The Dance Mom Thread

[jwsqrdplus2]

Those pics are incredible luvflorida! I also have a perfromer rather than just a dancer. Many of the moms in our studio tell me that they just can't take their eyes off of her when she is on stage. She hasn't done any solos yet (maybe next year), but she is young and has time.

A few years ago we had some sisters at our studio who were that good-won nationals with their solos, etc. Unfortunately, they were both of the "rules don't apply to me" philosophy. No one was very sad when they left the studio. DD is in school with them, and apparantly they take the "rules don't apply to me" philosophy with them to school.

We have one of those at our studio (I'm sure everyone does). Both mom and daughter were crying over the fact that the daughter's solo got a High Gold and 5th place overall in the 8 and under division instead of Platinum and 1st place overall (which actually went to another dancer from our studio whose solo was incredible!). Then when we all went back to the cafeteria/dressing room, mom was berating her daughter telling her everything she did wrong and how it could have been better. That poor dancer still had 3 dances left to compete! Of course, this is the same mom who did not pin her daughters' hats (2 costumes have hats), and they fell off both times. Then the mom blames the studio for picking costumes with hats because they just don't work for her baby! The rest of us managed to keep the hats on including on dancers who had acro tricks in the dance!

 

[luvflorida]

Awesome, luvflorida! I do hope that you are keeping her grounded. A few years ago we had some sisters at our studio who were that good-won nationals with their solos, etc. Unfortunately, they were both of the "rules don't apply to me" philosophy. No one was very sad when they left the studio. DD is in school with them, and apparantly they take the "rules don't apply to me" philosophy with them to school.

OMG! If you only knew my daughter!! She is the one least likely to make any type of a fuss!! In fact, she tends to play down any of her successes, and I actually wish she had MORE confidence in her abilities.

I know it doesn't look like it in the hotel pictures, but she is extremely humble. Those pictures were just for fun, although, she WAS excited about winning! She is actually a very sensitive person and it has taken a long time for her to believe in herself and in her abilities. She told her dad and me later that night, that when she was sitting on the stage and watching the top dancers going up to receive their awards, that she was thinking what amazing dancers they were and that they deserved to get top spots. She was shocked when she got 1st place, and told us that she guessed she must have done well because the judges thought so.

Honestly, you could ask anyone from her studio (students, peers, teachers, director), and they would agree with what I've said.

The thing is, she's only been dancing for less than five years, so she's had a lot of issues with not believing she's as good as the girls that have been dancing for ten or more years. Everyone that has come into contact with her (and I'm talking about dancers, directors, and choreographers that have worked with a lot of excellent dancers) can see that she's got something there, but SHE needs to believe it herself in order to succeed.

But, yes, I know what you're saying. Believe me, she's extremely well grounded!

 

[missypie]

One of the reasons (other than terrific parenting of course) she's probably so well grounded is BECAUSE she came to it late. I see the tiny ones who have tremendous ability....from age 3 or 4, they are told they are the best by everyone (because they are...at least at dancing)....it's hard for it NOT to go to their heads.

 

[luvflorida]

Honestly dance was a major part of my life and I loved it but I wanted a different career. I really want a career in neuroscience which is what I am pursuing (neuropsychology). I have a passion for working with autistic individuals.

I wanted to hold onto it in some ways but for me taking class would only make me want it more, I am kind of all or nothing like that. I guess I gave it up cold turkey, lol. I haven't taken a dance class in years. It was hard on me since it was my form of expression and my escape but I really didn't want it as a career and I thought I had to outgrow it sometime. Also, I really don't have the time for it. I really want a Ph.D, but in order to get it I have to work two jobs to get through college (undergrad full-time). I am also in charge of a neuroscience study which will look good when applying to Ph.D programs. I have no time for dance.

I still live through one of my best friends who I went to high school with. He goes to the same college as me as a dance major and is a member of a company so I still get to be a part of the field through that and my little sister, who is an incredible dancer.

I think I will always retain the dedication and commitment I learned from dance. It has helped me in every aspect of my life. I do miss it, but it gets easier as time goes.

Thank you SO much for replying to my post!! You sound like you know what you want in life and you are going after it. You have a very good head on your shoulders.

My daughter is always being told by others that she just can't give up dance because it's so much a part of her, and she's so passionate about it, and very talented. Despite all that, she was devastated when she didn't get into the college dance program of her choice (to be fair, her audition was not good because she was so nervous) and now she's not sure if she even wants to pursue dance. She doesn't have the confidence in herself that most good dancers have. Oddly, it never seems to affect her when she's on stage. However, she hates auditions or being put in an unfamiliar situation, or having to promote herself.

