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Date Posted: 05:03:07 03/31/02 Sun
Author: AnotherMom
Subject: A couple of hints
In reply to: Scared to say 's message, "Disabled Dancers" on 06:26:19 03/27/02 Wed

I would agree that the right school and teacher is paramount, but sometimes even a highly competitive school is still "child centered" and open to the non-competitive dancer. And strange as it may seem, even a dancer who will never be competitive (I have a child in this category) enjoys being associated with "winners". If you have a school with a "family feeling" your son may enjoy being a winner by association. My daughter has great fun as chief fan of her dancing friend who is a world-competitor.

Hint number one: see how friendly and welcoming the other moms are,that will give you a clue! Does this school have the spirit of enjoyment and sociality or is it so competitive the dancers are even competing among themselves?

Another hint: As a teacher I have found that children are far less competitive in multi-age groupings than when they are all the same age. A class that includes kids from 7-17 would generally be a more forgiving and understanding group than a class with kids all 7 and 8, for example. One of the schools in our area includes people of all ages (even adults) in the same class. I can see they all have a lot of fun together.

And one thing you may wish to keep in mind is that if someone of any age is learning the steps so they can dance at parties and festivals and for their own enjoyment, then competition doesn't have to be included at all.

As far as speaking to a judge? NEVER. Irish dance competition is serious business. Not like competition at the YMCA; more like a major sport competition at college level! Though there is a more relaxed atmosphere among beginners and novices at the younger age levels, there are firm rules about the competition(and one is never approach a judge). And, to be fair, considering that there are a continuum of children from physically disabled (like your son) to able-bodied but disabled in terms of ability to grasp rhythm or hear, or memorize steps, to those who have real talent...it would not go over with the other parents or be fair to the other children for you to try and step between your child and the fair outcome of the competition.

I think you should let your son give it a try, though! There are lots of wonderful benefits to Irish Dance outside of competition.

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Replies:

  • I think *AnotherMom* has put it very well. Similarly the level of competitiveness is very variable in my kids' school ie some kids are at Oireachtas level and some never go to a feis at all. In fact the non-feisers are in the majority. All kids get the chance to do exhibitions if they want. The important fact is that our TCRG treats everyone fairly and equally, so look around and I'm sure you'll find a suitable school. Good luck! -- Justamum, 07:33:08 03/31/02 Sun
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