Photo Courtesy Annabelle Schneider-Farris
My daughters have caused me to become somewhat “addicted” to the Lifetime TV reality show “Dance Moms.” Every Tuesday evening, we watch the show. We get to see beautiful little girls dancing in their girls leotards and dance clothes for girls, and they are amazing little dancers! We love the group numbers, the solos, the trios, the costumes, and the hair. All the hard work the dancers do is shown off so beautifully in the show.
The part of the show that is a bit uncomfortable is “The Moms.” The moms yell at one another and at their children’s dance teacher, Abby Lee Miller, week after week. They then pretend to get along perfectly. Even though there is a lot of unpleasant things shown on the show, it is obvious that these dance parents love their children and will go over and above for them.
I do believe that behind every successful child, is a loving and dedicated parent. Even though the mothers in “Dance Moms” may appear to be driven and intense, it is clear that they love their children very much and would do anything for them, so being a “Dance Mom” may be a good thing!
How to Be a Dance Mom:
Be committed to your child’s dreams. If your little girl wants to put on a girls leotard or baby tutu and begins dancing around the house, consider signing your child up for dance lessons.
Be aware that parents of dancers sacrifice much for their children, not only emotionally, but financially.
Teach your child to eat right and to exercise. It’s a parent’s responsibility to teach a youngster about healthy living.
Hair and makeup in dance, must be perfect. If you are not yet an expert on doing your child’s hair and makeup, take the time to learn how to do both.
Be a supportive parent. Trust your child’s dance teacher. Don’t try to teach your child to dance; let the experts do the teaching.
If you are not pleased with the results or program at a particular dance studio, you are free to find another studio that meets your needs.
Make friends with the parents of other young dancers.
Be willing to spend money and travel to dance competitions and to performances.
Make sure that your family’s needs are taken care of. Don’t allow the time spent at the dance studio to take over your family’s life.
Be committed to your child’s dancing and lesson schedule. Make sure to attend all lessons and practices.
Pass your own love of dancing on to you children. Expose them to ballets and musicals. Teach them about all forms of dancing.
Further Reading:
DanceMom.com – An Internet Community For Parents of Dancers
Figure Skating Parents Can Be Similar To “Dance Moms”
Brookfield Dance Academy – A School of Dancing In Wisconsin
The author of this article is Jo Ann Schneider Farris, About.com’s Guide to Figure Skating and the mother of three children.
August 29, 2012 | Activities, Boys, Dancewear, Girls, How to, Leotards, Outfits, Recommended Reading, Tutus Comments Off
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