What a Dance Mom Said To Me That Broke My Heart

Last week was our first week back to in person dance classes since March. It was a big day; I was excited, the dancers arrived excited, we were raring to go.

But then just as I was about to start class, a dance mom pulled me aside and told me her daughter had a meltdown before coming to class - she went to put on her leo and tights, looked in the mirror and said ‘I look fat’. 

This dancer is 6 years old. My heart broke.

Yet, it’s a familiar heart break; how many times have I said these same words to myself before a dance class? How many times have I heard fellow dancers and friends say these words aloud before a dance class.

In the same second that my heart broke, it also surged with a feeling I can only describe as, ‘awww hell no.’

As in, ‘awww hell no, there’s no way that’s going to fly in my class’. In the same second that my heart broke, I also knew exactly what needed to be done to teach, and show this dancer that her body is strong, capable, and beautiful.

This was one of those moments where it was crystal clear why I do the work I do. Body positivity and dancer wellness aren’t enough as concepts; impacting our students to make sure they’re successful inside and outside the studio comes down to a practical application of wellness tools.

If you’re a dance teacher or studio owner without a wellness plan, now is a crucial time to get one. As we continue to navigate this pandemic, our dancers have a unique set of wellness needs - what are you doing to meet those needs?

I hear dance teachers say all the time, ‘I know this work is important, but I don’t know where to start’.

That’s exactly why I created StudioZen.

StudioZen is a monthly membership program that’s your complete guide to dancer wellness. You’ll see happier and healthier dancers in just 30 days.

Each month you’ll have access to a new bundle of resources that center around an element of dancer wellness. The resources will show you how to incorporate the thinking, being, and doing of wellness with your dancers, so you know exactly how to start.

How would it feel to stop wasting time searching Pinterest, Google, or Facebook groups for tips on how to start?  What would it be like to stop losing sleep to racing thoughts, wondering what more you could be doing? Would it be great to finally be able to answer that nagging voice in your head (am I doing enough?) with a resounding ‘YES’?!

Plus you’ll have access to trainings from special guest experts (like Lauren Ritchie and Nicole Sabella), to keep you inspired, and you’ll be building community with like-minded dance educators and studio owners!

StudioZen begins in November, for only $47/ month, but I’m offering special Founding Member pricing for a limited number of folx! When you become a Founding Member, you’ll pay just $27/ month for the rest of the year! There’s less than 10 spots left to lock in Founding Member pricing! Click below to save your spot!

As teachers, our hearts break when we can’t help a student. But with the right tools, we can take that heart break and turn it into confidence; you can be the teacher your students need right now and give them the tools that will serve them for a happy and healthy lifetime.

What questions do you have about the program? Leave them in the comments below and I’ll get back to you!