“–so long as I get SOMEWHERE,” Alice added as an explanation. “Oh, you’re sure to do that,” said the Cat, “if you only walk long enough.” ~{Lewis Carroll}

Do we need our ’11 year old’ to be in the advanced class? What is the hurry when it comes to children and ‘success’.

If I could reassure us all of one thing…rushing progress does not make a better life in the long run.

Burn out is common among child prodigies, injuries are plentiful and egos are shattered. Let’s constantly remind our child/student to slow down and stay well rounded.

Trying different styles, trying different past times and even taking a year off, are all worthwhile.

I have taught heaps of children over my 30 years as a teacher and choreographer…and time and time again I am reminded of the story of the the Tortoise and the Hare.

Slow and steady really does win the race. Here’s the thing, there’s not even a race…its imaginary. I have seen well rounded children succeed so much more than the ones with the ‘pushy’ parents (and teachers).

It’s heartbreaking to get a complaint from a misinformed parent regarding their child’s ‘dream’ of dancing a solo at 7 years old, being ‘crushed’. It’s heartbreaking to see a Director put growing children in a class that’s too advanced.

Having a solo and stroking an ego does not make an artist; collaboration and time does.

I love the Arts, I love teaching and as I take a break from it all I see more clearly than I ever did before. Let’s Slow down, lets not get caught up in the hurry of it all.

There’s a long beautiful life to be had.