Why Dance Matters Even More During Exam Years
- Carnaby School of Dance
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
As GCSEs and A-Levels approach, many parents start to question whether dance classes should “take a break.” The pressure is real. The revision timetables start stacking up. The calendars fill. And suddenly, the activities that once brought joy are seen as distractions.
But here’s the truth that we need to shout a little louder this time of year:
Dance isn't the problem. It's part of the solution...
It’s not just movement, it’s mental release.
It’s not just routine, it’s regulation.
It’s not a drain on time, it’s a reset for the brain.
Dance doesn't steal study time; it restores focus. It doesn't drain energy, it clears it.
At a time when teens are navigating intense pressure, rising anxiety, and relentless screen time, dance gives them something they 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 need: balance.
We’re not asking students to choose between success and self-care; we’re showing them that both can co-exist.
If you’re a parent considering whether to pause dance during exams, here’s something to think about:
𝟓 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐆𝐂𝐒𝐄𝐬 & 𝐀-𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐬:
𝟏. 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 – Physical activity lowers cortisol and boosts dopamine, improving mood and motivation.
𝟐. 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 – Dance friends offer emotional support outside the academic bubble.
𝟑. 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐭 – Expressing emotions through movement is a healthy way to manage pressure.
𝟒. 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐬 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐲 – Time away from books actually helps with information retention.
𝟓. 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 – Weekly classes reduce screen time and prevent emotional isolation.
Dance doesn’t compete with academic achievement; it complements it. So let’s flip the narrative. Let’s stop seeing dance as an “extra” and start recognising it as essential, especially now.
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