Mama to 6~The Large Family Logistics

Do any of your daughters take dance class?

For the past couple nights we have had to take our two daughters to their dance rehersal.  They are getting ready for their recital this Sat. night. The girls mentioned to me that unless they are in competition they are looked on by the other girls as not as good as the rest.  They also told me that the owner of the studio favors the girls that are in competition.  My first thought was, they are probably right.  The only girls that do competition are the ones who's moms shell out tons of money on 10 classes!  Why wouldn't the owner favor the girls who are paying her more money.  We are not made of money, so our girls only take one class each.  Not to mention that we would never tie up more then one day a week on activities.  What are all your opinions on this?  Even if my girls were picked for competition, I am not so sure we would do it!  Quality family time is more important I believe.  I wonder how many girls actually go on to be professional dancers after their parents spend that much money on them?  I am sure slim to none.  Why has something that was supposed to be fun for kids turned into competition anyway?  It is not like this is a studio in NYC or something!  I would love any comments on this!

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08:03, Wednesday, June 4, 2008 .. Posted by Vickie

I would have to agree with you. I would love to find something I could put my children in once a week or even 2x a month just for fun. My daughter wanted to take gymnastics last year. (not to try to get to the olympics, just to turn a flip & a cartwheel) Everyone I called in this area was so expensive & they wanted the children to go at least 2x per week for a minimum of 3 months & pay in advance! My son did karate for a while but they wanted them to go......4x per week!!! The teacher said it was so the kids kept out of trouble by having something to do. --I guess for some I understand, but we have things to do. Also evenings for us are family time. We actually sit down & eat together & visit. It was hard to be at karate at 6:30-8:00 4x. So we quit after just 1 month.
I think competition is good to a point, but what happened to just having a fun time & learning a little routine or two. Maybe dancing/marching in a little parade now and then.
Well, good luck in whatever you decide to do.

4-h

08:46, Wednesday, June 4, 2008 .. Posted by Anonymous

Have you thought of joining your local 4-h program? They have many different groups from animal science to sewing, cooking etc. We found that it didn't cost a lot of money and required a meeting once or twice a month. Our children received tons of rewards being involved. They displayed their items at the county fair and received ribbons for their efforts. They learned how to win and loose gracefully buy having their projects judged. It truly was a wonderful experience for our while family.

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04:44, Wednesday, June 4, 2008 .. Posted by Citygal

Come on down to New Zealand! ;o)
My girl does ballet once a week and it's just lovely. It's one of my favourite times of the week. She's in a little class and has a male teacher (not effeminate either), and it's just so relaxed and fun. She is sitting her first exam in two months with only a few extra lessons closer to the time (no extra expense), and at the end of the year we put on a big production in a theatre. I'm sure there are companies here that put pressure on the girls, but I think that as long as you don't take it too seriously and just enjoy it, and the girls are too - then stick with it, or find somewhere else or give it up altogether if you can't. It should be enjoyable for everyone - not a stress-out session. I think the teacher has a lot to do with how the atmosphere and 'friendliness' of the company is.
Rachel from NZ

Ballet

08:30, Monday, June 9, 2008 .. Posted by toby0131

We had 2 of our girls in ballet this year. They just finished their end of year recital on Saturday. What an elaborate production it was!

I'm with you on the fact that it amazes me how much money some of these families pay each month and how many times a week they are out running the girls to the academy. One particular ladies' granddaughter was in 6 different classes this summer and it was going to cost her around $300/month.

The other thing that drives me nuts is the drive for these studios to push our children into being "older" than they already are by making them paint themselves to look like miniature Barbie dolls for these productions. We stepped out of the world once again, and my girls wore simple blush and lip gloss and they looked beautiful on stage, not at all "washed" out like I was told by "everyone" in the studio they would look like.

I think if your girls enjoy the classes as much as mine do, don't sweat the others who are more competitive. I know I'm not grooming professional ballet dancers; I'm just exposing them to an art that is fun and educational at the same time.
Blessings,
Michelle