She's off to college in the fall, and is going as an undecided major. She loves the arts and just wants to explore other options. Who knows, she may end up dancing, or she may end up in a totally unrelated field.

Again, I really appreciate your reply!

 

[luvflorida]

Then when we all went back to the cafeteria/dressing room, mom was berating her daughter telling her everything she did wrong and how it could have been better.

You see stuff like that at almost every competition and it's really beyond sad. I don't know what is wrong with some people.

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

luvflorida--You're DD is just adorable! Didn't you post a picture of her with Shane Sparx on the SYTYCD thread?

I understand what you mean about her being humble and so forth, but she sure looks happy to have won--as well she should! What a great accomplishment for her!

 

[luvflorida]

luvflorida--You're DD is just adorable! Didn't you post a picture of her with Shane Sparx on the SYTYCD thread?

I understand what you mean about her being humble and so forth, but she sure looks happy to have won--as well she should! What a great accomplishment for her!

Thanks so much! Yes, that was her with Shane Sparks. He was really nice!! However, her most mind-boggling experience was meeting Mia Michaels and having her picture taken with her. Or...was it the time she met Dave Kenneth Soller, aka "Sex/Sexy"...

May 22- new season of SYTYCD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

Yup, we've got May 22 marked on the calendar already! We've been watching "Step It Up And Dance" on Bravo--it's okay, but I find it a little risque, like a lot of Bravo shows. Not so bad for adults, but I don't want DD12 to think that dancing is all about showing off your rear end, KWIM?

 

[missypie]

Not so bad for adults, but I don't want DD12 to think that dancing is all about showing off your rear end, KWIM?

I think there should be an automatic 20 point deduction at competitons for every Company that turns its back to the audience, bends over and shakes their respective rear ends at us....30 points if the dancers are under 13.

It dawned on me watching the competiton on Sunday (mind, what I'm watching these days is "Teen" and "Senior") that what several of these companies are doing is true burlesque. The dancers are gorgeous, the costumes are cute, their bodies are beautiful in the costumes, the choreography is inventive, and it would all be quite entertaining if we were in Vegas and everyone was over 21!!! There was one number on Sunday where I was just waiting for the guys to come up and tuck cash into the girls' bootie shorts.

 

[AboutTheMouse]

I think there should be an automatic 20 point deduction at competitons for every Company that turns its back to the audience, bends over and shakes their respective rear ends at us....30 points if the dancers are under 13.

I so completely agree! And it seems that the more that they shake their booties, the higher they score. What kind of message are we sending our girls?

Well, we finished Dancemakers this weekend. DD is still talking about the wonderful experience. Top notch teachers and choreographers who inspired the dancers.

Her solo took a 2nd place for points - I have to admit that she has danced it better, but I didn't tell her that.

Small group jazz - 2nd place for points. I'm not real fond of this one and I think that the girls aren't truly "into it" and it affects the overall presentation.

Small group tap - 1st place for points! They had the highest scoring routine out of the entire studio. This one has been scoring really high all year.

We found the judging to be pretty tough, but fair. We'll see what they had to say once the director shares the (edited version of) comments.

On another note, DD got a cortisone injection in her ankle about a week ago and it seemed to work. She danced pretty much pain free for the first time since October. Yeah!!

 

[Alyssa88]

Thank you SO much for replying to my post!! You sound like you know what you want in life and you are going after it. You have a very good head on your shoulders.

My daughter is always being told by others that she just can't give up dance because it's so much a part of her, and she's so passionate about it, and very talented. Despite all that, she was devastated when she didn't get into the college dance program of her choice (to be fair, her audition was not good because she was so nervous) and now she's not sure if she even wants to pursue dance. She doesn't have the confidence in herself that most good dancers have. Oddly, it never seems to affect her when she's on stage. However, she hates auditions or being put in an unfamiliar situation, or having to promote herself.

She's off to college in the fall, and is going as an undecided major. She loves the arts and just wants to explore other options. Who knows, she may end up dancing, or she may end up in a totally unrelated field.

Again, I really appreciate your reply!

Thanks, I think that there are alot of dancers who go through the same thing, whether or not they want it to be their life or just part of it. No matter what your daughter decides to do I think it is better that she explore her options first. I am so happy I explored my other interests, I really feel happy about where I am heading, even though I only ever planned to dance.

I know exactly what you mean about the audition thing, I freaked during audtions into the performing arts high school I attended. I got in but they placed me in a lower class than I belonged and that changed shortly after the start of school. I think the slight disconnect from the audience (stagelights, costumes, make-up) kind of helps to really allow yourself to let go.


