Does being a dancer have anything to do with becoming a better astronaut? According to Dr. Mae Jemison, the answer is a resounding yes. In 1992, Jemison made history as the first woman of color to travel to space. But long before she became a NASA astronaut, she was a dancer who understood the deep connection between the arts and sciences.
How Being a Dancer Makes You a Better Astronaut
Jemison told CNN, “We are very physical beings, so dance is physically exploring the world. So frequently, people think of the arts and the sciences as separate and not connected. Both of them are required for creativity. Both of them are required to move the world forward.”
Growing up in Chicago, Jemison considered a professional career in dance before ultimately pursuing medicine. She went on to become a doctor, dancer, and chemical engineer. Still, she credits dance with laying the foundation that fueled her success in science.
“Dancers have to be very disciplined. You have to practice all the time. You have to constantly rehearse and pay attention to the people around you. You have to memorize complicated structures and scenarios. You have to be pretty thick-skinned as well because you have to be able to take criticism and apply it. All of those things are valuable,” Jemison explained.
The discipline and resilience she developed as a dancer gave her the strength to endure the rigorous training needed to spend a week in space. And she didn’t go alone—she brought symbolic items that reflected her roots and passions:
A certificate from Chicago Public Schools
An AKA Sorority flag
A Bundu statue representing a women’s society in West Africa
A statue of Judith Jamison performing “Cry” from the Alvin Ailey dance company
Each item was a reminder of her identity, strength, and determination.
How Sports Help Students Excel in the Classroom
I wasn’t a dancer growing up, but I was heavily involved in both athletics and music. Both taught me discipline, focus, and determination. Those same skills carried over into academics—whether I was writing papers or studying for exams, I knew how to manage my time and stay on task.
Now, as a mom, I see the same benefits in my own kids.
-
O’Shea (my youngest) started playing soccer just over a year ago. At first, he was hesitant—even afraid to be too aggressive on the field. Fast forward to now, and he’s confidently kicking the ball into the goal and showing greater focus in reading and math.
-
His big sister has been dancing since age three. Dance has given her grace, confidence, and creativity. It’s also sharpened her focus in school.
Some parents worry that physical activities might distract from academics, but research shows the opposite. Sports and dance not only build physical strength, but also foster creativity, problem-solving, and academic focus.
Stephen Baddeley, director of sport at the University of Bath, explains: “The mind wanders when doing essays, but if you develop a focus and know you have to use your time efficiently, then it’s a very transferable skill.”
.
View this post on Instagram
Dancing Classrooms: The Academic Benefits of Dance
It’s not just sports that help kids thrive—dance programs also have a measurable impact on academics and social skills.
-
In an evaluation of Dancing Classrooms in New York City, 95% of teachers said their students improved in cooperation and collaboration.
-
In a Los Angeles survey, 66% of principals said students became more accepting of others, and 81% of students admitted they treated their peers with more respect after joining the program.
The message is clear: keeping kids active—whether through dance or sports—creates benefits that go well beyond the classroom.
Final Thoughts
So, if you’re debating whether to sign your child up for dance or a sports program, think of Dr. Mae Jemison. She proves that nurturing a child’s love for the arts (or athletics) can build discipline, confidence, and focus—skills that translate into academic success and even professional achievement later in life.
In other words, dance and sports aren’t just extracurriculars. They’re powerful tools for shaping well-rounded, resilient kids who are ready to take on the world—maybe even space. 🚀
