As prior generations have come and gone, the ideal body has evolved. Ever-changing body perceptions also relate to external cultural definitions of beauty, perfection and sex appeal. This evolving landscape influences the way young people perceive, feel, think, and behave, regarding their body (National Eating Disorder Collaboration). Girls growing up 15 years ago desperately wanted
Introduction: As a father and a counselor, I have noted that the world of children's dance has become a disconcerting arena where innocence often collides with adult themes—things like costumes, choreography, and music. For years I have had a growing concern about the hypersexualization of children's dance, I’ve worried about the impact on the child
Standing backstage, I hear the murmuring voices of the audience as they settle into their seats. My costume is on, my make-up and hair are glistening and I wait for the opening notes of the music to play. Butterflies float around in my stomach and continue to get faster until I step on stage. The
My dance journey started at the early age of three at a parks and recreation mommy & me ballet class. It was affordable and I loved it! I continued to take tap and ballet classes there until I was 5 years old. At eleven years old I was inspired to dance again when I competed
Introduction In our hyperconnected world, where information is just a click away, people have become increasingly desensitized to an issue that permeates modern society. With the advent of the internet and the proliferation of smartphones, we are constantly bombarded with an overwhelming amount of information from various sources. Over the past decade, a noticeable cultural
The enchanting world of dance: It's where kids get to express themselves, communicate feelings, and celebrate their journey of growth. Watching little dancers move is like witnessing pure magic. But you know what’s not so magical? The comparison game. The pressure to be younger, fitter, and sexier is everywhere. Author Jen Ferguson, mother of two
Guest Article: Cordisco & Saile LLC; a law firm that is dedicated to helping victims of child sex abuse. Below is an excerpt from an article they wrote about protecting children from Sexual Abuse. Preventing Child Sex Abuse The responsibility to protect children from sexual abuse falls to all adults around them, including counselors, teachers,
Guest Blogger: Tamara Kelly Hyper-sexualization and porn addiction are two issues that are becoming increasingly prevalent in our society. The hypersexualization of women and children in media and advertising has become so normal that it is often not even noticed or questioned. This has led to a culture where women and children are objectified and
Guest Article: Artem Maksimenko Childhood is a time of innocence, exploration, and discovery, and this should extend to all areas of a child's life, including dance. However, in recent years, there has been an increasing trend toward the hypersexualization of children in dance. As parents, educators, or concerned adults, it's essential to understand how to
Guest Article: Erin Sanchez How can we ensure as teachers that we create healthy environments for young dancers who want to dance as a professional career? I believe that all of us who are working with dancers have a responsibility to create environments that will not only protect them from harm but will also give
