Why Your Dancer’s Position in a Routine Might Not Be What You Expect (And What You Can Do About It)
As dance parents, we all want the best for our children. It’s easy to get caught up in the frustrations of seeing your dancer placed in the back row, or not chosen for that troupe or competition. You might ask: “Why isn’t my child chosen for this or that?” or “Why is she getting pointe shoes and mine isn’t?” It’s completely normal to want the best for your dancer, but before shooting off an email or venting to fellow dance mums, take a moment to consider the bigger picture.

Understanding the Science Behind Positioning in Dance Routines

When it comes to where a child is placed in a routine, there are many factors at play. A dance group is a team, and every team member has a role to play. Dance teachers make these decisions with a clear goal in mind: to create a performance that highlights each dancer’s strengths.

For example, the front row isn’t just about who is the best dancer technically—there’s a lot more to it. A dancer with excellent technical ability may not always be the best choice for the front row if they have trouble with timing or controlling their nerves. Some dancers thrive when they have someone to follow, and others are best placed where they can lead confidently. A child’s ability to perform under pressure is key in determining whether they are positioned in the front row or further back.

Additionally, a child’s skill level can determine their position. For instance, if a routine involves a specific skill, like a left-side aerial, the dancer who can perform it will likely be placed on that side of the formation. Height and choreography patterns also play a role—taller dancers might find themselves at the back, while shorter dancers may be on the ends of the line.

It’s About Teamwork

The dance floor is like any other team-based environment. Each dancer has a unique role, and sometimes this means your child will be positioned where they can best contribute to the overall success of the group. Understanding this team mentality can help put things into perspective when the positioning isn’t what you’d hoped for.

So, What Can You Do?

1. Ask Yourself: Is This Disappointment Yours, or Theirs?

Children are often very aware of where they stand in class. They may already know why they’re in a certain position and have accepted it. But when parents vocalize frustration over their child’s placement, it can create pressure and confusion. Instead of focusing on the position, encourage your child to reflect on how they can improve. Teach them to embrace their current role and challenge themselves to reach new goals.

2. Help Your Child Set Goals

One way to shift the focus is to help your dancer set specific, achievable goals. These goals could range from improving flexibility to mastering a particular dance move. Helping your child break down their big goal into smaller steps keeps them motivated, and as they see progress, their confidence will grow. For example, if their goal is to improve their splits, you can encourage them to stretch regularly at home and track their progress.

Bonus Tip: Encourage your child to make the most of their time at the studio. If they have moments between classes or during rehearsals where they aren’t directly involved, suggest they use this time for stretching or working on their goals. All these small efforts will not go unnoticed by their teacher.

3. Be a Supportive Presence at Home

Create an environment at home where your child feels empowered to work on their weaknesses. Help them to practice the corrections they’ve received in class, and encourage them to approach their teacher for advice on how to improve. Whether it’s extra stretches, private lessons, or additional classes, their teacher will notice the extra effort, and that can lead to future opportunities.

4. Trust the Teacher’s Process

If your child feels upset about not being in the front row or not being included in a certain section of the dance, take the time to listen to their concerns. After they’ve expressed their feelings, gently remind them that their role in the team is important, and the teacher’s choices are based on creating the best performance for the whole group. Sometimes, the role of being in the back row or having a certain position can give them a different perspective on their performance, and this can build confidence for future opportunities.

5. Celebrate Their Growth, Not Just Their Position

At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that dance is about much more than where a dancer is positioned. Celebrate your child’s commitment, growth, and the joy they experience in the studio. Encourage them to take pride in being part of the team and the lessons they’re learning on and off the stage. The skills they’re gaining, both as a dancer and as an individual, are far more valuable than a front-row spot.

Let’s support our dancers by helping them embrace their unique journey and encouraging them to grow through each challenge. After all, the lessons they take away from dance will stay with them long after the curtain falls.