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Recently, while on a flight to nationals, I was reading [the
July 2007 issue] of Dance Studio Life. As I read the
story “Middle School Girls Gone Wild,” I had no idea what lay
ahead. Maybe I am sheltered here in Oregon or just need to
give credit to the teachers in my area. I had no clue what
atrocities were going on out there.
These were not middle-schoolers. They were dancers in the
8-andunder and 9-to-12 divisions—little girls wearing vinyl
bikinis, chaps, and garter belts [performing] one dance after
another of butt shaking, back arching, and straddling toward
the audience. The music selections were often songs I wouldn’t
use even for a teenage dancer.
I felt so sad for these little girls. I talked to teachers who
said that the parents say they will go along with whatever it
takes to win. So they are teaching these little girls that
using your body and sexuality will get you what you want in
life. These same parents are screaming, “Shake it, baby!” and
“Work it!” from the audience. What got to me is that the
dances that I found most offensive received special awards. So
are we saying that is what you have to do? If this is what it
takes to win, the problem is much bigger. It starts with the
judging, and the judging starts with what the competition
allows. If these dances stop winning, things will change.
The dancers at the competition were talented and amazing.
Their teachers are obviously good at what they do. I only wish
they would look at these little girls as what they are and
remember what the lessons of dance were to us as children.
Kids are growing up way too fast as it is. Shouldn’t we reward
what is good and decent? There was one studio from Montana
that shared my views, and I was pleased to see them take home
many awards. Maybe there is some hope left.
Molly Kaleikilo, Innovative Dance, Wilsonville, OR
I just got a chance to read Nancy Wozny’s article “Navigating
the Landscape of Injury” [Dance Studio Life, August
2007]. It was beautifully written! Nancy has a gift with
words, and I appreciate the care with which she wrote about a
challenging topic. Thank you!
Deborah Vogel, Oberlin, OH
Thank you for the article on teaching special-needs children.
I was a special-needs child and now I am teaching
special-needs children. I want everyone to know that just
because they have special needs does not mean they are not
capable of learning; in fact, most special-needs people are
very intelligent. (Look at Einstein.) I really enjoyed this
article.
Kim Lindquist, Salt Lake City, UT
In January, my husband and I were in a head-on car accident
with a drunk driver. After three weeks in the hospital, my
studio was closed and a close friend that I do Nutcracker
with absorbed my students into her recital. My 22-year-old
daughter drove two hours each way every Tuesday to teach dance
at a YMCA for me and still managed to graduate from college on
time! I am not sure what my plans will be in the future as far
as dance is concerned. I read [Dance Studio Life] and
keep hoping that I can do more, but reality says, “Not yet.”
Your words keep me inspired, even after 27 years of teaching.
I like the “I am a teacher; I change the world” attitude! My
outlook on life has changed, but I have no regrets, for I have
touched as many lives as have touched mine.
Donna Collins, Fun Times Dance & Gymnastics, Bixby, OK
[At dance competitions], why do parents find it impossible to
acknowledge the performances of dancers in competition with
their children? Applauding a beautiful performance by Studio A
in no way diminishes the performances of their own dancers.
How sad it is to see 12 mommies trying to applaud loud enough
for their children to hear them while 200 other people in the
audience sit in stony silence. I wonder what their children
learn from watching them practice such rude behavior. Every
child up there deserves to be acknowledged for their hard
work, or at the very least for the gumption they’ve shown by
getting up on that stage. I’d be very grateful if you could
get the word out that no one’s hands will break if they
applaud an “evil rival studio.” We need to teach our children
that everyone deserves to be acknowledged. Being gracious
never hurt anyone. It only makes all of our lives a little
more pleasant.
Sue Waite,-Langley Dallas, TX
I have always enjoyed your magazine, and now after being at
[the DanceLife Teacher Conference], I can tell why it is such
a success. We can easily see how passionate you are about what
you do! Thanks for all you do for dance teachers.
Barb Jackman, Moose Jaw, SK, Canada
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