Leslie Scott teaches interactive seminars on a variety of subjects to help your studio overcome and deal with effects of a sexualized culture.
Although no studio owner, dance teacher, dance parent or student enters into the
world of dance expecting it to lead to hurtful and negative experiences, this is the
unfortunate reality for many when mismanaged communication, bullying, gossip,
competition, apathy, ego, insecurity and more contaminates a once safe dance
environment.
It is not an easy fix but through healthy communication, heart healing, empathy
and forgiveness it is possible to reclaim the dance space to serve it’s original
purpose; to grow and nurture our children into accountable, confident and caring
adults and to bond family units through the art of dance and beyond!
This interactive seminar provides an open forum for parents to voice their
concerns regarding the implications of Entertainment Media, Social Networking
and the Dance environment on their child’s healthy development as well as
themselves. It is no secret that a child in dance is more likely to be exposed to
mature material and messages of their worth being in their body, sex appeal,
looks, clothes and talents and parents are left to manage the feelings and
interpretations their children have of themselves and others.
Many children access their favorite dancers, choreographers and musical artists
online through YouTube and social media. These searches also carry a risk that
the child may be exposed to adult content. Dance can also carry a heavy
element of comparison of body type, talent level, skill set etc. It is fertile ground
for friendships, self-esteem building and life skills and it can also breed gossip,
cliques and hurtful experiences. These dynamics can occur between the young
dancers but also between the parents.
Our goal is to grow our children as humans, not just dancers. Dance creates
wonderful opportunities to implement healthy boundaries and teach our children
discernment and self-esteem that will transcend into life outside the studio. I will
provide resources and research regarding the effects of sexualization of children
through dance and media, the consequences of desensitization, media literacy
tips and answer any questions regarding monitoring of Facebook, YouTube,
Twitter, Snap chat, Instagram, etc. that sometimes can feel overwhelming with
the fast growing presence of technology in all of our lives.
This seminar is focused on supporting and educating parents, NOT judging their parental choices. This is a journey and we are all in this together!
This inter-active seminar will offer insight to what is unique and special about your
child and others! We will address the effects of Performing Arts on their self esteem, the influence social networking and entertainment media has on their identity, body image, relationship with self and others and discuss what is driving their choices and feelings.
Leslie has witnessed this seminar change hundreds of children’s lives and reopen communication between children and parents. Truly powerful.
“Our studio benefited greatly from Leslie’s workshop weekend! Her material is so relevant and important, her passion and drive for change is obvious, and her energetic presentation and teaching style is magnetic! Our dancers and parents walked away from the weekend inspired, changed, and ready to make a change. We have already booked her to come out again in a few months!”
Jennifer Tell- Dance Factory