"It's a form of escapism"
I have taught many boys to dance over the last 27 years and the main thing that stands out is they have all been very special but every one of them has needed so much more reassurance than the girls.
Unfortunately, they have a lot more to deal with outside of the dance studio. Some have hidden the fact they dance from their school friends which makes me sad. Some have been bullied because they dance. It's such a shame that there is still a stigma about boys who dance. Only last week, I had a 5-year-old boy join my baby class. He did half the class & was loving it. Then all of a sudden he turned around & realised he was the only boy. He looked at me with confusion and said "there are no boys" then ran out to his mum. At only 5 years old!
I find teaching boys easy & very rewarding but also quite draining as they need so much more emotional support. The dance world is definitely a place where they can find themselves and feel they're more comfortable. I just wish the outside world wouldn't be so judgmental about boys who dance.
Kelly Jane, Mum and dance teacher.