Dance mom's new low

[pacrosby]

In reality, it was very similar to a swim suit, honestly. And they have worn decorated bras before. Chloe had one that was dyed blue a couple of shows back.

Not saying I would have been ok with the dance, but it wasn't as bad as it's being made out to be. Abby's comments were probably the worst part.

I do think that if it hadn't been a "fan dance" and the girls had worn the same costumes for a more age-appropriate dance there would have never been an issue. Mckenzie had it on and wore it on stage without any fans as she did the back flips, or whatever they are called, across the stage.

I think it's sad that people pick apart the little things to try and condone it. Ok...so the outfit by itself might resemble a swimsuit. But these little girls weren't at the beach. They were dancing provocatively (yes, provocatively) on a stage in front of adults (some of whom were men) and the whole idea was to provide the illusion that they WERE in fact naked. Therein lies the difference.

This show is an abomination. Those little girls are nothing but pawns for the sake of entertainment....and somebody else's pocket book. Just imagine how it must be to be 8 and have an entire nation talking about your life (because now, scripted or not, it's being presented as their life). People insult their mothers; insult their dance teacher; even insult them. They are publicly belittled. Their talents misrepresented. Ratings or not, it's garbage and someone has to start looking out for these little girls' best interests.

Sorry luvsjack...not attacking you specifically. Just using your post as a jumping off point.

 

[pacrosby]

In our area as of about 4 or so years ago the one dance company I know of tuition rates for was $26,000 per year. That is merely company tuition, not actual dance lessons. Travel costs and costumes were additional charges. To maintain technique and your spot in the company actual dance lessons were required and most members actually took lessons at a couple different studios, plus required in-house workshops at the dance company.

I believe the company tuition covered choreography, rehearsals and competition fees. Choreography fees can be quite large. I know even the studio my DD's danced at would pay $4,000 and up to outside choreographers for competition numbers. I know we were at a competition in 2008 where this dance company also competed and I heard their studio had paid over $50,000 in competition fees at that competition alone.

I've never heard of a dance company with a 'tuition'. Can I ask of which company you refer?

 

[luvsJack]

I think it's sad that people pick apart the little things to try and condone it. Ok...so the outfit by itself might resemble a swimsuit. But these little girls weren't at the beach. They were dancing provocatively (yes, provocatively) on a stage in front of adults (some of whom were men) and the whole idea was to provide the illusion that they WERE in fact naked. Therein lies the difference.

This show is an abomination. Those little girls are nothing but pawns for the sake of entertainment....and somebody else's pocket book. Just imagine how it must be to be 8 and have an entire nation talking about your life (because now, scripted or not, it's being presented as their life). People insult their mothers; insult their dance teacher; even insult them. They are publicly belittled. Their talents misrepresented. Ratings or not, it's garbage and someone has to start looking out for these little girls' best interests.

Sorry luvsjack...not attacking you specifically. Just using your post as a jumping off point.

Its all good--didn't take it as an attack.

I don't have a child in dance, so can't really say anything about whether the show is factual on any level or not. Have a niece that will starting competitive dance soon so I guess we will see although, if her mom meets any one like Abby Lee---Lordy, we better all look out because those two would butt heads!!

But, I do want to say that I don't condone the dance at all. It wasn't that I saw anything particularly objectionable, just mainly that it was a Fan Dance and knowing what a Fan Dance traditionally IS makes the entire thing objectionable. .

I don't think it was as bad as the show previews would have one to believe though nor was it even as bad as Abby was making it sound. IF it had been dd, I would not have had a problem with the costume at all--I would have had big issues with Abby telling her to "look expensive" or whatever phrase she used. The same costume in a different style of dance and not being directed the way Abby was directing them, IMHO, would have been ok.

On another note, I LOVED the wedding dance thing they did the week before. Thought it was really cute. But, Cathy's funeral dance was HORRIBLE!

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

Sometimes, when you push it to the edge, you fall off the cliff. That lesson whacked Abby over the head with a two by four last episode. Sometimes in boldly going where no one has gone before, you go where no one ever should have gone, or ever will again. It's not something I'd have them do, but I really didn't see anything to get a bee in my bonnet about though.

 

[eliza61]

That is discusting
Those Moms should get their DD's taken from them

Relax guys. remember this is "reality" TV. which means it's about as "real" as Capt Jack Sparrow.

