

For the adult with learning disabilities I have found that learning a structured dance form or even moving in patterns with the arms and legs going in different directions has these advantages for higher learning in the classroom or in practical living for kids and adults.

Some examples:
1. Forward, backward and sideways movement (reading and writing patterns on the page); 2. identifying right side and left side of body (learning to read and write); 3. developing memory (basic to all academic skills); 4. understanding sequencing (reading comprehension); 5. using arms in opposition to legs (right-left brain coordination); 6. learning patience with self and cooperation with others (communication skills); 7. finishing what is begun; the steps, the sequence, completing the whole (completing work in a way that others can understand); 8. finding that learning can be fun while moving enthusiastically (enthusiasm increases energy for learning).

All in all, I have found that coordinating motion keeps our body-mind systems fit and working for us as best they can throughout adulthood. And when we are fit, we feel like putting forth the effort to keep trying new techniques for learning what may have been tough to grasp in childhood.

Article by Susan Kramer; photo of dancer by Jane Kramer

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