The phenomenon has taken the nation by storm. We’ve seen it everywhere.
In malls across America, children are bouncing. They’re crisscrossing their legs and jumping to an electronic beat, working up a sweat and enjoying themselves while they’re at it. What completely innovative device are we referring to?
Dance Dance Revolution, of course, the immensely popular video game that has beat-boxed its way into the hearts of millions. Now, Dance Dance Revolution (more commonly known as DDR) has found its true calling: helping the extraordinary number of overweight American children get in shape.
According to an April 30 article in The New York Times, middle schools in at least 10 states already use DDR as a major part of their physical education requirements. If plans go smoothly, more than 1,500 schools will be dancing their way to a healthy waistline by the end of the decade.
In the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) alone, there are around 40 schools using DDR. Incorporating a video game into physical education programs may seem like an oxymoron, but when you delve a bit deeper into this new fad, you will see what a brilliant idea it actually is.
We’re well aware that childhood obesity rates have climbed over the past 10 years, and that our children seem to be expanding at an alarming rate. So what better way to encourage exercise and still have fun than to place a DDR game in every gym across the country? If children are discouraged at the thought of playing in a highly competitive sport, or are simply better at individualistic activities, DDR is the perfect solution.
For those of you not familiar with the game, Dance Dance Revolution was created nine years ago in Japan, and its immense popularity has yet to fade. This incredibly simple yet ingenious game consists of arrows pointing one of four directions on a TV screen.
The arrows move rapidly in various combinations and sequences, while the dancer is required to stomp on the corresponding arrows on the mat in front of them. More advanced DDR moves include jumping backwards, crossing you legs quickly and holding yourself up by the railings.
According to the article, there has been a general shift from traditional team sports to less competitive activities like DDR, where children have the choice to play with others or to dance themselves into a frenzy.
The Times talked to Chad Fenwich, who works for LAUSD. He told them, “Traditionally, physical education was about team sports and was very skills-oriented. What you’re seeing is a move toward activities where you don’t need to be so great at catching and throwing and things like that, so we can appeal to a wider range of kids.”
In any case, children are finally exercising again, and the means of achieving it are irrelevant. So what if it takes a video game to get children off the couch and into a gym? Who cares, as long as they’re benefiting from the experience?
