Thursday Thoughts with Miss Morgan
Preparing for Dance Competitions vs. Preparing for a Dance Career: The Monsters Approach
Thursday 4th July 2024
At Monsters we believe in a sustainable approach to dance training that leads to important life skills and a potential career in performing arts. Coupled with our supportive and positive environment, this is why most people choose our studio.
Having said this, we understand that in the incredible world of dance, the thrill of a great dance comp is undeniable and the desire to come out on top can in some cases overpower what is best for a dancer, their physical, social and mental health, their potential career and their family.
In this blog I dive into my personal experience and opinion on this subject and why we approach it the way we do at Monsters.
The Evolution of the Dance Comp Scene
There was once a time when preparing a dancer for a career and preparing them for competitions existed congruently. Meaning that they required similar training and education. Dancers were training with the end goal of being a performing artist and dancing in competitions was a great way to get on stage and practice their performance skills, be inspired by others and gain fabulous feedback.
But in 2024, the elite dance competition scene had evolved to such a point that preparing for success in this world has all but become a sport on its own and an all consuming one at that!
Some studios and teachers have lent into this way of training. Increasing the intensity and hours that their students train to keep up with the skills required to succeed, get that trophy and snuggle up with their ego at night knowing they’re ‘the best!’...Cheekiness aside, the effort and results gained from this way of training are commendable and absolutely impressive, but it is the distraction from preparing for an actual career in dance and in some cases the damage that can be done along the way, that cause me to take issue.
The Reality of Competition Training
To be a prize winning competition dancer in 2024 demands an extraordinary level of commitment and sacrifice from kids and their families. Sometimes training 25-30+ hours a week, missing out on school, often with minimal breaks even during school holidays, is the norm. While this rigorous schedule can produce champions, it often comes at a high cost to a child's family time, social skills and physical health and development.
I have also seen the effects that the constant comparison to other dancers has on kids and their parents, particularly their mothers, which I cover below under My Personal Experience.
How many hours per week should a dancer train?
First and foremost I must include that there has been no research conducted that proves how many hours kids should be training for their age for any sport or physical activity. Some research suggests that it is important for young athletes who hope for a sustained career through their 20s and 30s to incrementally increase their training through their teenage years. Based on what I am seeing unfold in the younger dance industry today, it is my opinion that a slow and steady run up to an accredited full time course is the most sustainable option and also the option that allows kids to have a variety of experiences in their childhood.
In my research and experience (which is of course still growing and developing every day!) I have found that between the ages of 7 and 14, the perfect amount of hours for dancers to train relates to the age that they are. For example a 10 year old, who is completely serious about a dance career, should be training about 7-10 hours per week. This allows for kids to retain balance in their lives, experience other sports and activities, and avoid burning out in their teenage years therefore having to cut back.
It is my opinion that at age 15-17 is the best time to kick up a dancer's training time and accelerate towards a full-time dance course (approx 25-30 hours per week).
Is it required to dance 25-30 hours a week at a much younger age to be an award winning dancer in the elite competition world?
For many young dancers the answer is yes and I am not writing this with the purpose of speaking to those dancers and their parents or dance teachers. I am writing this to speak to my audience and my clients about why we are not committing to this way of training at my studio.
Sustainable Progression Towards a Career
Rather than the main focus being on hours of training for competitions, we aim to provide our students with a sustainable path towards a career in dance. This approach involves a gradual incline in training intensity and exposure to different genres at the appropriate time for each age group. By balancing training with rest and time for other activities, we help our students maintain their love for dance while also excelling in other parts of their lives.
At Monsters, our training philosophy is comprehensive and well-rounded. We emphasize the following aspects:
- Choreography Acquisition: We teach our students how to pick up choreography quickly, a crucial skill for auditions and professional work.
- Performance Skills: Our focus is on helping dancers connect with their movements and express emotions, ensuring they can captivate any audience.
- Versatility: We encourage versatility in dance and performing arts styles, preparing our students to adapt to various demands in the dance industry.
- Technique: We place a strong emphasis on proper dance technique, ensuring our students build a solid foundation that enhances their overall performance and reduces the risk of injury.
How has Social Media affected the decisions young dancers make?
You can guess what I’m about to say right? Followers and likes and views OH MY! Social media has affected almost everything in our lives so this isn’t anything groundbreaking is it?
For our young dancers, knowing what their peers are up to can be really helpful and inspiring. But at such a young age, it can also be pretty overwhelming and confusing. This can make it hard for them to feel content and might lead them to make decisions that aren't the best for them, which breaks my heart a little.
