Tiny Dancers, Big Problem: Unveiling the Sexualization of Young Performers

 

Ohio University

A performance piece from the School of Dance at Ohio University.

Dance.

A form of creative expression through physical movement that includes rhythmic movements that accompany music.

Creative expression. Physical movement. Sexualization?

Historically, dance has been used in celebrations and religious observances. It has played an important role in human societies since ancient times and continues to evolve and develop today. Dancers might communicate emotion through dance or use it to enjoy the experience of being in a physical body. See, not all forms of movement are dance. In order to meet the dance definition, a movement needs expressiveness rather than just functionality. 

Dance has embodied both cultural and personal narratives, yet it is frequently reduced to a spectacle of sexuality in popular media.

So, what is the root of the recent sexualization of dancers? 

Social media? Television? Music? All of the above.

From music videos and advertisements to reality television shows and films, dancers--particularly women--are often portrayed through a lens that emphasizes their physical appeal, rather than their skill, artistry or creativity. It is the media representations of dancers that tend to contribute to the sexualization of their bodies.

Unrealistic Standards from the Professionals

The professional dance industry sets the standard at a young age. And typically, this standard revolves around body image.

In American classical ballet, it is an unspoken rule that a successful ballerina be extremely thin to make her limbs appear longer and her body appear weightless as she leaps, spins and glides across the stage. The culture of ballet is so consumed with physical perfection that the term "ballet-body" was coined to describe the unachievable beauty standard that's become so normal in the dance world.

Depositphotos

This is an example of a "ballet-body," according 

to George Balanchine.

A "ballet-body" is one that is toned, muscular, thin, lean, curve-less and flat-chested. In other words, unrealistic and, frankly, dangerous for most people. This is the same standard that continues to lead dancers to eating disorders and extreme dieting. 

This wasn't always the case.

Many believe the shift in ideal body type and increase of immense pressure to meet beauty standards began with George Balanchine in the 20th century. Known as the father of American ballet, Balanchine created more ballets than any other choreographer in the world--all with a specific and unrealistic type of dancer in mind. He expected his dancers to conform to the "ballet-body," and if they didn't, they wouldn't be cast in his performances.

Balanchine's legacy on American ballet will last forever--as will his contribution in creating the 'ideal female dancer' and objectifying women.

From here, objectification of female dancers has only spread. There are serious concerns about exploitation in commercial dance, particularly regarding revealing costumes and sexually suggestive choreography in music videos and commercial performances. 

These are the kind of movements that young dancers are observing and, more importantly, mimicking.

The Jungle: Exploring the Impact of Dance Competitions

The competitive dance scene is a world of its own. Some may even say a jungle, with tights growing from trees and the smell of hairspray lingering. 

Within the jungle, there are hundreds of dancers, ages 6 to 19, scrambling around to change from one costume to the next, while others stretch in the corners awaiting their time to pounce.

As these dance competitions continue to multiply in both Canada and the United States, so does the amount of sexualized choreography. The bodies of girl dancers are increasingly constructed as sexual objects, which is highly problematic for the development of girls' self-identities, body image, psychological health and overall wellbeing.

IMDb

An episode from "Dance Moms" features the young girls performing extremely sexual

movements while wearing an inappropriate and revealing costume.

There is a growing backlash against hyper-sexualized routines performed by minors at dance competitions. It is especially prevalent in jazz and hip-hop routines but can be seen in other genres of dance as well. Young girls, dressed in tiny shorts and what practically appears to be a bra, strut around the stage and pose in positions that accentuate their breasts, hips and butts. And for who? An adult's entertainment?

The persistent presence of sexualized images of women in media is not a new phenomenon. But, the sexualization of children, especially in dance, is part of a wider cultural issue that emphasizes sexuality for children in ways that are not age appropriate.

The controversy over age-appropriate costumes and makeup for children as young as 6-8 years old persists in today's society. There's the big question of how should young dancers be dressed? 

Maybe like children. Just a thought.

