Thanks to Victoria Leigh for her incisive comment about ballet competitions! I agree that they tend to draw the dancer away from what is most important: becoming an artist. Since the advent of Youth America Grand Prix, a kind of competition-mania has developed in our school, and I have witnessed a disturbing trend. Our director has begun to focus almost exclusively on those few girls who can dazzle the judges with multiple fouttes and huge, somewhat insincere grins. Those with potential who cannot produce a "competition face" are fading to the background. This is unfortunate because even though our school has the reputation for producing dancers with flawless technique, we often fall short on providing the necessary development of depth and individuality which is what makes an artist worth watching.
Though Youth America started out as a "stepping stone to a professional career," it is very telling that they canceled both their Houston and Boca Raton regional competitions this spring because there was not adequate pre-enrollment to make them profitable. If it were about the art and not the profit they would have held the competitions anyway, especially since the legitimacy of Youth America is still to be proved after only two years of existence.
So, Moms and Dads, be wary before you agree to let your dancer enter one of these well-meaning competitions. More importantly, directors, please know that once you step on to this merry-go-round it will be very difficult to get off. At the very least, it will be a dizzying ride.
