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SUBMITTED OCT. 14, 2011

No, Talent On Parade will never let "Dance Mom's" film at a TOP competition. That is a question that has been asked several times and I want to put it out there in case anyone else was wondering. I knew from the first I heard of this TV show, that whoever would let this crew come and videotape for a reality show was out for free promotion. Not that seeking free promotion in itself is a bad thing, but this type of “free” promotion does come with a price, evidenced by the negative light now being cast on anything "Dance Mom's" related in the dance competition world. The show does not portray the "real world" of dance competitions as a whole. Instead it takes what is a tiny percentage of this industry and stereotypes it as a whole. Anyone who has watched any reality show knows that they rarely go after the good because good does not sell. TV producers are out for ratings to lure advertisers. Reality TV generally shows the worst possible situations and makes them even worse with editing and final cuts of only the juiciest bits. I would never, never, never let them come into our venue and make mockery of an industry that I hold so dear. I am even more appalled now that reality TV has children as the center of their game. The show is using young kids, their talent, their tender hearts and youth to make mockery of the dance teacher, the parents and the competitions that have opened their doors to them, in turn making mockery of a whole industry. I’ve heard rumors of a boycott against the competitions that have opened their doors to filming. That is certainly a choice one could make. But I believe what one should do is boycott the TV show itself. If there are no appalled viewers then there is no show and no one will have to endure the stereotype that has been placed on all of us. Also, I believe all dance competitions should now boycott any future filming at their comps. Free promotion is worth nothing in this scenario and without legit dance competitions to film at the show would not continue. Eric and I were on vacation a few weeks ago and I got into a conversation with a boutique owner who asked what I did for a living. I told her I was a dance competition owner and director. Most of them time people don't understand that, oh but she did. She said "OMG, just like Dance Moms". I spent the next 10 minutes explaining and even bought a shirt that I didn't really love just so her last impression of me wasn't "Dance Mom's". I wrote before that Dance Moms portrays a small percentage of Moms or even Dads for that matter. But, they are out there. They are also at soccer, softball, piano lessons, little league football, ice skating, gymnastics, etc. If we don't stop this now our TV will be full of a whole series of “Mom” shows, Soccer Mom's, T-ball Mom's, Wrestling Mom's. Turn off this TV show now and say no to the show, not to the dance world it portrays. Let's also use this show as an example by putting children's dance competition in perspective this season. Teach our kids it not about what place you get, it's about having fun and building memories. I have always said that less than 3% of the dancers we see on stage will make this their life's career. For most of those beautiful, tenderhearted kids it is a childhood hobby. Let's make sure that we create memories this season that are nothing like Dance Mom's the reality show, but instead are memories that will make your child and students smile 10, 15 or even 50 years from now.

SUBMITTED AUG. 31, 2011

Dance is everywhere....So You think You Can Dance, Dancing With the Stars, America's Next Dance Crew, Glee and now Dance Moms. I think some of these shows give dancing a huge uplift. So You Think You Can Dance has introduced a generation of kids to all kinds of dance. I believe this year at nationals we saw first hand the growth in the number of male dancers. It is becoming cooler and cooler to dance if you are boy. It is also slowly becoming recognized as a sport, not just for girls, but for boys too. Both SYTYCD and Dancing With the Stars has shown the world just how tough it is to be a good dancer. These two programs have shown the world the hours that it takes to perfect a routine. It has shown the many styles and varieties that are out there. It opens viewers and potential dancers up to the idea that although fun, dance takes a lot of hard work and dedication. America's Next Dance Crew has really focused on the current generation of dance. Hip Hop, Urban Street, Pop and Lock, Breaking, whatever you call it, viewers see the passion and teamwork that is associated with this "new" or cultural style of dance. I think this show really focuses on the team spirit of dance. Glee has reintroduced the Broadway dream to millions of dancers. It can be controversial, and is wide open about issues that our teens and their friends deal with everyday. I would not recommend Glee for younger audiences, but for teens with stars in their eyes, and dance moms, I think it can be a great catalyst parent/child conversations and discussions. I did use the term "dance moms" in my last sentence didn't I? You know who you are, and you are probably reading this. How does the new TV show by that name make you feel? I have only been able to watch about 10 minutes of each episode. I have been asked, "Do you ever see anything like this for real?" I would be lying if I said no, Sadly, I have seen teachers and moms both that could go head-to-head in a spin off of this show. Is it the norm? Absolutely not! If it were I would not be able to be in, or stay in, the business. I truly hope that the show loses it's following soon. I do not think it is good for any of us in the dance world. How about this season we all focus on raising the bar on what a good dance mom/teacher really is.

SUBMITTED NOV. 5, 2010

Hello all, back from a much needed off-season break. I recently had a dance teacher call me about a touchy subject. The question...."What constitutes stealing choreography?” She had been teaching in the studio and added an ending pose similar to what she had seen at a dance show, modified of course. One of her teen students was concerned that they were stealing choreography. “Are they”, she asked? It was modified, not even the same amount of people, different song, just liked the concept and went with it, adapted it, made it her own. My opinion is this…I think that with TV, YouTube, online videos, etc., imitation is indeed the best form of flattery. Now, do I believe in someone taking a routine or even a combo step-by-step is right, no way! But, where do artists in the dance world get their ideas and inspiration.....from other artists of course. I decided to do some research and see who really created some of those dances and dance moves we all see and we all do? I decided to go for the “mother ship” (to quote a friend) of dance: Ballet. Ballet began in the fifteenth century (1400's) in Italy. It was all male (how sad that it is so much the opposite theses days), and it was an improvisational form of the sport of fencing.

SUBMITTED MAY 11, 2010

Well, regional season is over and done and we look ahead to two exciting nationals. I want to thank my amazing staff, Ryan, Nikki, Don, Brenda, Bree and Matt who hung in for 21 shows and 14 weeks on the road. You are all "the best". Scott, Tiffany, John, Eva, Jen, Jess, Cammi, Mindy, Beth, Bonnie, Kristine, Emily, Terri, Adrian, Bethany, Jennifer, Shelly, Calvin, Rick, Sam, Brandon, Becky, Audra, Chrissy… although not with us every weekend, having you with us added spice and even more fun. Yes Kyle, I left you out… thank you for putting up with this crazy business for most of your 16, ok 17 years (next week). We are proud of you! You have stepped into full adult responsibilities at the shows and in the office when needed and have even kept the laundry under control on weekends we are gone. Yes ladies, he does laundry!!! We love you! We are blessed to have all of you as part of TOP! This year has truly been the smoothest year for Eric and I and it is due to the great people who make it happen each weekend. No Drama, no moods, no attitude! We LOVE you all! Many ask me about our adventures on the road. Some of you might not know that we drive to about 95% of our shows, which truly makes this a tour for us. Here is a recap of the 2010 regional season!

SUBMITTED DECEMBER 21, 2009

Well, it’s approaching that time of year again…we’re gearing up for a new season, our 13th. I can’t decide if I should dread the 13 (my mother was very superstitious), or embrace it. I have decided instead to "celebrate" it by remembering all the wonderful memories and anticipating the exciting future that is to come. Most mornings I spend a little time checking emails and this morning as I respond to friends I have made from coast to coast I am reminded just how thankful I am for all of the friends we have made in the past 13 years. This morning I visited with a dance teacher in DC, San Francisco and St. Louis, and shared thoughts and ideas with a fellow competition director in LA. When we started this business, our circle of friends was concentrated in the Midwest. Now, although we don’t yet do shows on the East or West coasts, our small network has expanded to include so many wonderful professional and social friends nationwide. I am blessed to be a part of this crazy dance world.