TikTok Takeover

As much as critics blame reality TV shows, like "Dance Moms," for normalizing sexualized performances by young dancers, it is the social media platforms that are causing a more serious concern.

Sexualized dance culture encourages children and teenagers to upload inappropriate videos of themselves to social media, exposing them to advances from predators. There is a connection between the public health issue of pornography and hyper-sexualized children's dance. 

Platforms, such as TikTok, are facing scrutiny for algorithms that promote sexualized dance content, including from underage performers. There are concerns about young dancers gaining followers through increasingly provocative content and debates about whether some of the choreography trends cross the line between artistic expression and inappropriate sexualization. Creativity and expression are important but so are the media representations of children.

YouTube

A TikTok dance to Jason Derulo's "Talk Dirty" features this dance 

move that clearly accentuates a dancer's butt.

The vulgar song lyrics and innuendoes to sex and drugs in the music industry are also impacting the sexual movements that are choreographed and shared on social media.

TikTok has done its best to censor or take down videos that are inappropriate, but are other platforms taking this same action, especially when it comes to dance videos?

It has gotten to a point where the protection of minors needs to become a priority in the dance world and in society as a whole. Society has become desensitized to seeing children dance in ways that are not age-appropriate because it has somehow become normalized in competitive and professional contexts.

This is not acceptable. And there needs to be a change.

________________________________________

Watch the clip from "Dance Moms" that features the 

young girls performing an 'inappropriate' dance. 

________________________________________

We the People...

As much as we readers would hate to admit it, we are attracted to the wild stories and flashy headlines that are commonly found in magazines. 

We acknowledge the fact that many of these stories are exaggerated and dramatized for entertainment purposes, but there is something so intriguing and enjoyable about sitting down to read the juicy details in the lives of our favorite celebrities. 

It's human nature. 

However, many of these magazine publications do not have the most admirable reputation. They often don't receive the same respect that newspapers receive. The question is, why? 

The New York Historical

The first issue of People magazine featured 

Mia Farrow on the cover, who played 

Daisy Buchanan in "The Great Gatsby."

People magazine released their inaugural issue on March 4, 1974 and characterized itself as a weekly celebrity and human interest magazine spotlighting the personal lives of notable and intriguing people. The first issue, flying off the shelves, had an initial press run of 1.4 million copies. Since then, it has grown into one of America's best-selling weeklies.

Reader reviews about People often mention its ability to provide an accessible, entertaining glimpse into celebrity lives with a mix of relatable stories, great photography and a trustworthy reputation for reporting accurate news without excessive negativity. 

As an optimistic person, this is something I appreciate.

Unlike other celebrity publications, People is known for its positive portrayal of celebrities, focusing on personal milestones and heartwarming stories. It prioritizes human interest stories, highlighting ordinary people in its "Half Their Size" and "Heroes Among Us" features, to further resonate with the audience.

                                                    People

A beautiful photograph of Simone Biles

featured on the cover of People magazine. 

Naturally, the eyes of any reader are drawn to photographs rather than large paragraphs of words. That's why journalists write the way they do. That's why most news stories you read include intriguing photographs that compliment the story. Readers appreciate the abundance of high-quality celebrity photos that appear in each issue. People strives to incorporate images that are attractive and pleasing to the eye, but it doesn't lack in the literary element in any means.

The writers for People, in general, use a conversational and friendly tone to simulate a chat over coffee with a good friend, specifically the one that spills all the details. Celebrity, movies, music, crime, food, health, travel. The grand variety of topics ensures that there is something for every type of person. 

Additionally, the opinion pieces, both articles and reviews, are authentic and thoughtful. The delivery is enlightening and honest, some of the principle values of any opinion piece.

Tom Wyman 

People released an exclusive feature on John Stamos titled,

"I'll Be A Fun Dad," to announce his baby on the way.

Most importantly, the content is organized in an easy-to-read fashion. The layout and writing style are considered user-friendly, making it a quick and enjoyable read for those on-the-go. Each page contains a creative mixture of text, graphics and pictures that contribute to the overall theme and brand of People.

And that brings me to my final point. 