Congrats to your daughter BTW!! She looks like a beautiful dancer.

 

[luvflorida]

Thanks, I think that there are alot of dancers who go through the same thing, whether or not they want it to be their life or just part of it. No matter what your daughter decides to do I think it is better that she explore her options first. I am so happy I explored my other interests, I really feel happy about where I am heading, even though I only ever planned to dance.

I know exactly what you mean about the audition thing, I freaked during audtions into the performing arts high school I attended. I got in but they placed me in a lower class than I belonged and that changed shortly after the start of school. I think the slight disconnect from the audience (stagelights, costumes, make-up) kind of helps to really allow yourself to let go.


Congrats to your daughter BTW!! She looks like a beautiful dancer.

Again, everything you're saying makes sense. We were all so disappointed after her audition, and so many people continue to kindly remind our daughter that she can always audition again as a sophomore, or take dance classes as a freshman and once the instructors see her dance, they'll get a true picture of how good she really is.

She's been going through a spell where she just doesn't know what she wants to do. She knows she has the ability and talent, but she's smart enough to know it's a tough field to succeed in, especially if you don't have the confidence and determination. She's afraid that she won't be good at anything else, even though we'e constantly reinforcing that she has a lot of other strengths, particularly in music, art, and writing. Her passion certainly comes out in the arts!

But, the most important thing we tell her is that nobody has it all figured out at 17, even though they might think they do! Take the time to explore and research other areas of study, and have some fun while doing it!

 

[jwsqrdplus2]

I think there should be an automatic 20 point deduction at competitons for every Company that turns its back to the audience, bends over and shakes their respective rear ends at us....30 points if the dancers are under 13.

Brilliant idea! And it should be a 20-point deduction EVERY time they do that in the dance!

I so completely agree! And it seems that the more that they shake their booties, the higher they score. What kind of message are we sending our girls?

So true. As long as the judges reward inappropriate dances with high scores, teachers and choreographers will continue to put them on the stage.

Congrats to all of our dancers for their feats this weekend. It sounds like everyone did great!

AboutTheMouse, glad to hear the cortisone shot worked well.

 

[undercovermom]

Our high school coach, an older woman, will not allow the girls to wear inappropriate costumes -- nothing with a bare midriff -- and won't let them "shake it".

the girls competed in three different "nationals" this year (WDW, Myrtle Beach and Staten Island), and came away with a "grand champion" title in two of those competitions, so i guess coach must be doing something right.

the girls got a nice write up in our little hometown weekly newspaper this week.

 

[AZMickeyfans]

I've been catching up here!


Great pictures!!! Your daughter is beautiful!

Congrats to everyone on their jobs well done lately.

Our competition is in 2 weeks. The girls are really ready. The dances are very clean now so I'm really excited to see them perform them on stage.

Oh and my dh IS going to the hair/makeup meeting next week so I can go to the Disneyland ladies only trip!!! He will take pictures but the director is having a one on one with me as well when I get back.

 

[jwsqrdplus2]

We're back! We accidentally got deleted in a troll sweep last night.

Thanks for reinstating us!

 

[cabanafrau]

Just catching up on a few things I've missed & I'm absolutely in shock that luvflorida's DD wouldn't realize that if she chooses dance, it will definitely choose her. Just those few photos prove, hands down, she has the dance skills & the showmanship ability to go all the way.

Now, I'm not saying that means she must choose dance, but it kills me that someone could have such a spectacular gift & not recognize it. Confidence in hard-won abilities in no way equates to her being some kind of egomaniac. What I especially see in the casual photos is an innate sense of joy & fun. In the dance photos I see a tremendous ability to relate that joy & fun of the performance to the audience. (Not to mention some incredibly mad dance skilz!)

The genuine-ness of her emotions reads off my screen as clear as a bell. Be very proud of her accomplishments & her attitude & realize that you're doing a great job keeping a girl that talented in such a ferociously self-consumed arena from being arrogant. If moms & dancers were more commonly this way, I'd feel a bit more comfortable calling myself a dance mom.

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

Thanks, webmasterkathy, for re-instating us!

I couldn't figure out for the life of me, how we could have been controversial and got banned! But I understand there was quite the troll on here last night...

 

[AZMickeyfans]

We're back! What, we had a troll? Ugh, I'm not a fan of mean people!!!

Thanks for getting us back!!!

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

I don't know that the troll hit this thread in particular, but he started a bunch of inappropriate threads and there was a mass thread deletion. We just got caught up in it. Actually, he probably didn't bother posting here, because the thread titles were meant to be provocative. I happened to catch one (that may have missed deletion first thing this morning) that mentioned that he had fleas.