Now watching: Dance Moms

One of my favorite childhood memories is attending my church's Vacation Bible School (VBS) during the holidays. The daily afternoon games made it an extraordinary experience, with teams competing in various games throughout the week. I thrived on the thrill of the competition, the semi-friendly smack talk, the team spirit, and the fun, sometimes silly cheering songs. Just thinking about it makes me wish I could relive those moments.

This competitive spirit carried over into other areas of my life but came to a halt when it came to dance. I discovered that I dislike the idea of competing in my passion and art. Ironically, though, I love watching competitive dance.

I've been a fan of "Dance Moms" since I first discovered it years ago, when it featured the Abby Lee Dance Company. As a dancer just starting out, I was obsessed! I followed their journeys on and off the show, even tracking the dancers on Instagram. Seeing them grow from competitive dancers to established professionals was mind-blowing. Recently, I stumbled upon "Dance Moms: A New Era," the latest version of the show, and I've been binge-watching it ever since. The behind-the-scenes footage—intense rehearsals, tight turnarounds, dance mom drama, kids balancing professionalism with their youthful energy, overwhelmed coaches, and inspiring choreography—is incredibly captivating.

"Dance Moms" showcases how resilient and athletic dancers are. While I don't fully agree with some of the show's extreme methods, competing weekly with new choreography and frequently winning is no easy feat. This is a reminder of the phenomenal artistry and dedication of dancers. Though I still have no desire to participate in dance competitions myself, I deeply respect those who do and admire their craft.

Keep creating & sharing!

~your dancer friend