By: Jordan Ellis
Updated: Feb. 1, 2018
Originally Published: Jan. 29, 2018
In my youth, dance was the core of my existence. I began my lessons at the tender age of two and continued until I turned eighteen. My routine was rigorous; I spent three evenings a week at the studio for at least two hours each session, often extending my Fridays into the night. It was a significant commitment that shaped both my life and my mother’s until I reached my teenage years and became independent.
Fast forward to today, and the world of dance appears to be even more demanding than it was in my childhood. The catalyst for this intensity? Competitive dance.
During my childhood in the 90s, competitive dance was not as prevalent as it is now. While competitions existed, they were not nearly as widespread or intense. Today, competitive dance transcends mere recreation; it has evolved into a lifestyle that demands considerable dedication and sacrifices from both participants and their families.
Unlike traditional dance classes, competitive dance involves extensive training, often on weekends, focusing on various styles like hip hop, jazz, ballet, or contemporary dance. The children, predominantly girls, are frequently regarded as the “elite” dancers in their studios, with specific teams designated for competition. Within these teams, certain individuals are chosen for solos, duets, and trios, in addition to their group performances. Teams prepare a repertoire of dances to showcase throughout the competitive season, which typically spans from September to July, each accompanied by elaborate costumes that far exceed the standard recital attire.
A recent feature in the New York Times provided an inside look at a competitive dance team in New Jersey, revealing a world that is largely unknown to outsiders. Even as a former dancer, the scale of the competitive dance scene was astonishing to me.
Showstopper, one of the earliest competitive dance events launched in the 1970s, has expanded tremendously from its humble beginnings operating out of a station wagon. As of 2016, the competition attracted roughly 52,000 dancers and required a semi-truck just to transport the awards.
The phenomenon has exploded further since the debut of the Lifetime show Dance Moms in 2011, which catapulted many of its young stars into the limelight and garnered them devoted fans. While the show demonstrates the allure of competitive dance—complete with its fair share of drama—it also highlights the undeniable talent and ambition of these young women.
To gain deeper insight into the realities of competitive dance, I spoke with two mothers involved in the scene. Their experiences offer a glimpse into a world where certain aspects are universal. First and foremost is the financial investment; competition season is not inexpensive. Carla, a mother of two daughters aged six and eight, estimates she spends around $2,500 on costumes, registration fees, and private lessons. This figure excludes the $2,700 spent on dance school tuition, as well as costs for travel and accommodations.
Another mother, a friend named Lisa, shared that her pre-teen daughter’s annual expenses for competitions range from $8,000 to $9,000, with her daughter beginning competitions at the young age of five. Custom-made costumes can easily exceed $400, often adorned with rhinestones that dazzle from afar. With each dance requiring its own ensemble, the costs can escalate quickly.
As Jared Grines, a tap dancer and competition judge, accurately articulated, “These kids are like gladiators. The dominating, the mind games, the winning. It’s all strategic.” This sentiment underscores the sheer effort these young dancers exert; competition can resemble a full-time job, with some dedicating 10 to 30 hours weekly to rehearsals, including Saturdays. A single dancer may participate in several group performances, and when adding solos or duets, the total can easily reach ten performances at one event.
The group dynamics can be challenging, particularly when individual performances are introduced. The time commitment is staggering, especially alongside school responsibilities. Moreover, one must wonder when these children find the opportunity to socialize with friends. During events, dancers often find themselves confined to backstage areas at hotels or convention centers for over 12 hours a day, leaving little room for anything beyond practice and nervous anticipation.
The pressure is palpable. While they form a team, these dancers are simultaneously competitors, with friendships sometimes strained by rivalry. As young girls aged 7 to 17, emotions can run high, leading to hurt feelings and petty disputes. For many, their self-esteem is closely tied to their performance outcomes, making it easy to take criticism personally.
One mother confessed that her daughter’s studio was rife with drama. Although she recognized the mental toll it took on her daughter, she feared the repercussions of withdrawing her from even one dance would lead to social ostracization. After a year-long break for mental health reasons, her daughter has returned to competition but on a less intense schedule.
Not every dance studio embodies this competitive spirit. For instance, Michelle expressed that her daughters’ studio fosters a generally positive environment, where strictness doesn’t equate to cruelty, and parental support prevails over harsh criticism.
It’s concerning that a twelve-year-old girl might need a mental health break from an activity that should bring joy. Should young dancers be pushed to such emotional or physical extremes for the sake of trophies or accolades? For every success story like Maddie Ziegler, countless other girls remain stuck in the amateur circuit.
Ultimately, one must consider: is this intense commitment truly worthwhile?
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Summary
The competitive dance landscape has dramatically shifted from traditional dance classes to a demanding lifestyle, necessitating significant commitment from young dancers and their families. With the rise of competitive events and shows like Dance Moms, the stakes have escalated, leading to financial burdens and emotional challenges. While some studios maintain a supportive environment, the high-pressure nature of competition can lead to mental health concerns among young dancers. The critical question remains: is this intense pursuit of success truly beneficial?