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Date Posted: 09:31:24 12/02/08 Tue
Author: MW Mom
Subject: There's a nasty posting on the MW Board about the boys having it easy for worlds qualifications. Such a bummer. I really think the boys in my ds' competition are fabulous and competition is fierce. Zero margin for error in a small competition. Glad to have found this board!


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Replies:

[> We've heard similar complaints at every level of competition about my DS and other boys. It's always variations on a theme - boys have it easy. I would have more sympathy if there was some material reward for an "easier" path to success. But it's Irish dance! They get *trophies* for winning the Worlds, not multi-million dollar signing bonuses. The well-adjusted kids (and parents) are obviously in it for the fun and dancing, not fame and fortune. -- Geoff, 10:46:53 12/02/08 Tue [1]


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[> [> And while I'm thinking about it...Congratulations to all the MHoB boys for a great showing at the O last weekend! -- Geoff, 10:54:30 12/02/08 Tue [1]


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[> [> [> Yeah Geoff! A wonderfully soothing voice of reason. My son always refers to ID as a hobby and enjoys it tremendously. No university scouts/ talent agents are watching from the stands. In the great scheme of life, meet new people and friends, travel and enjoy your time dancing. -- -, 17:49:20 12/04/08 Thu [1]


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[> You are correct - my son had to be in the top 8 to even recall. Very sad to see that post - are they trying to get rid of the few excellent boys who do dance? -- DS Mom, 10:54:25 12/02/08 Tue [1]


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[> [> Let's face it - most boys have to develop a thick skin to stay in this sport for any length of time, so a few nasty posts on a message board are unlikely to change their views on dancing. They probably hear much worse from the odd malcontent in dance class. -- Geoff, 10:59:30 12/02/08 Tue [1]


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[> [> [> Dance class - how about middle and high school. My son is to a point where he doesn't tell the other boys what he is doing. He told his friends he was going to a soccer tournement instead of O - and he doesn't even play soccer anymore -- LOL!, 11:23:44 12/02/08 Tue [1]


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[> [> [> [> We've been there! My son gradually grew more comfortable discussing ID with his classmates and has even performed in his high school classes on occasion. It also helps that he has a great group of boys to hang out with at our dance school. -- Geoff, 12:14:24 12/02/08 Tue [1]


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[> [> [> [> We experienced that with older son (now grown), but younger son has had a completely different experience. His HS friends think it's really cool that he dances, and constantly ask him to demonstrate in the halls @ school. Perhaps because of his attitude--he has no problem telling anyone who might be critical that dance is cool and their opinion to the contrary is lame. -- Very fortunate., 07:43:11 12/11/08 Thu [1]


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[> Now, I'm kind of new at this, but it does seem easier for boys to qualify. However, once they get there, the dancing has to measure up. It's not like the mediocre girls can beat the best boys. Often, even the best girl can't beat the boy. Some truth to it, but -- don't need sour grapes, 11:04:15 12/02/08 Tue [1]


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[> [> It is easier for boys to qualify, definitely. That is a function of the relative numbers of boys and girls in the sport and doesn't have anything to do with "fairness" of the qualifying formula. What would be unfair, in my opinion, would be rigging the rules in order to reduce the number of boys going to major competitions. That makes no sense on any conceivable level for the ID powers-that-be, which is why the few discontented message board posters can complain till they turn blue but remain irrelevant. The rule change they seek will never happen. -- Geoff, 11:16:43 12/02/08 Tue [1]


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[> Fortunately, my ds is pretty thick skinned and ignores all kinds of stuff so he can continue doing what he loves. It's the hostility that depressed me. It's not like the boys make the rules. My ds would LOVE to have more boys competing! -- MW Mom, 11:16:56 12/02/08 Tue [1]


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[> [> I have to agree on that one - for the past 8 years, my ds has looked forward to the majors as those are generally the only comps where he has real competition. He would love to have more boys against him all the time. Luckily, he takes the nasty attacks from others on boys in stride - -- what else can you do?, 05:16:48 12/03/08 Wed [1]


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[> I really want to add this to the discussion. I've got 2 female dancers and one male. This was his first time dancing solo at the O. He's U16 and didn't start until he was 11. He didn't recall of course, but met his goals. He also met all the top tier male dancers in his age group in our region (he only knew 3 of them since he's only in PC). He was so happy that all of them were nice guys and welcomed him. Not one was stuck up. My daughters have a mixed bag in their comps. Plenty of nice ones, but plenty of prima donnas too. Just thought I'd add a thanks to all the parents of those boys for raising them right. -- momof3ids, 10:51:27 12/03/08 Wed [1]


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[> [> We had the same experience. My son also is U16. When we moved to the Midwest region the other boys his age were very welcoming. They have become great friends even while competing. It all stays on the stage, and I think their camaraderie - even at the major competitions - sets such a great example of sportsmanship. -- Geoff, 19:15:13 12/04/08 Thu [1]


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[> I have 2 DSs, I agree I would love to see more guys. The few in WR are all very nice young men that are in the 19-21 and the senior men's groups. -- Mom of 2 DSs, 17:04:47 12/03/08 Wed [1]


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[> I have found that the boys (generally speaking, there are exceptions of course) are good sports all around (see inside) -- Let's hear it for the boys!, 18:16:46 12/03/08 Wed [1]

They are nice and cordial to each other and the folks around them, they chat amongst themselves at ALL levels, with no prima donna behavior. While they are very competitive, they also cheer each other on and do their competing very good naturedly - challenging each other to do better. I find that the days of boys comps at our Oireachtas are far less stressful, catty and more low key and enjoyable than the days with the girls.


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[> [> So true, the boys are friendly with each other, root for each other, hang with each other before and after competitions--really lovely boys from each age group it seems -- boy power, 08:45:00 12/08/08 Mon [1]


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[> Being an Irish dancing guy myself, you just have to put up with those types of comments. Maybe it holds water for the Oireachtas, but I know I have to dance my best at the Worlds. (more) -- -, 09:17:52 12/06/08 Sat [1]

I try to avoid thinking in the mindset of "If only I was..", that's regret, a negative emotion, and nothing more. There are lots of things I would have liked to have had the luxury to do, but that's not reality. I'd love to have more friends that are guys at dance class, but it's not happening anytime soon. Yes, I may have an easier time qualifying at the Oireachtas, but I face the same percentages at worlds. The best any boy can do is to work on his dancing to the point that he knows he's good enough to be there that these comments don't shake him up. The great thing about the guys I've met through 13 years of dancing is that they're down to Earth people. When we're in the top ten and my placing gets called, I know the guys still waiting to be called that are shaking my hand really mean good job...no animosity; we're all in this together.


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[> [> We've seen several instances where the top boys seem like great friends and are often seen having a ball. One example are two older guys that do the treble reel comp. at Lynn feis (atlantic city) -- obviously no hard feelings there, 15:19:07 12/09/08 Tue [1]


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