Want to Develop Your Child's Sense of Rhythm and Expressiveness? The Value of "Experiencing Moving to Music" as Perceived by Parents (Dowel Gifu Survey)

Seeing children sway to music or move joyfully to their favorite songs, many parents might feel, "Could these experiences lead to a sense of rhythm and expressiveness?"

On the other hand, when considering dance or rhythm exercises as extracurricular activities, concerns may arise, such as, "Is it difficult if you're not good at sports?" "Will they be embarrassed to dance in front of others?" "Can they continue while having fun?" Even when wanting to give children new experiences, parents want to know in advance what kind of growth those experiences will lead to.

Therefore, "Dowel Gifu" (https://gifu.dowell-co.jp/), a specialized dance studio in Gifu City, conducted a survey targeting 200 parents with children aged 3 to 12 living with them. The survey investigated interest in nurturing children's sense of rhythm and expressiveness, and what appeal parents find in the experience of moving to music.

We hope this survey will serve as an opportunity to deepen children's interest in musical experiences and dance, and as a reference for parents when considering suitable extracurricular activities and expressive activities for their children.

▼ Table of Contents ▼

Survey 1: Interest Level in Nurturing the Ability to Move to Music, Such as Sense of Rhythm and Expressiveness

Survey 2: What Kind of Growth Do You Think the Experience of Moving to Music Leads To?

Survey 3: What Aspects Do You Find Appealing About Providing Opportunities to Move to Music?

Summary: The Experience of Moving to Music Becomes an Opportunity to Foster Children's Expressiveness and Confidence

Q1. To what extent are you interested in nurturing your child's ability to move to music, such as their sense of rhythm and expressiveness?

The most common response was "somewhat interested" at 35.0% (70 people). This was followed by "very interested" at 27.5% (55 people), bringing the total to 62.5% (125 people) who are interested in nurturing their child's sense of rhythm and expressiveness.

The experience of moving to music is a field that can be easily linked not only to extracurricular activities like dance and eurhythmics but also to playing at home with music and activities at preschools/schools. Therefore, it is thought that many parents view it positively not just as specialized education but as part of their child's growth and daily play.

On the other hand, "neither" was 19.0% (38 people), "not very interested" was 10.5% (21 people), and "not at all interested" was 8.0% (16 people). While a high percentage expressed interest, a certain number of parents seem unable to form a concrete image of how the experience of moving to music contributes to their child's growth.

Q2. Regardless of interest level, what kind of growth do you think the experience of moving to music leads to in your child? (Multiple answers possible: Note 1)

Note 1: Although this question allows for multiple selections, the options are limited to three. This allows for a clearer understanding of what kind of growth you believe it leads to in your child.

The most common answer was "develops a sense of rhythm and the ability to discern sounds" at 33.5% (67 people). It is evident that many parents believe the experience of moving to music primarily leads to the growth of listening skills and the ability to perceive rhythm.

Next most common was "becomes an opportunity to enjoy moving their body" at 19.0% (38 people). Additionally, "develops the ability to move the body as desired" and "develops basic motor skills such as posture and core strength" were both at 18.0% (36 people), indicating expectations for growth not only in musical abilities but also in physical aspects. Activities involving moving to music are thought to be opportunities for children to learn how to use their bodies while having fun, as they involve not only performing set movements accurately but also elements of using the body in response to sound.

In terms of expression, "develops the ability to express one's feelings and imagination" was 17.0% (34 people), and "reduces resistance to expressing oneself in front of others" was 14.0% (28 people). Moving to music also leads to the experience of expressing feelings and imagination that are difficult to convey through words alone, through movement. Therefore, it is suggested that these activities are expected not only for developing a sense of rhythm and motor skills but also as activities that foster children's ability to express themselves authentically.

Furthermore, "leads to confidence and a sense of accomplishment" was 15.0% (30 people), "develops cooperation by matching movements with friends" was 14.5% (29 people), and "broadens the range of hobbies and play" was 13.5% (27 people). In addition to the enjoyment of moving their bodies alone, some parents envision positive changes from working with friends and increasing the number of movements they can perform.

On the other hand, "don't know" was 11.0% (22 people), and "don't think it's particularly useful" was 7.0% (14 people). While some people have an image of growth, a certain number of people find it difficult to determine the specific effects. "Other" was 0.0% (0 people).

Q3. If you were to provide your child with opportunities to move to music, what aspects would you find appealing? (Multiple answers possible: Note 2)

Note 2: Although this question allows for multiple selections, the options are limited to three. This allows for a clearer understanding of the appealing aspects of moving to music.

The most common response was "can be done with a sense of play and games" at 24.0% (48 people). This indicates that many parents find appeal in the fact that activities involving moving to music allow children to participate naturally and enjoyably, rather than as learning or training.

Next most common was "can be done with friends and companions" at 19.0% (38 people). Additionally, "easy to participate even if not good at sports" and "easy to feel growth and improvement" were both at 18.0% (36 people). Activities involving moving to music are often perceived as easy to participate in, enjoying rhythm and expression, unlike highly competitive sports. Therefore, it is thought that these activities are perceived as appealing because they are easy for children who feel insecure about sports to engage in and can be enjoyed with friends.

Other responses included "can enjoy with children's favorite songs" at 15.5% (31 people), "can be done at home" at 15.0% (30 people), and "can participate without difficulty with content appropriate for age and level" and "can also learn posture and body usage" at 14.5% (29 people) each. Parents also find appeal in both enjoyment and growth, such as the ease of matching children's interests, the ability to continue without difficulty, and learning how to use their bodies.

