Have you ever taken a friend of your child’s to a an eisteddfod or dance class? A child who doesn’t dance? A lot of kids just do the sport their family does, and dance may not even be on their radar. It can often be an eye opening experience for everyone involved, and even make you appreciate all over again how special and different the world of dance really is.
For many of us, going to dance classes and competitions and eisteddfods and concerts, becomes so normal we don’t even think about it. We pack the clothes and makeup, practice hairstyles and quick changes and spend hours looking for the perfect music to use for routines.
But for those on the outside, it is often a very unknown world, or one that seems to be used as an excuse for not being able to go to a birthday party or out with friends. It may also be seen as a very soft sport choice compared to soccer or surf club or whatever the friends are involved in. It’s all just pretty costumes and lots of makeup right?
That is until you take them into that secret world and give them a peek at what dance is really all about. Let them watch a dance class and see how hard it is! Dance is very physically demanding and disciplined. A routine doesn’t just appear. It takes weeks and months and years of learning steps and practicing routines until they look seamless. Take them to an eisteddfod and show them how competitive it is, and how talented and committed some of the dancers are. You might be pleasantly surprised by their responses and questions. On the occasions I did this the reactions were always positive and you may find they come away with a whole new understanding of what your child does all week and a new respect for the work involved. They may even want to try it for themselves!
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