Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Stop the Devaluing of Dance

In an effort to raise some valid points about raising strong girls, be careful not to mistakenly encourage girls away from a stereotypical 'female' activities, like dance that is very effective in reaching the goals listed in the attached link.

While dance in America is not exclusively for girls, it attracts girls far more than boys. Despite that, when taught correctly, dance builds strong sense of individuality (even in ballet), gender neutral roles (in modern dance, jazz, tap, folk and other genres), emotional resiliency, physical power, attention to detail, a healthy way to express one self, discipline, and so much more. These days, dance students dance about social issues as much, if not more than traditional ballet roles.

There is as much team effort in dance as there is in sports and no one keeps score, which is even better! Every lesson of dance requires a student to try new things, to move themselves past their own obstacles, and refine skills.

The formations and spacial awareness required of a dancer is similar thinking to that of an engineer. The exploration and experimentation required of a dancer is similar to a research scientist. The communication skills required of a dancer are worthy of a storyteller's. Dance is one of the most creative professions there is. While is is not valued and as financially rewarding as other professions, it is rewarding in so many other ways that other professions cannot claim.

Within the profession of dance, students can move into design, stage management, journalism, dance medicine, arts administration, and so much more. It is not limited to an elite few who become ballerinas (who by the way must master their mind, body and emotions...far more than most professions). Yes, do encourage your daughter to be creative, follow her dreams, work like an engineer or scientist, while learning to communicate with the international language of dance.

If you dance or have danced you know what I mean. Beware of and respond to writers who inadvertently put down dance.

October 26, 2011 3:04 AM

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