I Hope You Dance
By: Donna
Professional Middle Eastern Dancer/Instructor
At one point or another most little girl’s dream of being a dancer. Usually fleeting and sometimes parent inspired, the fascination of little girl’s with dance has existed over hundreds of years. Even at a time when dance was not acceptable for women, they usually found ways of incorporating this freeing expression of feminine quality both liberating and enjoyable. As little girls are entered into a dance class of their choice or their mother’s choice, they either discover that they enjoy the time for fun or that they want to dance for their life; however there are those who discover they despise the idea. I always found it inspiring to watch the younger classes of 5 or 6 year olds, all dressed up and trying their best to act and look as perfect as possible while executing a movement that requires years of skill to do correctly. Looking so proud when they have finally managed to put that one foot in front of the other to make a step come to life. As we get older and the little girls grow up to be teenagers they tend to lose their “sense of wonder” that once inspired them to dance. Sometimes life takes over with jobs, boyfriends, school or friends creating less time for dance. As adults women sometimes find themselves re-drawn to dance for either the great exercise benefits or the pure pleasure of being able to create art with your body.
Some of the reasons little girls first begin a dance class is surprisingly not their idea at all. It may be surprising to learn that the majority of young dancers had been almost pushed into dance at a young age by their parent. While parents may have the best of intentions in entering their children into dance classes, there are some that seek to fulfill a dream they themselves were never able to achieve. In pushing these unrealistic dreams on children can cause them to resent the art of dance and movement rather than cherish it for the benefits it will bring.
While it is true that some pushy parents can take the enjoyment and fun right out of dance creating a job like atmosphere for their little ones, there are also many great social aspects of the dance class as well. Children will learn discipline, structure and mental alertness that can greatly assist them through their studies in life. Dance is also a chance to move freely to music and develop balance, flexibility and fight obesity. As children become older and progress into adolescent age they may become more likely to enjoy their choice of dance class and appreciate the teachings betters. One thing to be very careful of is eating disorders which are highly associated with dancers. One of the main reasons dancers have so many problems is the unrealistic expectations that are sometimes placed on the young women. There is a constant struggle to stay flexible and thin for agility, not to mention that as a dancer you spend much of your time staring in the mirror at yourself slowly critiquing your physique and abilities. Parents should especially be aware of warning signs in young adults as this is a crucial growth stage for dancers. Healthy eating habits are always good to invoke and teachers should be aware that certain criticisms could be detrimental to a student of dance’s health and career.
Finding the right studio and the right teacher for your child or yourself can be part of the battle. You need to take into consideration what you hope to get out of the classes and instruction. What type of dance do you like best? What is your goal with learning? Are you or your child attending for fun, fitness or in hopes of a career? Establish these fundamentals up front and accept that they may change and develop as the dancer does. It is not always about perfect form sometimes it is just about fun. Bottom line you want to stay safe and you want your child safe. In no way should a teacher ever tell a student to lose weight. Scales and measurements should not be found in a studio and careful instruction with caution to injury should be given.
Dance is a great way to obtain focus and expression. There are many styles of dance for many different body types and cultures. Feel free to explore as many styles as you can and remember that just because one style is not good for your physique does not mean that all dance must be eliminated from your life. Adults have a lot more freedom to choose their styles and their schedules to what best fits them. Though a professional career might not be attainable, dance is a great addition to life and can help you to feel good about yourself and improve your health.
One of the great styles of dance for adults is Middle Eastern Dance, or Belly Dance as it is commonly known throughout the United States. Middle Eastern Dance has such great benefits for the female body and can be done at any age. It is never too late to start a dance career as a Belly Dancer. I have seen women of all shapes, sizes, colors and age come together in this unique art. Belly Dancing truly transcends the stereotype dancer profile allowing all women to free their inner dancer.
I think many women are dancers at heart they just need the courage sometimes that will drive them forward. If you dance you should do it for you and yourself satisfaction. Never let you fears stand in the way of your dreams – at least try.