Dance moms
Wives show (Basketball, atlanta, ny, nj, mafia)
bachelor
Toddlers-tiaras
Bridezellas

All these show have to "ramp" up the shock or wow factor in order to keep you watching. Would you really watch a dance competition week after week without some "drama". Would anyone watch the wife syndication without the cat fights (although I can't understand watching it at all, that's another issue).

Next season some one will have to dance bare naked and it goes on.

 

[Auggietina]

I disagree - the reason manufacturers make clear bra straps is so they won't be seen. Once they colored them in, they were definitely more visable.

Actually the clear straps on stage show more than nude straps. They reflect the stage lighting and can be very visable. Make-up is used to conceal them.

 

[cabanafrau]

I've never heard of a dance company with a 'tuition'. Can I ask of which company you refer?

It is not a dance company in the sense of Alvin Ailey or Joffrey Ballet, which are professional companies who perform to paying audiences if that is what you're asking. It is a local dance studio which runs an entirely separate dance company for competition. Even at our dance studio, dancers who compete on the competition teams are referred to as being company dancers, even though our set-up is nowhere near that elaborate.

Taking dance classes there is entirely separate from auditioning for and being accepted into their dance company. Another such studio I know of which has an internet presence is Perseverance Dance out of Illinois, which is at an even more elite level than the local one I have described.

 

[cabanafrau]

If you watched the show, you would have seen the bras before they did anything to them and they were in fact clear straps. ETA: I see another poster stated that there were different bras that had fabric straps or maybe they changed the straps. Sometimes clear straps will reflect and shine under the lights more than just having a flesh colored fabric strap.

Additionally, although this was a "fan dance" and it was a burlesqe style of dance that traditionally gives the illusion of nudity or the dancer was in fact nude--these girls in no way looked nude or gave any such illusion. The color of the shorts and the bling on the tops made sure they did NOT, in any way, shape or form look nude.

If I watched the show? I said I watched the show. I believe the straps I saw being made-up were fabric straps. I've never seen anyone put make-up on clear straps. Can't imagine it would stay. I cannot remember seeing the clear straps on the show at all.

Like I said, I've made-up many costume straps on my girls' costumes over the years. I've also had to purchase clear straps to swap out other straps -- and wound up having to purchase fabric straps to replace clear replacement straps which didn't look right after all, sew those on and then get out the make-up to get those to look right. So I can relate to some of the mom's on the show complaining about Abbey's crazy demands with zero time to accomplish them.

I could absolutely see the girls were wearing costumes. I absolutely feel the intention behind the entire thing was scandalize the audience and get ratings. I stand by my opinion that bottom line, the effect of the costumes, the fans and the way they were using them was a mimicry of burlesque dancers performing a peek a boo routine, with the obligatory aerial walkovers thrown in. With a whole wide world out there to draw inspiration from, there is absolutely no excuse to exploit children this way.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Sounds like any one of a thousand other 'reality' shows that have taken TV to consistently new depths each year for the past ten or so years.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

If you are going to bash my city, at least get the spelling correct!! It's PITTSBURGH- with an H.

And yes, we are a center for the arts, a very prominent one. Have you never heard of Carnegie Mellon University?? CMU is one of the most highly regarded performing arts colleges in the country. Pittsburgh has produced a long list of celebrities, to name a few: Josh Groban, Melina Kanakenderas, Dennis Miller, Julie Benz, Holly Hunter, Francis McDormand, Ming Na, Dan Cortese, Scott Glenn, Jeff Goldblum, Michael Keaton, GENE KELLY, Zachary Quinto, Rob Marshall, Jackie Evancho, Christina Aguilera, Coolio, Wiz Khalifa, MARTHA GRAHAM....get the idea.

And ALL little girls teeth look like that. Kids are not supposed to get braces until their teens, and this comes from having a mother who is and has been a dentist for the past 25 years.

You beat me to it! As a fifth generation Pittsburgh girl, I assure you that it is a delightful place to live near and work in, with a rich history and increasingly bright future. So no 'burgh bashing, please, especially based on what is a manufactured "reality" show.

My DD (8) and I who also dances love to watch the show. We laugh and make fun of how far from reality "Dance Moms" really is.

 

[cm8]

If I watched the show? I said I watched the show. I believe the straps I saw being made-up were fabric straps. I've never seen anyone put make-up on clear straps. Can't imagine it would stay. I cannot remember seeing the clear straps on the show at all.

