Opinion: Dance should be considered a sport

CEDAR RAPIDS — With the world of sports continuing to expand, most recognize the big names.

Many famous athletes come from the heavy hitting sports, such as LeBron James in basketball or Aaron Rodgers in American football.

This begs the question — what is considered a sport and why? What are the requirements to classify as a sport?

Should dance be considered a sport?

To begin answering these questions, another question has to be asked — what is

the definition of a sport?

According to the dictionary, a sport is defined as “an athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and often of a competitive nature …” Based on this definition, does dance count?

According to a poll on debate.com, 77 percent of people call dance a sport while 23 percent call it an art form.

Why do most consider it to be a sport? Sam Meyers, freshman and sophomore football coach at Xavier High School, thinks “dance is a sport because they’re competing against other teams and working together.”

Dance also fits the definition of a sport because it requires skill, physical prowess and being competitive. Dance requires skills on and off the stage, like stretching before a competition so a muscle is not pulled during performance, and mimicking movements that are an art form.

Dancers have a lot of skill in their arsenal and dance is physically demanding. Between keeping up a healthy lifestyle while balancing the energy exerted and continuing to give all of their bodies to the craft.

Dance can be very competitive, from recitals to regional and national competitions. Whether the competition is between the person and themselves or a few opposing teams, dance fits this definition of sport.

According to Lancaster.com, “Dance matches this criterion of a sport; thus, dancers equally should be respected as athletes and dance respected as a sport. Dance is athletic, requires intense practice, is competitive and brings with it a probability of getting injured.”

Sports have shaped our world today and with new activities taking their places as respective sports, dance should be up there as well.

As is said before any performance, leave it all on the stage.