While you may not be able to do much about those late night pacing sessions, you can capitalise on your baby’s love of rhythmical movement to benefit both of you in many other ways as well. Instead of saving your dance sessions for the wee hours, why not make music and dancing a regular part of your routine with your baby?

Babies begin to develop rhythm skills very early on when they are consistently exposed to music and movement. In fact, it’s probably more accurate to say that babies are born with natural rhythm and all we need to do is nurture it. If you exposure your baby to the joys of dance throughout his childhood, just think how much more confident he’ll feel as a teenager at his high school prom! In cultures where music and dance are a part of everyday life, no one grows up to be “rhythmically challenged!”

If rhythm and movement are a consistent part of your child’s life from an early age, the ability to express herself through creative movement will stay with her throughout her life. Many parents are concerned about the effects of inactivity on their children in this age of easy access to computers and video games. Cultivating a love of music and dance early in life provides an excellent introduction to other healthy physical activities.

Even when your baby is very young, dancing in your arms can be an exciting play and social time that he will look forward to. You will probably find that as your baby grows he will soon begin to eagerly anticipate his favourite dance moves like dips and spins. He’ll also tell you by his reactions what type of music and dancing he likes best.

For parents, sharing movement and music with your baby helps in creating a stronger parent child bond. Many parents find that the more time they spend in close contact with their baby, the more sensitive they become to their baby’s needs and signals, and the more easily they are able to decipher what their baby is telling them. Done regularly, shared dancing can become a wonderful way to communicate with your baby.

For new moms especially, moving to music with baby is a delightful way to get some gentle exercise and helps with getting back in shape after childbirth. Most new mothers are eager to lose those extra pregnancy pounds, yet it’s also important to eat well and not exert yourself too strenuously, especially in the early postpartum weeks when you may not be getting much sleep. Holding your baby in your arms while you both enjoy a waltz, a 2-step or even some good old fashioned rock ‘n’ roll, is a wonderful way to get some gentle exercise, and it’s fun too!

And finally, we all know that a stressed out mom equals a stressed out baby. But because dancing is such good exercise, it tends to produce endorphins, the body’s natural “feel good” chemicals. These are the same ones responsible for “runner’s high.” So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed out, try picking up baby and taking him for a spin around the living room to your favourite music. You might just find that you both become calmer as a result.

So why not make good use of your natural instincts to cuddle and rock your baby? Put on your favourite music and enjoy a few dances with your baby on a regular basis. You’ll get a much needed break and some fun exercise. And whether your baby falls asleep or dances right along with you, she’ll be enjoying this special bonding and playtime with you while developing an appreciation for music and movement that has the potential to stay with her throughout her life.”

Excerpt by Susan Peach found at http://www.firsttimepregnancy.com/30.html

Dancing Bellies and Dancing Babies

One of great things about dancing with a baby is that YOU choose how little or how much you do.  Though East Coast Swing dancing may look exhausting to you, you really get out of it what you put into it.  You choose how much you bounce.  You choose how big your steps are.  You choose to dance this one or sit this one out.  You can request music to control the tempo and speed at which you swing dance.  You even get to say ”yes” to this partner and ”no” to that partner.  Unlike a fitness class controlled by an instructor, you have lots of control over what happens to you and your body at a swing party or ballroom dance.  So you can East Coast Swing and your baby can rock (or Swing) all you want.  Rest when you want.  Then you can start again when you are ready.

Learning to swing dance with ZeDiamond Dance Method is a fun way for you to bond with your partner, get some exercise and rock your baby in your belly all at the same time.  While in the belly, the baby learns the familiar rocking and swinging motions of East Coast Swing dancing and can even hear you sing along with the swing music.  Once born, the baby will find comfort in the same rocking and swinging motions as you dance around the room to the music it heard in the womb.   He or she will enjoy swinging in your arms as you “Boom a Boom Ta Te” around your house.  Want to see how ZeDiamond Dance Method works?  Click here to watch a video clip that will show how much fun it can be.

After the baby is born, dancing with your baby and with your partner can strengthen the relationships and bonds between you.  ZeDiamond Dance Method focuses on building an energetic connection between you and your dance partner.  Not only will you touch your partner while dancing, you will join together as one as you dance around the room.  You have shared a joyful activity that everyone can be a part of.  East Coast Swing dancing and ZeDiamond Dance Method do not require special equipment or lots of room.  You can learn how to swing dance with your partner or baby in the comfort of your at home in your living room or kitchen then go out dancing at a local weekend ballroom dance or swing party.  Just pop in your ZeDiamond Dance Method Learn the East Coast Swing 2 DVD set and dance along with the other students.  You will be East Coast Swing dancing in less than an hour and have several more dance moves by the end of the 2nd DVD.  Visit our website to learn more about the history of East Coast Swing dancing and the history of ZeDiamond Dance Method.

I look forward to seeing you out on the dance floor,
(When in Asheville, NC, please ask me to dance.  I’m the pregnant one.)

Amy Barnes

ZeDiamond Dance Method