Like I said, I've made-up many costume straps on my girls' costumes over the years. I've also had to purchase clear straps to swap out other straps -- and wound up having to purchase fabric straps to replace clear replacement straps which didn't look right after all, sew those on and then get out the make-up to get those to look right. So I can relate to some of the mom's on the show complaining about Abbey's crazy demands with zero time to accomplish them.

I could absolutely see the girls were wearing costumes. I absolutely feel the intention behind the entire thing was scandalize the audience and get ratings. I stand by my opinion that bottom line, the effect of the costumes, the fans and the way they were using them was a mimicry of burlesque dancers performing a peek a boo routine, with the obligatory aerial walkovers thrown in. With a whole wide world out there to draw inspiration from, there is absolutely no excuse to exploit children this way.

 

[torinsmom]

yeah people! What is wrong with you? It was clear that these CHILDREN were in bras and booty shorts!

The costumes were similar to many I have seen on other groups who dance after they added the bling. I don't know what the purpose of an eye roll was. As I said, the dance was inappropriate. I just didn't see the finished costumes as being all that inappropriate.

 

[castmember19]

I watch the show and I was appalled at the costumes when I first saw them- when they were plain nude bras. Once they were decorated with the rhinestones, I had no problem. Frankly these girls wear booty shorts and crop tops ALL the time, during practice and performances so that didn't bother me.

I felt the Electricity number from last season was more provocative than this number as far as the actual dance moves. The concept of this number was worse. I was put off by the "crotch/****s" comment. Other than that, it didn't turn out that bad. Again, no worse than Electricity.

I'm on the fence but I am remembering that a) this is reality tv and Dance Moms has gotten even more scripted this season, and b) neither this performance or Electricity placed in their competitions so Abby should be getting the hint that the sexy dancing isn't working...

 

[torinsmom]

No different, except in color to this outfit the girls wore and here are two more groups of girls wearing similar outfits.

 

[pacrosby]

It is not a dance company in the sense of Alvin Ailey or Joffrey Ballet, which are professional companies who perform to paying audiences if that is what you're asking. It is a local dance studio which runs an entirely separate dance company for competition. Even at our dance studio, dancers who compete on the competition teams are referred to as being company dancers, even though our set-up is nowhere near that elaborate.

Taking dance classes there is entirely separate from auditioning for and being accepted into their dance company. Another such studio I know of which has an internet presence is Perseverance Dance out of Illinois, which is at an even more elite level than the local one I have described.

I think it was the word 'tuition' that threw me. My daugher is a serious dancer and also dances competitively. She's been dancing for 8 years. I've been at a few studios throughout the years and have researched many more (including pre-pro ballet schools affiliated with professional ballet companies). My SIL used to own her own studio for years. I've never heard the word 'tuition'.

Every studio I've ever known charges by the class hour. The cost per hour typically goes down as the number of classes taken goes up. With competition, additional charges are incurred for choreography fees, entry fees, costumes, and rehearsal fees. There is no way, no matter how much the children dance after school and on weekends, it could ever add up to anywhere near 26 thousand dollars. My own dd takes 10 hours of dance classes per week at about 350 dollars a month (Sept- May) and then rehearses another 5+ hours on the weekends. All inclusive comp fees for us this year will total 1500 +/- (travel because of Nationals will be another couple thousand). Costumes another 400. Even with summer intensives and workshops I'm still well under 10K. And our fees are pretty much in keeping with everyone else in the area.

That said I am aware of private performing arts high schools with pretty high tuition costs. Of course those kids are getting a prestigious academic education along with their dance education. Is that what you are referring to? Some type of residential program where the children receive both an academic and a dance education? I'm still reeling at the thought of anyone paying 26 grand, for 'tuition' at a 'dance studio'.

 

[pacrosby]

No different, except in color to this outfit the girls wore and here are two more groups of girls wearing similar outfits.

Sorry that's equally inappropriate IMO (more so the latter than the former). Just become someone else has lost their mind too doesn't make it right.

ETA: in all my years I have never seen provocative costumes on little kids. Not that I'm saying they haven't been worn, just saying I haven't seen them. Nor have I ever seen provocative dances. Most competitions have rules specifically stating that points will be deducted for inappropriate costuming and inappropriate (provocative, sexually themed) dancing. I can only surmize that those who don't see any problem with all of this don't have kids themselves and have no real knowledge of what goes in in most reputable dance studios. Or else they live in some seedy little hamlet somewhere, where sex sells no matter the cost. Harsh? Yes I know but what kind of nut condones the decision to allow a 2nd grader to teasingly flirt with oversized pink feathers with the ultimate reveal of a skimpy little something underneath, pouty little lips and all..........in front of grown men.......on national television? Scripted tv or not, it's repulsive.

