I know, everyone’s talking about it. It’s all over the internet, facebook, youtube, and national TV. I’ve counted over 25 other “Mom Blogs” that have covered these pint size dancers. I guess it’s my turn to chime in.
This is a hard one for me, especially considering I’m stressing over the whole “Generation Diva” issue. If you haven’t read that post, make sure you do.
So I’m going to give you my personal take on this. I’m sure not all the ladies who write for Rock On Mommies feel the same way.
I started dancing at the age of 7. I performed on stage for the first time at the age of 8 and didn’t stop until I got pregnant with my daughter 4 years ago. I started in dance recitals, school dance concerts and moved on to cheer for an NFL team. I’ve danced on Go Go boxes, I’ve danced for professional bands, and I’ve even danced in a burlesque show. Everything inside of me screams for me perform, to dance!
I tear up watching this video every time, but not because I’m feel bad for these little girls or because I’m angry at their parents, but because of the amount of talent coming out of those little 7 and 8 year olds! Not only do these girls ooze talent, but they’re loving every moment of that dance! The last thing these girls are thinking about are the lyrics to the song.
Let’s keep something in mind. This was for a Dance competition. The only people generally at a competition are other dancers, their parents, dance instructors, and the judges. This dance was never meant for us to even see. I’m not sure who originally put it on YouTube, but I’m sure they’re probably kicking themselves now.
How many of us have caught our little kids singing a song that’s probably not appropriate? My daughter sings Single Ladies, I kissed a Girl, and Lady Gaga all the time. Hello, Disco Stick? WOW!
How many of us taught our toddlers to do the “booty” shake and when they finally learned how we clapped, we video taped and then we encourage them to do it again and again for anyone who’d pay attention.
How many have put our little girls in cute little bikinis? Just yesterday, on Leslie Gail’s MomTV Show Life Simplified, we were talking about bikinis on little girls and what ages do bikinis become inappropriate. Those of you who have been to a dance recital, you know that there are always a number of 2 piece costumes.
I’m not dismissing that there are perverts who are watching this. I’m no dismissing that it’s probably not appropriate for 7 year olds to shimmy there non exciting boobies. Oh and the little girl who bends over with her bottom in the air, eek. With that said, I love watching this video. I’ve probably watched it 10 times! I’m addicted! They’re amazing!
One quick last thing… Let’s not forget The Chipettes “performed” Single Ladies in the latest Alvin and the Chipmunks.
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Thank goodness someone finally doesn’t agree with ALL the fuss. I grew up in the dance community and it’s a world in and of itself. I grew up in a conservative area that tank tops and jeans were a major dress code violation (Seriously?! It’s Arizona). These 7 and 8 year old girls seriously have more talent in them than most girls who were born and raised in dance classes.
A dance competition is the opportunity to portray technique and showmanship. Would there be any fuss if this same exact routine were performed to an Ace of Base song in full body unitards? Betcha it wouldn’t.
I’m too flustered to try and make a whole post about how some people are reading WAY too far into the video and it’s sexy insinuation.
I love you Jess! I’ve thinking about this for a few days. Tonight I was finally brave enough to hit Publish!! These little girls are AMAZING! My husband watched it and we both agree that if Lil L does something similar we’d be very proud of her!
I also threw my hat in the ring last night on my blog and I totally agree with you – these girls are extremely talented. I’m disappointed that it wasn’t showcased in a more appropriate way for girls their age. My post also discusses the context of the dance competition but I have a little different take on it – I think that context doesn’t change core definition of something – I guess I’m saying that if there are places that something is appropriate, then the context of the situation doesn’t change WHY it is inappropriate and just because it has become the norm or the standard amongst a group of like minded people, does not erase the fact that it is inappropriate for a reason.
I realize that I take a stronger stance than many on this but no my DD doesn’t and hasn’t ever had the opportunity to sing to any of those songs, and no, I’ve never video taped my daughter shaking her bootie, and I’ve never, nor will I ever put her in a bikini. This is something my husband and I talked about even before any of our children were born. I myself wouldn’t shake my booty sexually in front of my kids… you can dance without having air sex
The distraction of pop culture is just that – a distraction – I’d rather my kids not emulate what they see before they are able to interpret them within the context of the values and beliefs that I cross my fingers and throw a pinch of salt over my shoulder, will reach them! 
The day my DD is old enough to decide on her own whether to wear a bikini I’ll probably die a little bit inside but I’m not stupid enough to think it won’t ever happen…. ugh it’s a tough job and we are all just doing the best we know how!
Fiona, first let me start by say you’re one of my favorite bloggers and I love and admire everything you said in your post and in your comment here. You’re right, we all have a tough job and we are doing the best we know how! Thank you so much for your input and on that day your DD is ready for a Bikini I’ll go with you guys and hold your hand.
I literally JUST said that same thing. Well…I said to Husfriend that if we had a little girl in a routine of that caliber I’d be the happiest mama on the whole planet.
T, I really respect you for putting your viewpoint out there. It’s not easy given all the flacknod out there about this vid.
These girls are SO so so talented and obviously love to dance. I completely get being wowed by the performance and what went into it, ESPECIALLY if you’re a dancer yourself.
I can’t deny that the video jeeves me out a little. Mainly b/c the dancers seem so “sexualized” in my opinion, you know? I feel like the girls don’t know the difference (yet), but the adults who chose the choreography and costumes DO know the difference.