Furthermore, "can enjoy with parents" and "there are opportunities like recitals and events to aim for" were both 13.0% (26 people), and "low burden of cost and transportation" was 11.5% (23 people), and "can learn the basics from a specialized instructor" was 10.0% (20 people). Points that parents find appealing include not only the ability to learn professionally but also the ease of participation at home, shared time with parents, and opportunities to continue with goals.

On the other hand, "no particular appeal" and "don't know" were 7.5% (15 people) each. Amidst differing points of appeal, it is suggested that a certain number of parents still do not have a concrete image of opportunities to move to music.

Summary: The Experience of Moving to Music Becomes an Opportunity to Foster Children's Expressiveness and Confidence

This survey suggests that many parents view the experience of moving to music as something positive for their child's growth.

Moving to music is not just about acquiring a sense of rhythm. By listening to sounds, reacting with their bodies, and expressing themselves in their own way through movement, children use various senses while having fun. This experience leads to the ability to express themselves, the joy of moving their bodies, and the confidence that they can do it.

Moreover, what parents find appealing is not just acquiring special skills, but also that children can enjoy it without difficulty and participate with friends. Rather than whether they can dance well, they seem to value the environment itself where they can have fun moving to music and express themselves authentically.

When aiming to develop a child's sense of rhythm and expressiveness, it is important not to force it as something that "must be practiced," but to provide a place where they can experience it as something they "want to continue because it's fun."

By moving to their favorite music, learning choreography with friends, or having the goal of performing in front of others, children naturally become more familiar with music and expression.

Experiences that combine music and body movement become opportunities not only for children's sensitivity and physical growth but also for fostering cooperation, proactiveness, and confidence.

For parents considering new extracurricular activities or experiences for their children, dance is one option that offers both enjoyment and growth.

Dowel Gifu offers dance lessons that are easy for beginners to experienced dancers, as well as opportunities for cheer dance and participation in performances and events. If you are looking for a place where your child can experience the joy of moving to music, why not start by checking the lesson content and trial lessons on the official website?

Click here for the Dowel Gifu official website

Survey Overview

Survey Date: June 9, 2026

Survey Area: Nationwide

Survey Organization: Freeasy

Survey Method: Online questionnaire survey

Survey Target/Number of Participants: 200 parents with children aged 3-12 living with them

<<Conditions for Use of Survey Results>>

Please cite "Dowel Gifu, a specialized dance studio in Gifu City" as the source of information.

When using on a website, please include the following link as the source.

URL:

https://gifu.dowell-co.jp/

About Dowel Gifu

Dowel Gifu provides dance lessons that captivate everyone from children to adults through "showcasing" and "acting" entertainment experiences. They offer a variety of programs, including "avex Dance Master" provided by the Avex Group, the official cheer dance school "Green Angels" for FC Gifu, and K-POP DANCE and JAZZ-HIPHOP for adults.

What our school values is not just improving dance techniques. While feeling the joy of moving to music, we aim to foster rich sensitivity, self-esteem, confidence, cooperation, and a sense of accomplishment, thereby expanding each individual's potential.

For those who want to start dancing but are "worried about keeping up with the lessons" or "want to check if it's suitable for their child," please feel free to consult us. We offer classes for beginners and accept initial trial lessons and observation.

Point (1) "avex Dance Master" where you can learn according to age and level

Dowel Gifu offers the dance program "avex Dance Master" provided by the Avex Group. It is divided into "Little Kids" for preschoolers aged 4-6, "Kids" for elementary school students, and "Teens" for junior high and high school students, with further classes prepared according to experience and proficiency.

Experienced instructors provide kind and thorough instruction from the basics, even for those who are new to dance. Additionally, the "CoMix" web service for students allows them to check lesson schedules, announcements, and feedback on lessons. We have created an environment where each individual can feel their own growth and continue to engage.

Point (2) Fostering Children's Potential and Confidence Through Dance

Our school does not set goals solely on memorizing choreography or dancing skillfully. By accumulating experiences of listening to music, moving their bodies, and expressing themselves in their own way, we support children in developing confidence and cooperation while having fun.

In addition to daily lessons, we also provide opportunities to showcase practice results, such as recitals, community events, and dance contests. Through performances at home games and community events, the official cheer dance school for FC Gifu, "Green Angels," teaches children to work together with friends, the spirit of cheering for others, and manners such as greetings.

Point (3) Free Trial Lessons and Observation for an Easy First Step

To ensure that even those with "no dance experience" or "lack of confidence in rhythm" can participate with peace of mind, Dowel Gifu offers classes for beginners. To allow you to consider after checking the actual lessons and studio atmosphere, the first trial lesson is free, and observation is also accepted.

The studio is located in Soe, Gifu City, with 14 parking spaces available in front of the store and nearby. Applications for trial lessons and observation can be made through the form on the official website, as well as by phone or LINE. If you want your child to experience the joy of dance or are looking for a new extracurricular activity, please feel free to contact us.

Dowel Gifu Overview

Trade Name: MULTI-STUDIO DoWELL Gifu

Location: Yamada Commercial Building 1F, 2-8-17 Soe, Gifu City

HP: https://gifu.dowell-co.jp/

Phone Number: 058-276-7001

FAX: 058-276-7010

Business Hours: 15:00-21:00