A Few Thoughts

A recent article reminded me of something I have said many times in the past. If Master and I were blessed with a daughter, I have said this. I tell all my friends who have daughters the same thing. I will never allow my daughter to dance at the even I did. A advise friends of the same thing with their daughters as well. Not for any narcissistic fear that the new generation of dancers would surpass my accomplishments or because I fear they maybe better than me or more talented. No, not those reasons at all. I say this because of the darker side of things.
I'm not speaking of the evils and danger of people like Abby Lee Miller, although she may be reason enough. What I speak of is much darker.
In ant art form that is as physical as dance, as body centric or that requires the body to be positioned in perfect ways, there is a dark side. Gymnasts, figure skaters, dancers all require the body to be bent, legs lifted, backs arched, chest out, bottom held tightly. Many times that requires a coach or instructor to put their hands on the young female body. Many of these coaches are male. These touches can, at times, be inappropriate.
It is the responsibility of those who have experienced these "positioning adjustments" to speak out. For me, these touches started what turned into years of molestation and rape. Parents, friends, even partners were unaware of the actions. The dancer is often embarrassed about their perceived failure as an artist for needing the adjustments.
The article I read calls for the US gymnastics association to bring these issues to light, but why stop there? It is past time for ALL the associations involved with these young artists to stand with their athletes and fight these tactics.