Dancing Dilemma

[jenl123]

So Hollywood IS her nickname- outgoing, loves the spotlight, has been asking to take dance/acting, ect.  So we find a well-known, Christian theatre group and are able to get her into a dance class.  They are supposed to learn two dances, a tap and a jazz, and give a little show at the end.  This is ages 8 through 12 or so, boys and girls.  I mean this sounds really up her ally, right?  Well after a few weeks she brings home a cd and the steps written out on a sheet, so she finally knows enough to start practicing at home.  Well, let me tell you, I'm not all that familiar with jazz style dancing, but my husband and I did not like what we saw.  And the song was I Like to Move It so is all about shaking your body and partying.

Now before the class even started the orientation was all about, We make sure everything is very conservative around here, no questionable material, etc.

So the next week I take her to class and I peek through the window to watch.  The moves just get worse.  They are shaking their booty, shaking their boobies (which none of them have) and doing all these moves that I don't know how to describe!!

I don't know if I just did not understand what "jazz" dancing was, or if I am just ultra conservative and out of the loop, or what, but I am pretty convinced that we should pull her.  I feel pretty bad about this, getting her all involved and hyped up about it, then ending it.  I'm not sure how this is going to go, or how to let the organization know.  I feel like I should have known better somehow.

Any insight from (conservative) dancers would be appreciated!

[sebmomof4]

Apr. 21, 2009 at 8:40 PM

Both my daughters take dance.  I refuse to put them in jazz for that exact reason.  The music is not always appropriate and the costumes are horrible.  Every year all the jazz class costumes have their bellies showing.  I find it inappropriate for the ages (actually any age it is inappropriate).  My oldest takes ballet and my 7 yr. takes tap.  So far with both of them I have not had to deal with bad music or costumes.  Maybe you could switch your daughter to a ballet or tap class that might have more conservative music and costumes.  I don't think you are over conservative.  I just wish more parents were like that.  I would at least go to the studio director and voice your concerns.  Again, maybe she could then switch to a different class.  Good luck.  I know it is uncomfortable to deal with, but if you are this convicted then you should probably act on it.

[Bethsunshine]

Apr. 22, 2009 at 10:24 AM

I don't blame you for being uncomfortable with this situation. Girls should not be showing off and shaking their bodies that way. I'm thankful I have boys!! Anyway, I'd pull her out and find another activity and don't feel guilty or bad about it.I'd also tell the teacher exactly WHY I was pulling her out, too. Maybe the teacher just doesn't realize there is a problem.

[jec3113]

Jun. 21, 2009 at 9:39 PM

My daughter and my son take dance.  We have done jazz, ballet, tap,  hip hop jazz, and clogging.  We are currently in a studio owned by a christian woman who uses christian music although most of it is the rock and roll variety.  The costumes are appropriate and makeup & fake hair are not required.  We went to three other studios before finding this one.  If you are interested in more conservative dance styles, I would recommend ballet, lyrical, tap & clogging.  I have no objections to the jazz my children are doing now in this studio, but in the past I have been uncomfortable with some of the things young children were asked to do.  If you disagree, start shopping for another dance studio.  This is a good opportunity to give your DD a lesson how doing the right thing isn't always the easy thing.  Good luck.  Dance can be a joyful thing, my kids have danced for 6 & 5 years and they love it.

[higgins30]

Jul. 29, 2009 at 9:14 AM

I am a conservative Ballet, tap and Jazz instructor. I have to say that I was raised and taught dance in England, it is so different from America. They were very careful to make sure that the dancing was "age appropriate". For some reason dance schools here feel that teaching the girls dances popular on MTV. Makes them look better. When I taught Jazz a couple of years ago, My boss was so impressed that I was able to keep it age appropriate and still keep it fun and entertaining. You may want to try a different school.  Or just do the tap and ballet.