My personal journey as a studio owner with this subject
In my first few years as a studio owner I’ll admit I was 100% influenced by other studios through competitions and social media. Seeing their students achieve crazy skills well beyond their years and standing next to trophies taller than they were, really drew me in and awakened my own ego. While I was doing my best to create and maintain a positive and supportive culture, this influence was also playing a part in shaping my approach and goals as a studio owner. But it didn’t take long for me to see the negative effects this approach was having on my students but even more so their mothers (and probably their dads and siblings too but I didn’t chat to many of them).
Comparison was RIFE and so contagious! Infecting even the most down to earth mums and I spent a lot of time on the phone trying to bring them back to their OWN reality and their OWN goals and values, not what every other kid in their age group at Monsters and other studios were doing.
I can confidently say that once I changed, my studio began to change too. Once I was true to my values, gave my ego a big hug but put her in her place, the atmosphere very quickly became more positive and the tit for tat comparison amongst dancers and their parents diminished dramatically to the point where I can honestly say it is something my team and I rarely need to combat.
To Finish Up
The jaw dropping skills that some young competition dancers work hard to achieve are truly remarkable, and the dedication from them and their coaches is amazing. There is clearly a demand for this type of training and likely many benefits and lessons learnt along the way.
It is our broader vision at Monsters that ensures not just exceptional dancers but also happy, healthy, and well-adjusted young adults. Our approach means that our students retain their passion for dance, while maintaining balance in their childhood as well as being fully prepared for a future in dance or whatever future they choose.
I don’t believe that a rigorous dance schedule based on being the best in a competition is the most beneficial for a young dancer who wants a career in dance or performing arts, I also feel that for many young dancers it can result in a negative dance experience and the potential to burn out before they’ve made it through their teenage years.
Don’t get me wrong I love a good trophy and doing well at comps but I don’t let this desire dictate the decisions I make in my studio.
If you made it to the end well done and thanks for reading!
Miss M xx
5 Myths About Dance Studios!
Thursday 13th June 2024
When it comes to dance studios, there are many misconceptions that can cloud the reality of what they can truly offer kids and their families. I feel dance studios have truly evolved for the better since us millennials danced in the nineties and noughties. At Monsters, we've worked hard to create an environment that defies these stereotypes and supports dancers in every aspect of their journey. About 18 months after opening my studio, when the excitement and overwhelm settled, it became starkly obvious to me the responsibility I had as a studio owner. The impact that dance studios and their teachers have on their students (and their families) can be lifelong. This is when the culture at Monsters truly began to come first.
Here are five common myths about dance studios and the truths that define our approach.
Myth 1: All Dance Studios are Run by Strict, Unapproachable Instructors
Our Reality: Empathetic and Understanding Staff
One of the most persistent myths is that dance instructors are authoritarian and unapproachable. At Monsters, our staff is known for their empathy and understanding. We believe in building trust and open communication with our dancers and their families. Our instructors are mentors and guides who nurture the individual strengths of each dancer, creating a positive and encouraging learning environment. We also don’t make you feel bad if you’ve missed an email
Myth 2: All Dance Studios Prioritize Results Over Well-Being
Our Reality: Prioritizing Dancer Well-Being
It's often assumed that dance studios are solely focused on achieving results at the expense of dancer well-being. At Monsters, we prioritize the holistic development and well-being of our dancers above all else. We understand the privilege and responsibility of impacting young lives during their formative years. Our goal is to cultivate not only skilled dancers but also confident and resilient individuals.
Myth 3: All Dance Studios who enter Competitions, Promote Competition Between its Students.
Our Reality: Supportive and Positive Community
Contrary to the belief that all dance studios are pressure cookers focused solely on winning trophies, Monsters fosters a supportive and relaxed community, more of a slow cooker if you will. Our philosophy centers on personal growth and mutual support rather than cutthroat competition. We encourage dancers to find joy in their progress and celebrate each other's successes, big or small.
Myth 4: All dance studios put their schedule and plans above their clients.
Our Reality: Considering the lives of busy parents in 2024!
At Monsters, we get it—parents in 2024 are basically superheroes juggling work, school, and a never-ending stream of extracurricular activities. We prioritize balance and flexibility because we know your inbox is probably overflowing with emails you might miss now and then. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! We’re here to make life a little easier for both you and your dancer, no cape required.
Myth 5: All Dance Studios Must Be Either Recreational or Competitive
Our Reality: Empathetic and Understanding Staff
A common misconception is that a dance studio must choose between being recreational or competitive. We've put in the hard work to excel in both areas. At Monsters, dancers can enjoy the fun and freedom of recreational dance while also having the opportunity to compete at higher levels if they choose. Our balanced approach ensures that all dancers receive quality training tailored to their aspirations.
At Monsters, we're dedicated to debunking these myths and providing an inclusive, nurturing environment for all our dancers. Our commitment to supportive community, empathetic instruction, and balanced training ensures that every dancer can thrive, regardless of their goals. Come see the difference for yourself and join our dance family today!