Boys taking dance lessons...

United States
January 9, 2009 5:27pm CST
My son LOVES to dance and sing - anything with music, and he adores it. He knows all the songs AND most of the choreography from various episodes of the Backyardigans (a kid's show on Nick Jr.). He's 4 years old. When it came time to put his older sister back in dance, I thought he'd enjoy it as well. What I didn't expect was the fight I'd have to put up for my husband to allow it! My husband thought it was inappropriate for a boy to take dance lessons, that it was too girly, etc. The only reason he (grudgingly) allowed me to enroll our son is that he saw him dancing around to the Backyardigans, using the same dance moves the characters use. I personally don't see what the big deal is; there are so many professional male dancers and choreographers, and they are respected an admired. But there is still this stigma for young boys who love to dance - where do people think the professional males come from? What are your feelings about boys taking dance lessons, and why do you think some people have such a problem with it?
3 people like this
5 responses
Sparks
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
10 Jan 09
The stigma comes from the perception that boys in the arts are homosexual, or they wouldn't be interested in 'girly' pursuits. Balderdash! Of course there are homosexuals in the arts. So what? Doesn't mean that EVERY male is going to become gay! If your son is interested in dance, then encourage him. To deny a child the chance to explore ANY interest or passion or talent is a crime in my book. So good for you for holding your ground. My stepson used to competitively skate when he was younger. He wasn't really very good, but he loved it, and he took a lot of flack from his male friends over it. Now, he doesn't skate anymore, he plays professional football!
Sparks
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
10 Jan 09
I totally agree with you. As for my stepson, the mental discipline of skating helped him with his current occupation, but he's still a klutz! LOL And what better place to trip over your own feet, than a football field! ROFL
youngsweetheart
@youngsweetheart (772)
• United States
10 Jan 09
I think you're exactly right, sparky. My response to the possibility of my son being gay due to dancing? "Either he's gay or he's not. If he does or does not take dance lessons...it won't make any difference!" I want to encourage my kids to pursue the things they enjoy, whether they are so-called "gender appropriate" or not. And good for your son! I bet the skating probably even helped with his abilities on the field.
1 person likes this
cyberfluf
@cyberfluf (4996)
• Netherlands
10 Jan 09
I agree it is an old stigma. My two year old foster brother loves to dance and sing aswell, and I feel both boys and girls should be able to do any hobby or sport they love without having to think about which one is more suitable for their gender. Dancing builds a strong and lean body, tell your husband that, he will have all the girls he wants when he gets older ... lol. If he likes both singing, dancing and acting he might enjoy musicals at an older age too. Something you could check in to .
youngsweetheart
@youngsweetheart (772)
• United States
10 Jan 09
He does enjoy musicals; we watch them at home, listen to a lot of soundtracks (I LOVE musicals), and we even took both kids to see Phantom of the Opera when the touring cast was in town. They really enjoyed it.
1 person likes this
cyberfluf
@cyberfluf (4996)
• Netherlands
10 Jan 09
How lovely to hear, I enjoy musicals a lot too! I am going to see 'rock opera' this february which performs the music of 6 different (rock) musicals including hair and jesus christ superstar. I am so excited because the music is great and it will be performed by the Dutch Air Force Orchestra. I can't waitte!
Galena
@Galena (9110)
•
10 Jan 09
it can only be a good thing. it would build his confidence, his co-ordination, and help prevent him becoming unhealthy and obese. in a world where we hear more and more about childhood obesity and it's associated risks, any form of exercise he enjoys should be encouraged.
Kashmeresmycat
@Kashmeresmycat (6369)
• United States
9 Jan 09
Sounds like your hubby is from the old school. Certain things are allowed and certain things aren't. Boys aren't suppose to cry is another one. I think it's great that he's in Dancing. It's also a great exercise for him which actually most kids don't get. If he enjoys it that much and really grows up enjoying it, he'll make more money than anyone, plus he's doing something he really likes. What else can you ask for? And, who knows where this will lead him later on in life? Many, many opportunities here. Good luck to you and your little one! Tell hubby to ease up, he won't turn out girly.
marina321
@marina321 (4556)
•
10 Jan 09
Outline the advantages to your hubby... He may not necessarily see the good in it that you do Maybe get him to go to one of the classes and watch him too...