How to Support Boys Who Want to Dance
Good Morning America’s Lara Spencer recently sparked an outcry in the dance community when she laughed live at six-year-old Prince George, who loves and loves ballet lessons. Spencer has since apologized, but the mocking nature of her words has struck the nerves of male professional dancers, who say the bullying they have endured is causing many boys to quit their favorite art.
Spencer then met three influential ballet dancers – a Broadway star, an Emmy-winning choreographer and ballet dancer Joffrey – who shared their experiences of dancing, despite the popular stereotype that dancing is only for girls.
“I teach young children, and boys quit smoking because of the stigma, the social stigma around the uniform,” ballet dancer Fabrice Calmels told Spencer. “Children should have the right to experience something without being bullied.”
Get interested in their passion
Encouraging boys who want to dance really starts at home, writes Scott Gormley, independent film producer, director of the documentary Dance and the dancer’s father, for HuffPost :
Most boys who dance ballet face tremendous resistance – from their families, friends and society at large. I’m also proud to be in the minority: according to Doug Riesner, a dance professor at Wayne State University in Detroit, only 32% of male dancers say their fathers support their dance. Riesner’s research shows that mothers play a critical role in initially introducing their sons to dance and then in supporting their dance learning. But most of the boys who dance do it without the support of their fathers.
Because of the bullying, they will almost certainly get an extra effort from their peers at home to support their passion. Encourage dance in your home by creating a special dance space, even if it just requires moving furniture back to make room for practice.
You can also host ballet movie nights with a large bowl of popcorn and a selection of dance movies ( this list will get you started ). See ” So You Think You Can Dance Together With Your Family.” And if possible, take them to live in your area.
Find a role model
Robbie Fairchild, a ballet dancer, Broadway performer and cast member in the film version of Cats , told Spencer that his childhood idol was Gene Kelly.
“I wouldn’t be where I am without Singin ‘in the Rain on videotape to watch on TV,” says Fairchild. “It was a turning point; I thought, “He does what I do – what I want to do – and he makes it so cool.”
Kids need someone to look up to – someone as cool as Gene Kelly or Robbie Fairchild – or even a male instructor at your local ballet school. A role model can help your child imagine how dance can be a part of their future.
While all of this support is critical for boys who want to dance, it can really apply to any sport, art, or activity, especially if your child’s interests are considered non-traditional for their gender.