In our growing community of Prescott, more families with young children are seeking activities that offer both physical enrichment and excitement. Dance has emerged as a compelling option, providing children with a unique combination of physical, emotional, and social benefits. Leading the way in Prescott’s dance scene is Summer Hinton, a renowned instructor who has dazzled audiences with her high-profile performances in Las Vegas and on television. Since 1994, Summer has been sharing her passion for dance with Prescott’s youth, delivering an experience that is both transformative and fun.

Summer’s DanceWorks stands as a cornerstone of the local arts community, offering classes for everyone—children, teens, and adults alike. But why exactly is dance garnering so much attention among Prescott families? We did our research and spoke with Summer herself to discover why more parents are choosing dance over other extracurricular activities.

1. Enhanced Physical Health and Coordination

Dance is more than just an art form; it’s a comprehensive workout that builds flexibility, strength, and endurance. Importantly, it also boosts coordination and balance, both of which are essential for a child’s development. Unlike sports that focus on specific muscle groups, dance engages the entire body, promoting core strength and overall body awareness.

A systematic review in Sports Medicine found that “structured dance is often equally or more effective than other types of exercise for improving a range of health outcomes.” This makes dance an excellent choice for enhancing gross motor skills and general fitness. As Summer puts it:

“Dancers increase their strength, coordination, and balance. Dance also provides a fantastic foundation in music education, developing auditory and counting skills while simultaneously advancing gross motor skills.”

At Summer’s DanceWorks, classes such as ballet, hip-hop, jazz, and tap give students a well-rounded physical challenge that benefits not only their dancing but also their overall well-being.

2. Fostering Emotional Development and Self-Expression

Dance serves as a powerful avenue for emotional growth, enabling children to explore and express their feelings through movement. The American Dance Therapy Association notes that “dance/movement therapy focuses on movement behavior as a form of communication and adaptation.”

Learning choreography also refines mental focus, as dancers train their minds to memorize complex sequences and patterns. At Summer’s DanceWorks, students flourish in a nurturing environment that encourages both creativity and resilience. Summer explains:

“Mastering choreography builds confidence and self-esteem. It also challenges the brain in more complex areas by encouraging dancers to remember combinations and patterns.”

These cognitive skills translate into success in school and in social contexts, helping children thrive outside the studio. With professional expertise and a genuine passion for dance, Summer ensures that each student at her studio unlocks their full emotional and creative potential.

3. Building Strong Social Skills and Community Connections

One of the greatest advantages of dance is its ability to cultivate social skills and a sense of community. According to Dance Dynamics, “Dance classes help children form meaningful friendships with others who share their passions.” These friendships often extend beyond the studio, creating a broad network of support and encouragement.

Every class at Summer’s DanceWorks integrates the social benefits of dance. Students practice taking turns, listening to instructions, and collaborating on group routines. These skills not only foster teamwork and respect but also deepen their sense of community involvement. Through local school performances and charity events, students experience the joy of giving back to Prescott and building lasting connections with their neighbors.

4. Cultivating Structure, Discipline, and Goal-Setting

Dance classes instill valuable qualities such as discipline, focus, and perseverance—traits that are beneficial in virtually every aspect of life. The National Dance Education Organization reports that “dance enhances skills of perception, observation, and concentration,” which can give students an edge academically and personally.

Summer's DanceWorks designs its classes to meet dancers at their current skill level, ensuring each student has the support they need to advance. The studio’s competitive teams frequently perform at state and national events, earning top awards for both choreography and execution. However, even recreational dancers receive the same personalized attention. Summer affirms:

“We strive to make each class enjoyable, educational, and entertaining. Our goal is for dancers of all levels to gain confidence and skills while having fun.”

By emphasizing structure and setting achievable goals, the studio strives to ensure that every student leaves class with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

5. A Broad Range of Classes for All Ages and Interests

One of the reasons Prescott families love Summer’s DanceWorks is its impressive variety of class offerings. From toddlers as young as 18 months to adults over 70, the studio provides opportunities for everyone to experience the joy of dance.

Available dance styles include ballet, hip-hop, jazz, tap, swing, and Latin, ensuring there’s something for every taste. For special occasions, the studio offers wedding choreography, private lessons, and party hosting. This wide assortment keeps students engaged and helps them develop a lifelong appreciation for dance.

Why Dance is an Outstanding Choice for Prescott Families

Choosing dance is about more than perfecting steps or performing on stage. It’s a year-round activity that promotes physical health, emotional development, social engagement, and critical life skills like discipline and resilience. Each class at Summer’s DanceWorks amplifies these benefits, creating a safe and encouraging space for dancers of all ages to flourish. As Summer loves to say:

“Here at Summer’s DanceWorks, you can walk in… and dance out!”

For families in Prescott looking for an enriching and supportive environment, Summer’s DanceWorks is the ideal choice. By offering a range of classes and nurturing a tight-knit community, the studio continues to empower children, teens, and adults—equipping them with the confidence and skills they need to succeed both on and off the dance floor.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re a Prescott family seeking an activity that combines health, creativity, community, and fun, dance may be the perfect fit. Contact Summer’s DanceWorks today to learn more about class schedules, registration details, and how you can join this vibrant and thriving dance community in Prescott.

Disclaimer: Always consult with a qualified professional regarding any health or exercise program, and ensure that you or your child is medically cleared to participate in dance or other physical activities.