This publication has created a name for itself and a reputation that many admire, myself included. We the people enjoy reading about the people. 

This magazine is quite literally built on this foundation. 

Obituary for Alton Jones Latchum Jr.

Alton Jones Latchum, Jr

Alton Jones Latchum Jr. died suddenly on Jan. 23, 2022, at the Bayhealth Hospital in Dover, Del. He was born in Salisbury, Md. on April 28, 1941, to Alton Jones Latchum Sr. and Edna Lucile Latchum Taylor; and his stepfather, John M. Taylor. Latchum graduated from South Hagerstown High School in 1959. He proceeded to earn an associate degree from Hagerstown Community College in 1961. 

Latchum spent his young adult years as a lifeguard on the beach at Ocean City, Md., fitting in perfectly with his bright blonde hair and tan skin, before beginning his career in sales and marketing working with a national company, Hanes Hosiery. He then worked as a store manager for an appliance dealership in Seaford, Del. With an entrepreneurial mindset, Latchum started his own used appliance sales and service business in 1980 that he continued up until his death. 

A passion for collecting antiques and attending auctions led him to meet his beautiful wife, Anna Collins Latchum. The two were married in their quaint home on April 28, 1984. Latchum was blessed to have five daughters and 24 grandchildren who he devoted all his time too. He was honored to have his last grandson named after him, going by the nickname A.J. When he wasn't working, Latchum enjoyed listening to music from the 50s and 60s and attending car shows. Latchum took great pride in his collection of Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 twin turbo sports cars, owning three rare models.

A reliable and loyal man, Latchum was the type of person you could count on for anything. He was smart, physically active and determined to provide for those he loved. He enjoyed telling jokes, sharing stories and making those around him smile. He found joy in the travels with his family and cherished the memories he made on each vacation and cruise. His presence will be missed dearly in the lives of his family and friends. 

Latchum is survived by his caring wife and best friend of 37 years, Anna; his siblings, Kenneth Latchum (Leigh), Dwight Taylor (Debbie), Linda Hutson (Buck), Gary Taylor (Charlotte); his brother and sister-in-law, Cosmo Gadaleta (Jodi), Margherita Lawing (Max); his mother-in-law, Angela Gadaleta; his daughters, Julie Latchum Hawkins, Jennifer Ehrenfield (Jean Pierre), Gloria Collins Cohen (Michael), Roberta Collins Myers (G.R.), Christina Latchum and his grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 31, at Torbert Funeral Chapel, 61 S. Bradford St., Dover, Del. 19904. Internment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Dover. Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com. 

A True Triple Threat

For those who have been watching since her the "Shake It Up!" days, we can all agree Zendaya has grown into a powerful figure in the acting world, an impressive feat for any Disney Channel star.

Many are often judged or constantly criticized for never being able to break out of their childish roles and make a name for themself. They are limited in the roles they are able to play because of the innocent stereotype they've had to keep up for so long.

Zendaya, however, is not letting her start hold her back.

People

Zendaya, age 14, in her first major acting

role as Rocky Blue in the Disney Channel

Series "Shake It Up!" 

She began her career as a child star in 2010, starring is major Disney Channel shows and films that resonated with the children and teenagers at that time. From there, she has appeared in huge blockbuster films, released her own music, and has received multiple awards. 

Zendaya has always been considered a widely talented actress, but it wasn't until her breakout role in HBO's "Euphoria" that she began to gain the respect of mature audiences. Her nuanced and emotionally raw portrayal of Rue Bennett, a 17-year-old struggling with mental illness and addiction, earned her multiple Emmy awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. It also showcased her ability to tackle complex characters. 

Her appearances in "The Greatest Showman," "Space Jam: A New Legacy" and "Spider-Man: Far From Home" are a testament to her well-crafted skillset.

Although she has proven her acting versatility repeatedly, some critics note that her recent film choices might not always fully utilize her acting range, with varying opinions on her performances in movies like "Dune" and "Challengers."

However, her recent character selection has been in an effort to step out of her comfort zone and grow as an actress.

