Ballet Moms vs Dance Moms

After explaining to my daughter,

when she wanted to purchase
a sparkly key chain with
"Dance Mom"
on it for me,

that I am in no way, shape, nor form
a "Dance Mom,"

I still had to have the manager of the
ballet/dance clothing store
back me up on this point.

And, this all occurred months before
the Lifetime show, "Dance Moms."

Now that the show is so popular,
even among the "Ballet Moms,"
there apparently needs to be a
"vs" list in order to distinguish
between the two types of personalities.

Normally, I am not one to generalize,
but these are just some observations-
and I do realize
that there are always exceptions.


Dance Mom vs Ballet Mom


1) Obnoxiously Loud vs Quiet and Observant

While "Quiet and Observant,"
we are willing to stand up for what is right-
we are still "Moms," after all.


2) Fighting vs Discussions

with the Dance and/or Artistic Director

Face it,
at the end of the day,
in ballet,
the Artistic Director,
being artistic
and having many years
of experience
in the ballet world,
is always right,
whether one agrees or disagrees.

One must always remember
that the ballet world
is a very small world;
burning one's bridges
is not a good thing,
especially for the dancers.


3) Fighting vs Discussions
with other "Moms"

Most of my "Mom" friends
encourage each others
dancers with both
words of advice and praise.

If things start to get too personal,
usually at least one will walk away,
if not both parties,
until heads have cooled
and until that happens,
avoidance is a useful tool.


4) Skimpy costumes vs ballet costumes

Realizing that ballet wear for class
is just a leotard and tights,
in order for teachers to see that
proper alignment is occurring,
most ballet studios require
that clothing be worn over the ballet wear
whenever outside the studio.

Another rule about ballet costumes
is that costumes remain backstage
or covered when not on stage.

Costumes are meant to enhance
the character of the dancer and the dance;
they are not to be a character itself.


5) Competitions vs Shows

Although there are a few ballet competitions,
meant to find talent,
most are closed to observers.

Most ballet companies perform
two or three
shows or stories
per year
and
most of the year
is dedicated to rehearsals.


6) Recitals vs School Shows

Although many ballet studios
have other types of dance as well,

the end of the school year
performance is considered
a "school show" and the word
"recital" is very reluctantly used.


7) New vs Traditional

Ballet has a long history and tradition.

Many in ballet are proud of this fact.