By: Mia Thompson
Updated: Feb. 1, 2018
Originally Published: Jan. 29, 2018
Throughout my childhood, dance was the focal point of my life. I began lessons at the tender age of two and continued until I was eighteen. My routine involved spending a minimum of two hours in the dance studio three times a week, with Fridays often consumed by late-night practices. While it was undoubtedly demanding, it was a passion that shaped both mine and my mother’s lives until my teenage years, when I became more independent.
Fast forward to today, and the landscape of dance has transformed significantly, primarily due to the rise of competitive dance. In the 1990s, competitions were an enjoyable addition to dance classes, but they lacked the intensity and commitment that characterize the current environment. Now, competitive dance has evolved into a lifestyle that demands considerable sacrifices from both the young dancers and their families.
Unlike traditional dance lessons, competitive dance necessitates extensive training, often held on weekends, focusing on various styles such as hip hop, jazz, ballet, and contemporary. Participants, predominantly young girls, are often regarded as the “elite” of their dance studios, where teams are formed specifically for competition. Within these teams, certain dancers are selected for solos, duos, and trios, adding to their group performances. Each routine is accompanied by unique costumes that are often extravagant compared to typical recital attire.
A recent New York Times article provided an in-depth look into the world of competitive dance, highlighting the experiences of a New Jersey dance studio team. Even as a former dancer, I was astonished to learn about the magnitude of competitive dance today.
Starting from its inception in the 1970s, events like Showstopper, one of the earliest dance competitions, have expanded tremendously. By 2016, approximately 52,000 dancers participated in Showstopper alone, necessitating a semi-truck just for trophies. The phenomenon has only intensified since the debut of the Lifetime show Dance Moms in 2011, which catapulted many young dancers into the spotlight and garnered them dedicated fan bases. The allure of competition, despite its drama, is undeniable, particularly given the undeniable talent and drive exhibited by these young performers.
To gain insight into the realities of competitive dance, I spoke with two mothers of dancers. Their stories reflect unique experiences yet highlight common challenges. One mother, Sarah, with daughters aged five and seven—who can start competing as early as four—revealed she spends around $2,500 annually on costumes, entry fees, and private lessons. This figure doesn’t even encompass the $2,700 dance school tuition or additional expenses for travel.
Another mother, Lisa, shared that she invests between $8,000 and $9,000 each year for her tween daughter, who began competing at five. Costumes can exceed $400 each, often custom-made or adorned with countless rhinestones, transforming them from simple dance attire to eye-catching ensembles. Each dance requires its own outfit, leaving parents to calculate the costs for multiple performances—definitely a staggering figure.
As Jared Grines, a tap dancer and competition judge, pointed out, these young dancers are akin to gladiators, engaging in strategic competition that can resemble a job. Some dancers may clock in between 10 and 30 hours of rehearsal weekly, juggling multiple group dances along with potential solos or duos. The time commitment is nothing short of overwhelming, especially alongside academic responsibilities.
This raises an important question: when do these children find time to socialize with friends? During competitions, they often find themselves confined to small backstage areas in hotels or convention centers for up to 12 hours at a time. Their activities are limited to practicing, watching others perform, or navigating their own anxiety.
The competitive atmosphere can be intense, as dancers are often pitted against each other despite being part of the same team. While camaraderie exists, competition breeds tension, and feelings can be easily hurt among young girls, aged 7 to 17, who may attach their self-worth to their competitive success. One mother confessed that drama is rampant in her daughter’s studio, and deviating from the norm could lead to social isolation. After a year away for mental health reasons, her daughter returned to competition, albeit at a more manageable pace.
Not all studios foster a toxic environment. Another mother, Jenna, noted that her daughters’ studio maintains a positive atmosphere, with supportive teachers who create a nurturing environment, even when expectations are high.
It is troubling to realize that a twelve-year-old girl may require a mental health break from what should be a joyous pursuit. Should children who are meant to dance for fun be pushed to their emotional limits? What is the ultimate goal: a trophy, or recognition? While some achieve stardom like Maddie Ziegler, countless others remain in the amateur competitive dance realm.
Ultimately, one must ponder: is the pursuit of competitive dance truly worth the emotional and physical toll?
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Summary
The landscape of competitive dance has evolved dramatically, transitioning from a fun hobby to an intense commitment that demands significant time and financial resources from dancers and their families. As the pressure mounts, many young dancers face emotional challenges, raising questions about the true value of competition in a field that should primarily celebrate joy and artistic expression.