“I believe the children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside, give them a sense of pride…” ~ Whitney Houston
The powerful lyrics by Whitney Houston resonate deeply in my heart as a dance educator of almost 50 years. They hold not just truth but also a moral guideline in our role as educators, parents, and guardians. We must strive to guide our children as they navigate the path to adulthood. We should protect their innocence and cultivate their passions without exposing them to the inappropriate expectations that seem to have taken over today’s dance culture.
Over the last couple of decades, the dance landscape has shifted dramatically. What once celebrated creativity, discipline, and self-expression has morphed, in many instances, into a realm of hypersexualization where children are dressing in adult costumes, performing sexually suggestive choreography, and being exposed to music that contains inappropriate themes and lyrics.
I remember 25 years ago when I was judging for Dance Educators of America (an organization I have always respected because of their high standards) and I watched a studio compete using the song “Greased Lightning.” My first comment was, “you might need to listen to those lyrics.” The lyrics include obscene language and sexual content. I remember at dinner the judges and I discussed that we could not believe that none of the parents said anything to the teacher about the lyrics. Fast forward to today, I cannot imagine what is going on in the minds of the teachers and the parents that allow their children to perform they numbers they compete today. This troubling trend does not simply affect the way our children dance; it undermines their self-worth, distorts their understanding of their bodies, and, ultimately, jeopardizes their childhood experiences.
As a dance educator, I have seen a generation of young dancers enter studios with an eagerness to learn. Initially filled with joy and enthusiasm, many of these children are gradually molded by outside influences like TikTok and other social media outlets that prioritize style over substance and performance over artistry. Rather than teaching them the discipline and skills associated with dance, some programs place a disproportionate emphasis on commercial appeal and marketability, often at the expense of the child’s innocence and well-being.
This cultural shift is the responsibility of dance educators, parents, and society. We need to ask ourselves: What message are we sending when we allow children to participate in performances that are not age-appropriate? What lessons do they learn when their value is tied to their appearance or the ability to mimic adult behaviors? I know these questions are unnerving but very important, as they hopefully compel us to confront uncomfortable situations and step up for our children.
As a community, we must engage in thoughtful conversations about the importance of age-appropriate choreography, music and costumes. It is crucial that we set clear boundaries to protect our children’s innocence. As educators, we must prioritize their well-being, ensuring that dance remains an enriching experience that fosters their development in a positive way. Programs should focus on building technical skills, creativity, and a passion for the art.
Family involvement in dance education is vital, as parents are often the first line of defense against harmful trends. By encouraging open communication with dance studios, parents can demand higher standards and advocate for age-appropriate content. It is imperative that we stand together, speak out to protect children’s rights within the dance community.
Moreover, we must educate future generations of dance educators about the ethical implications of their craft. Teachers must be equipped with the knowledge to discern what constitutes appropriate content for young dancers. As steerers of the next generation, they have the power to emphasize discipline, technique, and respect for the art. Some of our students will be the future teachers and studio owners.
The approach must be multifaceted. We can support organizations that share our vision, provide workshops for educators, and initiate community awareness campaigns. By sharing positive stories of age-appropriate dance education and celebrating studios that adhere to these principles, we can create a shift in the narrative surrounding children’s dance.
In my years of teaching, I have witnessed the transformative power of dance. Dance has the ability to empower, inspire, and nurture creativity. I have seen dance change the lives of kids who were once troubled. I have seen my deaf dancer win Miss America. I have seen a gang member turn his life around and tour with Usher, Salt-N-Pepe, and Brandy to name a few. As educators, parents, and community members, we owe it to them to uphold the integrity of the art form and protect their right to enjoy their childhood.
We have a limited, precious window of time during which our children are just that—children. We have a calling to nurture and inspire them rather than expose them to the harsh realities of a world that seeks to exploit their innocence.
Let’s unite to encourage our dancers, helping them feel proud of their inner beauty while safeguarding their innocence. Let’s work together to cultivate a dance culture that reflects our highest ideals—one where children can flourish as both artists and individuals, believing firmly in the truth that they are our future, and that future deserves protection, respect, and a space where they can thrive.
Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can transform the landscape of children’s dance and safeguard the beauty of childhood. Together!
Bio: Patti Rutland Simpson has worked for the past 40 years as a dance teacher, choreographer and artistic director. She has worked as a master teacher for Dance Educators of America, Dance Masters of America, The Southern Association of Dance Masters, Atlanta’s Jazz on Tap Festival, The Black College Dance Exchange, The University of Virginia, Fort Valley College, Kent State, and The Philadelphia Dance Festival. She served on the Board of Directors for The Jazz Dance World Congress with Gus Giordano, Frank Hatchett, Luigi, Matt Mattox, Patti Obey, Susan Quinn and Joe Tremaine. She is currently the Southern Director of Dance Educators of America and serves on the board of The Montgomery Ballet.
In 2005, Patti was awarded the Leo’s Dancewear Gold Shoe at The Jazz Dance World Congress in Chicago for her modern-day urban inspired jazz and hip hop piece A.M. This piece was not only a favorite during competition evenings, but as presented in the Closing Night program, became the pulse of the entire Congress, garnering such notices as “… volatile and full of almost uncontrollable energy,” from Dance Magazine.
In 2010, Patti’s first full-length stage production, Santa’s Workshop was registered as an original work in the United States Library of Congress and The Dramatist Guild of America. The show is represented by The Cooper Company in New York City.
Patti’s dancers include a former Miss America and back up dancers for artists such as Usher, Brandi, Monica, Keith Sweat and Salt-n-Peppa. Thodos Dance Chicago, Atlanta Jazz Dance Theatre, Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, the cast of Legally Blonde, 42nd Street, Anything Goes, Forever Plaid, Aluminum Show and iLuminate either currently have or have had former PRJ dancers as members. Patti’s students have appeared on The MTV Movie Awards, videos for The Backstreet Boys, Salt-N-Peppa, Live at the Apollo and Nike commercials.
National Commercials
Teen Suicide Awareness 2022 ABC, CBS, NBC
Film Credits
Second Samuel 2020
Marsella Dean
iHysm Studios
Shined Rabbit 2018
Patti Simpson
Nanny Mae Productions
Skip Tracers 2007
Choreographer
Possum Den Productions
Theatrical Leads
Bernice – Self Help
Abby Binder – Ripcord
Sheila – Boys Next Door
Bella – Lost in Yonkers
Sister Mary Amnesia – Nunsense (3 runs)
Claudine – Can Can
Special Awards
Lifetime Achievement Dance Studio Life Magazine 2020
50 Most Entrepreneurial Women of Alabama 2020
State of Alabama Friend of Education 2022
