Performing Arts-A Positive Experience for Kids

Lately the media is loving all of the negative shows and attitudes that are being brought to sports and performing arts.  Shows such as Dance Moms and  Cheer Nation are making these activities look horrible. They show parents and instructors screaming at the kids, drama between parents and kids, children who are half naked, and children being pushed too far physically and emotionally.  

I own a performing arts academy and cannot tell you how many times I've been asked if my academy is like Dance Moms.  My response is always absolutely not. We promote a safe and fun environment, while positively challenging the students to reach new goals.  We do not tolerate drama and if would arise, the  family would be asked to leave.  I hold my dance families to high standards and am very proud of the business I have created. 

My academy does have a competition team and my students have won awards regionally and nationally and we take pride in the fact that our students are happy, healthy, and can still win.  We don't yell and scream at them, but motivate them in positive ways.  Our competition team is one big family and you do have disagreements in families, but in the end, we always come together and get through it.  Our dance parents do a great job at encouraging their own children, as well other the rest of the kids. It's a great atmosphere. 

In the end, it's about more than just teaching them dance steps.  It's about teaching them responsibility, commitment, dedication, hard work, building self confidence, and making lifelong friends.  I am lucky to have such hard working, passionate dancers.  I know these kids will go far in life in anything they choose to pursue.