Never in a million years did I think I would have a dancer, let alone a male dancer! Now here I am, about to have the boy audition for his 4th Nutcracker!

A bit of history: I was a dancer for a good chunk of my life, and I know the ins and outs of that seasonal ballet. I had danced almost every part in The Nutcracker a female dancer could dance from the early 80’s to early/mid 90’s, Clara to Sugar Plum and everything in between.

I ran away from it for many years because my life was mostly “Nutty” (at least that is what it felt like) and I needed a well-deserved break! I would literally plug my ears when I heard the music in the malls or change the station whenever the classical radio would play just a few of those notes I knew sooooooo well. Before the time Little Bear was born, I was finally able to listen to The Nutcracker easily around Christmastime without a cringe or change of station!

Now, I’m back in the world I thought I left behind. The only difference – seeing it from a male dancer’s perspective! Similar yet so different! I have learned so much since he started dancing at a studio and it has been so long since I have been in one, I forgot how loud it can get with music from each room and a bunch of giggling girls and moms talking in the hallways. So many things have stayed the same through the years but so much has changed! I am still amazed when we go get his dance supplies. I am jealous of all the new gadgets and items I only dreamed about having while dancing.

This blog has always been a thought of mine and I finally am able to do something about it. The idea came to me when I was observing a performance of Little Bear. I am sure there are many moms like me who have a son who loves to dance! Do they struggle with reminding their studio that he is different than the girls? That he should be included in dances but not dance like a girl? Or be thought about when the idea of costumes comes around? I am still amazed how many people don’t think boys should dance, or when they do and are encouraged, I am amazed how little they (the boys) get included.

I hope this blog can help clarify some things, or open doors to some, even remind people that we need male dancers, and we should treat them the same (if not better) in this world of dance. My goal is to write down my thoughts, ideas, even mention some venues or websites that help and encourage boys to dance!

For now, I’ll be wishing my son merdé as he goes into his audition……