Famecrawler
Parents of Young Single Ladies Dancers & Competition Rep Respond To The Controversy
The group of young girls decked out in midriffs, short skirts, and black stockings shaking their groove things to Beyonce’s Single Ladies during The World of Dance competition continues to cause a stir. Was it age-inappropriate or was it just dancing?
Commenters all over the web have been voicing their opinions, including here on Famecrawler where we asked yesterday,”‘What would Beyonce say?”
A few people left positive comments commending the girls on their talent like Michelle who said: “It’s an URBAN dance competition. Maybe the choreographer went a bit far, but it’s a dance… nothing else. These girls are obviously pretty professional and dedicated to dance at an early age. They will spend their lives in a dance studio training for competitions, not on a street corner.” I agree. I think these girls rocked it and are beyond talented. I danced and did cheerleading when I was young and it’s a different culture. This type of thing passes without being sexualized. It’s been taken out of context.
Most commenters disagree, feeling that this went way too far and that the children’s parents should have stepped in. Commenter Heather told us: “The whole thing is completely inappropriate, the song, the dance, the costumes, what were those parents thinking?” Danyelle said: “The girls have talent. The song, clothes, and moves were inappropriate for their ages. Why would parents allow them to do this. It is either A – The parents didn’t even pay attention to what their kids were doing or , B – the parents wanted to win so badly they risked their daughters safety. You can’t defend this video. It is inappropriate and disturbing.”
Harsh words. The parents and choreographer have responded to the controversy. Click through to hear what they have to say.
Larry Peters, executive vice president of The Hozman Group and rep for the dance competition, thinks everything has been blown out of proportion. “There has been a great deal of controversy regarding this performance, and it has been taken out of context. It is a little sensitive now, to say the least,” he tells PopEater. “All the dance troupes do so many different dances, it is a very personal choreography and expression for every troupe and individual. These girls were amazing that day… There was NOTHING provocative about what they were doing”
Melissa Presch,the mom of one dancer told Inside Edition: “I’m shocked, quite frankly, that people would suggest such things and say such things about 8 and 9 year old girls.”
Cory Miller, a father of one of the children said: “As a father, when you’re watching your kid, no. You’re looking at it as a proud kid who has really high energy, who doesn’t really know what she’s doing.”
Here’s a video from ABC News in which parents respond to this very web site’s post that the girls look like they are “ready for the boom boom room instead of romper room.” Below it is the dance video in case you missed it.
Thoughts?
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11 Comments
[...] But Famecrawler points out that a few commenters defend the sexy moves. One woman wrote, “The choreographer went a bit far, but it’s a dance… nothing else. These girls are obviously pretty professional and dedicated to dance at an early age. They will [...]
Little “Single Ladies” Pump and Grind on YouTube | Strollerderby commented on May 14 10 at 4:28 pmJocelyn commented on May 14 10 at 2:31 pmI’m sorry, but the reality is that this is the type of dancing that is going to get these girls somewhere. Gone are the days of Fred and Ginger tapping around in formal wear. All of the moves used in this routine are legitimate dance moves. It was very well choreographed and performed. Kuddos to these kiddies!!
michele commented on May 14 10 at 2:50 pmafter hearing the parents speak, on abc news, i can’t believe the cop-out answers they gave.
just because something is “pop culture” doesn’t mean that you have to subscibe to it. it’s parents like those that made pop culture the way it is. parents with no moral ethics, sheep,if you will.
why can’t eight and nine year olds be just that. kids grow up way too fast these days. the parents are just promoting promiscuity even though they choose to look the other way or just unaware of what they’re doing.
these girls looked to be good little dancers. they need not be sexy dancers. it also looks really stupid when children try to be sexy.
now that it’s on utube, they might be fueling the fire of pedifiles….now what do they say.
Hollie commented on May 14 10 at 9:41 pmI think the dancing is legit, current dance routine stuff. HOWEVER, the outfits make them look like they should be in a window in Amsterdam. If they did the exact same routine/song in pants and tank tops, or even Beyonce’s all-black leotard, it would be less creepy.
virginia ramona ramirez commented on May 15 10 at 5:25 pmthese girls have some real talent. however, the outfits could be a little more age appropriate. bottome line: go ahead girls do your thing, as long as mom says its okay!
anothermama commented on May 16 10 at 1:43 amThis is sexual exploitation, pure and simple. This is not dance; this is adult choreography, meant for an adult hip hop entertainer only, about a very adult subject. This is not ballet, or jazz, or tap or any type of real dance a little girl should be learning, or anyone should be learning who is serious about dance. This is mockery done in very, very poor style.
wsdyhgt commented on May 16 10 at 4:11 pmthey are only 8&9 years. the parents should be ashamed of them selves!!!:-[
Vaughn commented on May 18 10 at 6:53 pmThe mother in this is so pathetic. She actually justifies it because everyone else does it. It’s called parenting to which she obviously knows nothing about. You step in and say, this isn’t right, not oh, everyone else is doing it, so it must be ok.
Jess commented on May 18 10 at 10:13 pmThose parents don’t know what the hell to say in response to the negative attention the video recieved.
Clearly some of you are not familiar with what MOST dance costumes look like. These girls are not walking the streets in these costumes; they are performing with other little girls in THE SAME outfits. Dance costumes are supposed to be bright and fun, but MUST also be comfortable and easy to move in. I agree, some of the dance moves are a little over their heads, but I honestly do not believe their performance was meant to hit news like it did. It’s up to the parents to teach their children how to behave off stage.Are we going to attack the gymnast next for wearing the “skimpy “leotards while they prance around and spread their legs?
Put a helmet on. Geez.
Bianca commented on Jun 27 10 at 6:17 pmok, im 14 years old and when i was 7 i was competing competitvely at dance compitions, and i would like to point out the girls’ outfits in this video is VERY NORMAL i know this comment is late but i felt the need to state what i feel. When i was youger, my dance outfits were basically the same. We didnt dance like this but thats because this style of dance wasnt present. Now at dance compitions girls of all ages dance this way. ITS THE GENERATION. this is going to get them somewhere !!
Dance Costumes For Competition commented on Sep 13 11 at 6:42 amGreat article from you! I think Dance Costumes For Competition is an important part in our competition
It is one of the best blog I have visited! I will certainly come back!!
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