"I've been playing 16-year-olds since I was 16... So it was nice to play a character that was not a child any more. Ultimately, it felt like the right time for a character like this," said Zendaya in an interview with Variety about her role as Tashi Donaldson.

Glamour

Zendaya attends the 2025 Golden Globes.

Other critics argue that she is an "overrated" actress who often plays characters that are too similar to herself, but is a fanbase of 180 million followers and a net worth of 30 million considered overrated? Just a thought.

"Zendaya is the future of Hollywood," said Hollywood Branded. 

"She's one of the strongest emotional actors of Hollywood history," said Vulture.

Besides her exceptional acting ability, Zendaya demonstrates authenticity on and off screen, allowing her to resonate with a lot of her fanbase and reinforce her positive reputation. She is known for embracing her individuality and has spoken about the importance of self-love.

Her unique fashion sense is inspiring, and her natural beauty is admirable. She is a positive influence in the industry and serves as a role model to many. 

Zendaya's work and her public persona are often seen as empowering, particularly for young women and people of color. She is not afraid to use her platform as a way to advocate for racial inequality, representation in media and women's empowerment, making her a prominent voice beyond the screen.

She creates strong connections with her audiences and has a certain star quality that isn't something you can create for yourself but rather something you are born with. She is wildly talented as an actress, singer, and dancer. A true triple threat. 

Be prepared. This is only the beginning.

Wikipedia

 

Adriana Myers in 500 Words

Artful I Photography

Performing as the Sugar Plum Fairy in EPIC Performing Company's 2021 rendition of The Nutcracker was a highlight of my high school dance career.

5, 6, 7, 8.

Point your toes, turn out your feet, shoulders down, elbows lifted, engage your core.

A constant stream of critiques flood your mind as you begin twirling across the stage. 

Remember to smile, listen to the music, follow those around you.

These are the thoughts of only one kind of person: a dancer. 

I slipped into my first pair of ballet shoes when I was four years old. As most little girls would, I felt like a princess. Let alone did I know that moment would characterize the rest of my life.

My first recital at age 4.

For the next 14 years, I found myself spending hours upon hours each evening in my second home (known to everyone else as a dance studio). I studied all kinds of genres including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, modern, hip-hop and musical theatre. So I guess you can say I was invested. 

Not only did I use dance as a means of expression and enjoyment,  I used dance to bond with those that shared the same passion. 

If you know me, you know my younger sister Gemma is my soulmate. We should've been twins in her mind, but I like being a little older so that I can make the mistakes she'll learn from. She and I have a relationship unlike any other in my life, and I don't know what I'd do without her. She tells me everything and I tell her everything (sometimes we even joke that we are too much like an old married couple). 

Since we enjoy a lot of the same people, places and things, it came as no surprise that we both fell in love with dance. This shared hobby allowed us to grow closer to one another and develop genuine friendships with girls we danced with. We spent all our time with these people, both on and off the dance floor.

My sister, best friends, and I after one of our 
final performances together.

When the COVID-19 pandemic swept across our nation, my right to enter the studio was stripped away. After a few weeks of withdrawal, my dance teacher decided to start holding virtual classes. I remember the excitement that ran through me when I finally got to turn my kitchen or foyer into a dance floor. The rest of my family wasn't as thrilled about it.

I discovered a new-found appreciation for the ability to move my body. More importantly, the ability to move my body anywhere. 

Going to college, I knew that I might not continue to dance like I had done my entire life. This was terrifying. I'd be stepping away from all I ever knew. But, I also knew that dance was always going to mean something to me.

It allowed me to find myself. I give it credit for making me the person I am today: a perfectionist who overthinks and has body dysmorphia (okay, that was a bit dramatic).

Genuinely, I thank dance. I thank my sister for inspiring me. I thank my parents for paying for all my classes, costumes and competitions. I thank my teachers who continuously pushed me to be better. I thank my friends who made it enjoyable enough to return each day.

I am the hard-working, creative perfectionist that pushes herself each day to become a better version of herself. So again, thank you dance.