Watching 'Strictly' at the weekend made me clarify some thoughts about competition and dance (and OKD)...
Competition has become a very visible part of dance. From 'Dance Moms', social media, and dance competitions that many dance schools take part in, we're getting used to seeing dance presented as something where, ultimately, someone wins.
I'm not anti-competition. For some dancers, competing can be exciting, motivating and a brilliant experience. But at OKD, we've made a conscious choice not to make it the focus.
I've seen and heard some of the negative effects that have come from competing, often in far from ideal circumstances, and let me tell you it's not for me or the children we teach. Dreams being crushed - no thanks. Hyper awareness of your 'weaknesses' at a young age - no thanks. Music and costumes that are totally inappropriate for a child's age - no thanks.
(Not all competitions are badly run or inappropriate, of course.)
And it's not just at actual competitions - it can be in classes too. If you danced as a child, you might remember exactly where you fitted into the hierarchy of your childhood dance class. Who were the 'best' dancers (and who weren't). Who was the most flexible or whose leg went the highest. Who always got the special part or was placed centre front.
At OKD, we don't think children need competition or hierarchy in order to become good dancers. We're interested in what can happen when the other children in the room aren't your competition, but role models and friendly peers.
The child next to you can be the person who helps you remember the choreography. The older dancer you learn from. The friend who encourages you to try again. And the person whose success you genuinely celebrate too.
We still have high expectations. We give corrections. We teach technique carefully. We offer exams and create opportunities to perform. We believe children can do things they don't yet know are possible when they're taught well and supported properly.
Progress doesn't have to mean moving further up a ranking, and we just don't think another child needs to lose for yours to succeed!