Reality TV show blamed after young dancers penalised for inappropriate costumes | niltiac
A debate has erupted in the Sydney dance community over age-appropriate costumes, choreography and music for young dancers on the competition circuit, with dance insiders blaming shows likeThe issue came to a head last Sunday when adjudicators at a dance competition on the upper north shore enforced their policy on age-appropriate costumes and deducted points from an under-14s dance troupe, in effect barring them from winning a place.
“They’re wearing less and less and less, and they’re getting shinier and shinier and shinier – and more see-through.”The Extreme Dance Competition owner said the act breached the event policy and this was handled by deducting marks following set guidelines, and providing comments to the studio, which resulted in the act not being awarded a place.
“I’m really worried about the mental health aspects of all this, with eating disorders, body dysmorphia, alcohol and drugs, and self-harm – it’s rife.” McMahon said young children might have no idea about the sexual connotations, while teenage girls might internalise it as a “sexual currency” and this could affect their ability to have healthy relationships.
Bond said most dance teachers are encouraging and nurturing role models, and young people who don’t play a team sport can gain “a wonderful team-building experience” through performing in eisteddfods. However, she does not enter her students at many eisteddfods.