Sometimes it’s better to read something rather than listen. So here we are. Cari On: The blog.
When working at a dance studio more aimed at children, let’s remember just that. They are CHILDREN. Adam Boreland started a facebook group everyone needs to check out. Dance Accepts Everyone.
This isn’t something that should have to be repeated. EVERYONE deserves a chance to dance. Unless you are a trained teacher or judge you should not be commenting on people’s abilities.
We were walking in our city’s parade this last week and we were “Island of the Misfit Toys” and our float said “All are welcome here” We had dancers out with every reference to a toy they could find. They didn’t dance in sync like you’d expect. The freestyled. They did their own thing. My rules were “no backflips” and “don’t dance on that bridge” One of my dancers did a round off. From the crowd I heard, “That was only a half cartwheel, come on! Try again!” It took all of my dance teacher heart not to yell back, but my dancer decided to do a cartwheel, and this grown man yells, “That’s better!” My sweet dancer then pulled out something better. An Aerial. The man yelled, “oh look no handed cartwheel” This man was clearly just there to heckle children. Because out of 3 things this dancer did, only ONE had been a cartwheel.
I talked to the dancer after and she wasn’t upset. Which means our dancers are taught to brush it off. Which I love. They love doing what they do, and they know how hard it is to do.
Point blank, if you’ve never danced, maybe don’t tell others if they’re doing good or not. Maybe appreciate what they can do and are willing to show you.
Miss Cari Lynn