I think you’re awesome for sharing this post.
XO!
I totally sound like one of “those” moms, don’t I?
OH MY GOSH! You are so one of “those” moms! Just kidding. There is a line and I understand that it’s possible that the Choreography could have pulled it back a little. Ok, maybe a ton, but gosh darn it I love that little dance and those little dancers.
Let me just start off by saying, I am no angel. I think anyone in my life can attest to that.
But I am very careful with what my little ones are exposed to. My kids haven’t seen this video even with all the talk on the radio and on TV. They asked a few times. I told them it wasn’t appropriate. They asked a few more times. I said no again. Then they moved on to bugging me about something else. Ice cream, I think.
Even my older two, both girls, were skeeved (Thanks for the word, Deb) by the choreography and they’re 18 and 21… and definitely not angels, either.
The “little single ladies” are talented, no denying. But showcasing it this way (or rather, the adults in their lives doing so) seems exploitive. It reminds me of the saying, “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.” There are plenty of examples of kids that are incredibly talented dancers that are not doing the air hump, and certainly not at this age. I just… I just don’t get why the parents and choreographers had to go THIS far. How bad did they want to win?
I’m not going to assume that these kids aren’t as talented in the classroom, but I wonder if their parents are cheering for them when they get up every day, strap the backpack on, and go into school to learn new math moves or how to diagram a sentence.
I’m thinking no.
Love you, T! Thanks for sharing your dancer’s heart and your perspective.
Thanks Ladies! You’re so right Sugar, this really is a perspective from my dancer’s heart. This is a really difficult one for me. While I see and totally get everyones point of view it’s just hard for me to judge where the line is. Maybe a conservative costume with the same routine or maybe the 2 piece costume with a more conservative routine. I changing it either way would have kept this video from getting the attention it has.
Phew. I’m glad I don’t have a girl.
I agree that the dance could have been done differently, even the costumes. There are other ways to showcase their talents.
I guess now that I’m a mom, I’m a hypocrite. I used to dance as well (though not that sexulaized and not in costumes that skimpy) but I highly doubt I would be ok with my daughter dancing like that.
Just like everything, times have changed… the singers and idols that are around today do not even compare to what we grew up with. I just feel like there’s enough focus/attention/way-to-help/force kids to grow up way too fast.
What makes me cringe the most is not so much the dance, not so much the outfits… it’s the sick people out there. Again, another thing we didn’t really have to worry too much about when we were growing up.
I do appreciate your views, props mama!
What bothers me about this video is the costumes. Why on earth did they need to pick something so skimpy? These crazy talented little girls could dance their hearts out in something a bit more age appropriate. I bet if they did, this wouldn’t have blown up as much.
I just hope that later in life they aren’t tied to this video. I mean people forget, but “Oh, YOU were one of THOSE girls….” and all that.
As a dancer and performer I am keenly aware of what girls are doing and the direction that dance and cheer has taken in the past decades. I see the incredible drive of girls and their parents and the desire to take competitive dance and cheer to a level that was not even contemplated when I was young. As such, I can speak from experience and knowledge.
Caveat, I was not able to actually see the video since by the time I got here it says it it no longer available because of a copyright claim. However, I completely understand the excitement these little girls feel when they are dancing and performing. I agree that this girls likely do not understand the words of the songs they dance to or the meaning behind any of their moves. If they are like I was, it was the pure joy of dancing and the feeling of accomplishment you get when finishing a dance. Plus, the actual competition and knowing that you are one of the best is beyond my ability to explain – you just have to have been there and experienced the feeling and pride. I would hate to see anyone telling these girls that they cannnot do what they love.
However, with all that being said, I think the parents, coach and choreographer need to be responsible and make sure that dances, moves adn costumes are age appropriate. These girls do not come up with everything on their own and could not do this without the help and support of the adults around them. So, it is the adults that should be responsible and be an example for these little girls. Teaching girls self respect, modesty and class should start when they are young. If that is done then these girls will grow to understand these ideals and be proud of their actions.
I actually really appreciate your point of view on this. Those little girls are beyond amazing. I just feel like they could have taken out some of those booty moves and pelvic thrusts and STILL they would have been amazing…minus the sexuality. I think that’s the part that irks people. Even the Chipettes kept their dance a bit more tame than that.
Those Chipettes are such hussies aren’t hey Mama Kat! ;D I do agree with you about some of those moves. This was really hard call for me.
Okay so I too and a life long dancer and look at this in amazement at how talented they are. I am also a mother of a 7 year old daughter. If my kid could dance like that I wouldn’t care if there was a little botty shake in there. You can’t get away from those influences. I really didn’t see anything inappropriate in the choreography. Remember Moulan Rouge a few years ago? There was a HUGE following of young dancers dancing to the whole soundtrack, very burlesque and very much older than their age.
I think that in everything from cheer competitions to pageants to dance there is some influence of “cutesy sassiness” which is about all I will rate this dance. In all my years as a professional dancer and choreographer I can honestly say I have seen far worse. Sure maybe there were a whopping two moves that were questionable but the whole dance doesn’t deserve the scrutiny.
The costumes weren’t that bad either. Have you SEEN a dance catalog lately? Seriously questionable sometimes. I really don’t understand the hype. Their Moms should be proud, the choreographer should be proud and I have no problem showing my daughter how good you can be if you work hard at dance.
That’s my 2 cents and I am a Mom of 2 with one on the way and a dancer.