 

[mdsoccermom]

No different, except in color to this outfit the girls wore and here are two more groups of girls wearing similar outfits.

If I recall, that last group ws the one that did the really provocative dance to Single Ladies.

 

[cats mom]

Sounds like any one of a thousand other 'reality' shows that have taken TV to consistently new depths each year for the past ten or so years.

True that. The thing is most of those shows feature adults, and adults are capable of making the decision to put themselves in the public eye in that type of format.

But IMO shows like Dance Moms and Toodlers & Tiaras cross a different line because it's CHILDREN who aren't capable of making that decision for themselves who are being put in that position.

I was sooo glad the fan dance didn't place. Hopefully the score sheets reflect points deducted for age inappropriate content and costuming. While I'm sure the producers of Dance Moms encourage pushing the envelope (not that I think Abby needs much nudging in that direction) I also have a feeling that winning is all important to her.

No different, except in color to this outfit the girls wore and here are two more groups of girls wearing similar outfits.

mdsoccermom is right. This is the group that did the dance to Single Ladies and both costume and dance content were also widely criticized as being inappropriate.


Thankfully my DD's dance studio believes in using only age appropriate choreography, music, and costuming.

 

[leebee]

If you are going to bash my city, at least get the spelling correct!! It's PITTSBURGH- with an H.

And yes, we are a center for the arts, a very prominent one. Have you never heard of Carnegie Mellon University?? CMU is one of the most highly regarded performing arts colleges in the country. Pittsburgh has produced a long list of celebrities, to name a few: Josh Groban, Melina Kanakenderas, Dennis Miller, Julie Benz, Holly Hunter, Francis McDormand, Ming Na, Dan Cortese, Scott Glenn, Jeff Goldblum, Michael Keaton, GENE KELLY, Zachary Quinto, Rob Marshall, Jackie Evancho, Christina Aguilera, Coolio, Wiz Khalifa, MARTHA GRAHAM....get the idea.

And ALL little girls teeth look like that. Kids are not supposed to get braces until their teens, and this comes from having a mother who is and has been a dentist for the past 25 years.

Seriously... Pittsburgh is home to Point Park University, which has one of the best, most competitive college dance programs in the country. DD was accepted academically, wait-listed artistically, and was practically honored to be wait-listed to such a prestigious program. Oh, yes, there's the Gene Kelly, Martha Graham thing too... Pittsburgh definitely "knows" dance!! Fortunately I think they also know what dance ISN'T, and Dance Moms is NOT dance!

 

[leebee]

Wow, just wow. I can't believe that people can and would put out that much for dance. I guess if you got it though and your kid loves dance, then why not. Feel bad for those that love to dance and can't afford those astronomical prices though.

Wow, 2 posts in a row...! DD18 has danced since she was very little, and now is a double major (english and dance) in college. By the time she was in 7th grade, she was "maxed out" at her studio, meaning she was taking at least 8 classes a week (she was taking 20 hours a week, plus rehearsals, by junior year). Price is about $1000 a semester, plus $800 in competition fees (they only go to one a year, do two team numbers and solo, but this included choreo fees for the solo, costumes, hotel), so about $2800 a year for tuition. And it's my understanding that DD's school is far more affordable than those near major cities. Then there're shoes... tap shoes are $80 for the "cheaper" brand, character shoes are the same (although the "good" shoes are about $200 a pair, same with taps), and pointe shoes can cost $160 a month (DD has friends who go through shoes every 2 weeks... but DD wears Gaynors so I pay about $225/yr), turning shoes are about $40. Recital fees and costumes run about $300, and that's in a good year if we can rent from the studio rather than buy costumes. Dance doesn't end in the summer, and dance intensive programs run about $1000 a week with room and board. It's crazy, and we do it. DD is talented and will always dance, probably in small, local companies (she is currently dancing for 2 companies, so in addition to dance classes and college classes, she has company rehearsals on the weekends.. maybe 4 hrs a day). Leotards are about $30 each, tights $12 a pair (DD has maybe 15 leotards and IDK how many pairs of tights).

So yeah, dance is expensive... even at the "cheaper" programs.