Hi Geo. What age do you think is too young to compete? - Anna
Hi Anna,
You’ve just presented me with the most challenging question I’ve had thus far! I’ve been sitting here thinking for a while and I will give you my honest opinion. I would say that ages 3-4 are too young to compete. Depending on the child, ages 5-6 years can also be borderline and questionable. I teach Hip Hop to boys starting at ages 5 -6 and last season a couple boys who were 4 years old. These classes are by far my most difficult to teach and I’m mentally drained afterwards. In my years of teaching, the jump in age from the 5-6 year-old level to the 7-year-old level changes many things as far as learning dance and performing. I don't know how keen I would be on putting a 3 or 4 year-old out onto a competition stage; the recital stage is overwhelming enough. Granted, there are some amazing little ones out there. I’ve seen some young dancers that possess a world of dance skills at 4 or 5 years old. The thing to remember is, although they may physically dance with the skill of a 7 or 8 year old, emotionally they are little kids.
Let's play out a scenario I’ve seen quite a few times at competition. A young 3 or 4 year old takes the stage in her glitz and glammy costume, big bow in her hair, and the crowd ooohhsss and ahhhsss. Music begins and the audience is all chuckling and smiling ear to ear... OMG!!! HOW CUTE!!! WOW!!! SHE'S ADORABLE!!! SO SWEEEEEET!!! A look at the judges and they are smiling as well, occasionally glancing at each other in awe of the poise of this tiny little performer. The little dancer performs a Shirley Temple-esque routine and the crowd erupts in thunderous applause. Even the judges put down their critique mics and clap. Later on the dancer receives the Ultimate Diamond Platinum Award and Teacher, Mom and Dad are ecstatic. OK... I’m no expert, but what is the message sent to this 3 year old? Can a child this young truly comprehend what’s going on here? Does this child think that they will be "judged" every time they dance? If you don’t get first place or the Ultimate Platinum, are you not a good dancer? Honestly, the child probably just wants to go home and play with her dolls.
It’s the responsibility of the parents and teacher to be aware of the emotional effect competition can have on a child this young. Every child is different, but the bottom line is they’re kids; they just want to dance and enjoy it. I think sometimes parents put their kids out there to compete for their own satisfaction and fulfillment; they’re living through their kids. That trophy may mean more to them than it does to the kid. I don't think a kid that young truly understands the meaning of it.
There are plenty of performance outlets out there. Is it necessary to put a child this young into this scenario? I’m not against it but I guess that decision is up to the teacher and the parents. If they honestly feel the child is ready, both mentally and physically, then so be it. Most competitions that I’ve worked for or attend always seem to do their best to send the dancers away feeling positive and good about what they’ve done. This is our goal as teachers and parents, to nurture and guide the next generation of dancers in a positive and constructive way. Competition is healthy and it teaches us not only about winning and losing, but about life lessons. We just need to make sure that we pay attention to how our students and children deal with these lessons. As in many things, communication is key.
Wishing you Happy & Healthy Holidays!
Be ICONic... GEOSee kids from ICON Dance Complex as they get ready for the Christmas Eve issue of gendance on December 24th, 2009
gendance gives you the chance to talk to him directly. Ignite your queries by asking for Geo’s advice. He cares. It shows. What’s your question? Tell Us Here
