We have worked with Trey before and he is an amazing choreographer. He recently posted this letter online and we love what he has to say.
Dance Moms -
Your dancer should be in the spot/ class/ team that the teacher/owner placed them in. They are there for all the right reasons even if that “spot” isn’t what you necessarily want.
Trust the process
Dance educators show young dancers love and support by corrections, discipline, and allowing them to grow...over time. Failure is part of that growth. Not by immediate placement on the best teams in the front row. I believe in positive reenforcement, transparency, and providing the dancers with tools to improve. Not just giving them what they want or worse yet what a parent insists.
Let them learn. Trust the process. Let them earn their spot by emphasizing that they should listen to their teachers in class, pay their dues by understanding hard work, correct their mistakes, and attending their classes in body and mind. Allow them to experience failures in class. Let them learn true accountability. As they learn from those mistakes and improve, so will their spots/placement.
Also, understand that CORRECTIONS ARE NOT INSULTS, even when said out loud in front of everyone. Others need to hear those corrections as well. I deliver my personal corrections directly and out loud. But they are still the same, corrections. They are given out of love and in the spirit of getting better.
Nothing is more toxic than blame. Blame the teachers, blame the studio, blame the other dancers..etc. Let it go. Muscle up. Promote your dancer to show up to class/rehearsal on time, Take instruction and correction with a positive attitude, Apply them and work hard. They will improve. Great things will happen.
We know your child is the most special thing in your world and we want what is best for them too. Trust us!! As adults, some will become stars, some collegiate or professional dancers, others may join an ensemble, while others will hang it up. But give the studios and teachers the opportunity to lead, teach, and foster their development by trusting our decisions in order for them to make theirs.
Thank you.
Trey