20 Thoughts Parents Have During Their Kids’ Dance Recitals

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As I sit in the audience, I can’t help but reflect on why my daughter opted out of dance class this year. Last year was a whirlwind of adorable chaos in the 2-year-old class, where 15 tiny dancers in tutus and diapers were more interested in finding their moms than performing. During the recital, we were all asked to join our little stars on stage—mostly to prevent any tumbles off the edge.

Honestly, the reason my child isn’t dancing this year is my inability to survive another recital. I’m still haunted by the image of ten-year-olds in black spandex and ripped leopard shirts dancing to Guns N’ Roses’ “Welcome To The Jungle.” I sat through five hours of performances, with soloists who might not even know their lefts from their rights, and I still can’t shake the anxiety that my daughter’s potential fall could be the highlight of the event for everyone else.

Let’s face it, friends: dance recitals are a rite of passage for little girls, but they can also be a test of endurance for parents. While the performers are focused on not stumbling, we parents are trying to stay awake. We may smile and hand out flowers, but deep down, we’re plotting our escape. Here are 20 thoughts that probably cross your mind during your child’s dance performance:

1. I hope this doesn’t end like “Little Miss Sunshine.”
2. The costumes are stunning—it’s great to see everyone look like either flowers or… well, not quite.
3. It’s fantastic that you don’t need rhythm to take the stage.
4. I really need to call my mom later and thank her for enduring my recitals.
5. While the rule about staying for the whole show is lovely, I’m secretly hoping it doesn’t apply to us.
6. If I hear another “Frozen” medley, I might just lose it.
7. Two hours in, and we still have three to go!
8. I will never complain about Little League practice again.
9. Why is there no Wi-Fi in here?
10. Ouch! Looks like she hurt herself. Lucky her, at least she gets to leave!
11. Maybe next year I can convince mine to try gymnastics—no recital there, right?
12. Three hours down, only two left!
13. Is that a pole on stage?
14. That kid has on more makeup than I do for a night out!
15. If I sit here any longer, I’ll need help getting up.
16. This show really could use a lunch break.
17. Oh look, a Robert Palmer tribute. How cute!
18. Whoever said, “all you need to do is try” never sat through a dance recital.
19. Four hours in, just one more to go!
20. Encore? Wait, who mentioned anything about an encore?!

This article originally published on June 19, 2014, captures the essence of what many parents experience during these events. If you’re looking for more insight, check out our other posts, such as this one on privacy policies or for more information on home insemination, visit Make a Mom. For further reading, this resource on genetics and IVF is excellent.

In summary, while dance recitals are a joyful occasion for kids, they can be a test of patience for parents. The experience is often filled with mixed emotions, from pride to a longing for a swift exit.