Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Frills and Bows, Oh No!

I have an acquaintance that has a daughter in dance classes. I'm not sure how old her daughter is (under 5 for sure). I'm not close to this person. But via the wonders of modern technology I was able to see some pictures of a recent dance competition. My jaw hit the floor when I saw the costumes...if you want to call them that. More like hooker outfits in super small sizes. It got me thinking. Would I let Brynlee participate in something like that? Umm no. Not a chance.

I was in dance classes when I was younger, and I loved them. I get that dance performances require a certain amount of stage make up, flashy outfits, etc. But for example something like this:




What is this? When did it become appropriate to dress little girls up and parade them on stage in things that women usually save for the bedroom? I wonder if it's the Mormon in me coming out. It's well known that we dress more conservative than most other people. But I don't think it's that. I think even if I wasn't LDS I wouldn't be comfortable letting my daughter wear something like this.

I worked at a street fair for my school a while ago and a dance group of little girls where performing. They were not in clothing quite like the above, but they looked more like the dancers in late night rap videos than children. Provocative dance moves, booty rolls a plenty...where are the cute little girls doing ballet in tutus?

I always say whatever floats your boat. People have the right to raise their children how they see fit. But I can't see what kind of positive message sexing up children sends. I just don't get it, I never have.

I'm planning on looking into dance classes for Brynlee soon. I hope I can find something that doesn't expect me to dress my toddler in lingerie!

4 comments:

Megan said...

Shell and I are looking for one for the girls too! It would be fun to get them in together! :)

Audrey Spence said...

A lady Scott knew growing up teaches little kids up here and I think she even sews all her own costumes. I think I might have Charlotte take lessons from her next year if she wants to. I don't think I'd trust anyone else. One reason I do enjoy UT! Plenty of people around with similar standards! :)

Heather and Spencer said...

Have you ever watched Dance Moms? It is one of those shows that I love and not really sure why. I guess I am a sucker for reality tv! Anyways, every week I watch it, I am still shocked at not only the costumes they wear for competitions, but just to dance class. What happened to just wearing a leotard and not needing your belly and butt to hang out?!? I think one of the girls on the show is only 8 and she is dressed totally inappropriately...

Rachel said...

my sister is taking her daughter out of her current dance studio for that reason. (her daugher is 4) the dance the girls danced to was "Santa Baby" complete with (in my opinion) not age appropriate dance moves. Not to mention they don't even understand the message those moves with that song are supposed to mean. The costume was an overly expensive halter top that showed a little too much on the sides.

I remember when I was in dance and it was a huge deal that the costumes showed your stomach at all. Apparently that is no big deal now?


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