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I think my child is receiving dance lessons from a studio that teaches harmful dance. What should I do?
I think my child is receiving dance lessons from a studio that teaches harmful dance. What should I do?
What should I do if my child is receiving dance lessons from a studio that teaches harmful dance? First, gather factual information to share with the dance studio owner.
These are helpful resources:
What should I do if my child is receiving dance lessons from a studio that teaches harmful dance? First, gather factual information to share with the dance studio owner.
1.
Step by step guide to educate dance studios
2.
Sample Videos Illustrating Hypersexualized Children’s Dance
What does hypersexualized children’s dance look like? The following two samples highlight choreography, music and costumes that hypersexualize children and demonstrate why education and awareness around this issue is critically needed. Note: This content may be unsuitable for some viewers.
3.
APA Report
Journalists, child advocacy organizations, parents and psychologists have argued that the sexualization of girls is a broad and increasing problem and is harmful to girls. The American Psychological Association (APA) Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls was formed in response to these expressions of public concern.
4.
Local Petition
5.
Request an Appointment
Once you have armed yourself with factual, evidence-based information to share, request an appointment with the studio owner. Start out the conversation with positive comments about the art of dance and appreciation for the dance studio that you are targeting.
Ask the studio owner if they are familiar with the type of hypersexualized dance that you are concerned about. Share with them the video examples and ask them to read a copy of our eBook, “Healthy or Harmful Children’s Dance”. Engage in a personal conversation with them and ask if they would consider making sure that they do not allow children under 12 to present dances in adult costumes, music and choreography. If you collected signatures as part of the local petition, present that to the dance studio. Refer them to our website at www.danceawareness.com to learn more.
If the studio owner is committed to making change, that is a wonderful sign and kudos to you for facilitating change in your community! But if the studio owner doesn’t see the issue or refuses to make changes, we encourage you to find a different dance studio for your child.