Dance isn't a punishment

Story time... when I was in 6th grade, my mother signed me up for piano lessons. I could have been Alicia Keys Jr. However my grades were slipping and before I even started the lessons were over. I didn't think it was fair! I really wanted to be Alicia Keys Jr. However school does come first.. right?

Often times, parents will inform me that their son or daughter, will not be taking classes due to grades. The looks on the dancers' face is always so sad and “help me”..

If we can think of another form of reprimand, I think that we'd live in a happier place.

If your child needs assistance with school work, you wouldn't pull them out of school, you'd look for a tutor, or assist with homework. Dance helps with students arithmatic, music lessons, social expression, and building community. Why take that away? Taking dance away creates resentment, and we don't need that energy. This also hurts other students, and the teacher. We work hard for 9 to 10 months preparing together for an end of the season show. With one person missing in a dance... it causes total confusion and repositioning for the teacher.

With this new 6..7.. generation, taking away their cell phone and giving them a book to read, or taking away TIK TOK!! Holy Christmas I think it would be Armageddon if we did that.

Taking away a want rather than a need typically works in these situations.

Give it a try, I speak for all of the amazing dance studios in the world. Every dancer loves coming to her or his dance studio. It's their second home, where they can unwind and express themselves. We need to cherish all of our joyful moments not remove them.