A Script for Dance Parents

I love competitions.

There is so much excitement, dedication, and love wrapped into the performances.

There is also a wide and wild range of emotions that predictably show up.

Dance (and sport) parents can often feel the urge to help, fix, validate, or questions their child’s performance.

I will never forget Dr.Matt Brown telling a group of dance parents their only job is to love on their child- hard. 

• "I love watching you perform."

• "You've worked so hard.

• I am so proud of you."

• "I love watching you light up the stage with your passion & joy"

That's it!

Parents get to be their child's #1 fan.

Post-performance reflection and feedback are an important part of growth and development AND well-trained coaches will facilitate this learning with the dancer at an appropriate time.

After a performance or big competition day, most dancers are mentally and physically exhausted or overstimulated. No matter their age, each dancer will want to process and recover from their experience differently.

If your dancer wants to reflect and review with you, great!

Ask open ended questions like:

• "What went well?"

• "Tell me about...?"

• "How did you feel when...?"

You get to talk about your family values and what competition teaches you through the highs and lows. You get to explore the value of personal development beyond placements and winning.

It takes a lot of courage to perform on stage, especially knowing you are being judged while doing it. All that dancers need from their parents is unconditional love and some serious rockstar-level cheering. Great coaches will do the rest.