Dance Moms is not for your young children

Dance Moms and all the reasons why you shouldn’t let young children watch.

Dance Moms is currently being widely promoted on Australian television. This is a series full of controversy which as of March 2017 has seen the reality show host and choreographer quit the show in a much publicized Instagram rant.

We understand she was also facing a 30 month jail term on bankruptcy fraud charges and money laundering – charges to which she has admitted guilt after filing for bankruptcy in 2010.   Update:  a further instagram rant recently saw her dissing her former students.     Fans of the show did not respond well.

According to Wikipedia Miller grew up around dance studying under her mother’s direction at the Maryen Lorrain Dance Studio. Miller eventually took over the studio 1995 and renamed it Reign Dance Productions. She was became certified by Dance Masters of America (DMA) and became a member of the Pennsylvania Chapter #10 in 1986 but her membership was terminated in 2012 with DMA saying Miller’s reality show Dance Moms was “a total misrepresentation of our dance educators and their students and is detrimental to the dance profession”.

 

In today’s society where we put value on mental health and wellbeing, this series is out of place

Having watched a couple of episodes we are shocked that such a show would be sown in an era where bullying and bause is being fought by many organisations and governments. [bctt tweet=”we are shocked that such a show would be shown in an era where bullying and abuse is being fought” username=”fpykforum”].

We are trying to teach our children that such behaviour is not acceptable in modern society. The damage to self esteem and possible mental health issues down the line are far too serious.

The show is obviously edited to make the most possible drama. In 2014 a lawsuit was filed against Collins Avenue Enterainment for “staging disagreements that ended in a fight between Kelly Hyland and Miller” . The suit was dropped after an agreement for repairs to her home. Paige Hyland, one of the children also filed a lawsuit of emotion distress and having a chair thrown at her. These charges were dropped.

 

Heavily Edited

According to a report in the International Business Times  the show was meant to focus on the dancers and their mothers for a 6 week docu-series.  Kelly Hyland, one of the parents in the show has said the series is heavily edited, often to make the mother’s look worse and that they tone down Abby’s behaviour. According to the report in September 2013 during a Q&A session in Pittsburgh, several of the dancers said that Abby was “worse in real life” and “really mean”.
Abby has also now released a book and has slammed producers saying she was manipulated and disrespected during her time on the show.

I could write on and on about the issues and the manipulation from the shows creators but let’s cut to the matter at hand.
[bctt tweet=”Should we be encouraging enjoyment out of seeing children mistreated and verbally abused” username=”fpykforum”]
Whilst the girls do deliver some incredible routines, the focal point is not on the dance. Should we be encouraging enjoyment out of seeing children mistreated and verbally abused?

It would appear the focus is only on winning (and the truth is that when girls are pitted against each other in actual fact many have already completed solos, it’s just all done for the cameras).
Comments Abby makes towards child include such statements as “you don’t have a brain”, some of the routines including a nude fan dance are not appropriate for 6-10 year old girls. Dance moves often are sexualized and there is a lot of swearing.
[bctt tweet=”We find it hard to find pleasure in a show that seems intend on putting down a child’s self esteem.” username=”fpykforum”]

The show highlights badmouthing each other, backstabbing and and dramatises many things issues.

The positive perhaps for older children (13 up after you talk to them about it) would be that one does see that it takes hard work and dedication to make it in the industry, and that teamwork and leadership are important skills.

Adult content

In one episode the adults have a birthday party where they discuss orgasms and edible underwear – hardly appropriate topics for impressionable young girls. The fact that the show is about young girls who love to dance means it will attract such an audience and this is not suitable.
There is one thing about being competitive but it is another to encourage and “entertain-ify” abuse and belitting others.

Small positives

The positive in Dance Moms, perhaps for older children (13 up after you talk to them about it) would be that one does see that it takes hard work and dedication to make it in the industry, and that teamwork and leadership are important skills.

Make up your own mind, but I do hope that Australian audiences vote with their eyes and not give Dance Moms their viewing time.

Your discussion is welcome.