Finals, Training Camp and Social Media

[DCCme]

1 hour ago, pizzaandcatsrlife said:

Shelly, do people fan girl out when they meet Kelli and Judy?  I know I would and I’m a 41 year old mom of 2. 

I’d fan girl out if I met @ShellyB...

[ShellyB]

2 hours ago, Loves2Dance said:

I disagree, when you take away 99% of a prior post to comment on that one specific section and then not take out the part of you calling her toxic among other negative non-dance related things...I think that speaks for itself. 

I didn’t take away anything from @FMRDancerNYC‘s post. I quoted a different post about Dayton being discouraged to audition again. Two posts merged together. ?

[EricaShadows]

7 hours ago, SmpIsimon said:

Southern mothers are some of the worst at sending the message to their daughters that the very best things they can do with their lives are to, while you, be cheerleaders and beauty queens, and then marry young and pop out a bunch of kids.  Actually getting a meaningful education (i.e., not going to some crappy community college like VK is doing) and making something of themselves beyond once-beautiful baby factories is just not an option.  Disgusting. 

Given some of the things I've seen when down South, I'm not surprised.  A lot of good has come out of the Southern states, but there are, unfortunately, a lot of negative stereotypes  have come out that have proven to be either completely true or mostly true, like the lack of focus on education, teen pregnancies, and marriage before everything else, including education.  Heck, my parents have said that they would have stayed near one set of grandparents in the South, but they didn't think the schools systems were very good in the areas they were considering so they moved to other areas and ended up in one where they really liked the school system.  However, I hope that your comment about "crappy" community colleges only applies to the very few that ARE crappy and not the many good community colleges across the nation.  One of my local community colleges has a nursing program (among other good, solid programs) that has a growing reputation for producing students who are better prepared, not only for the field, but when they get to 4-year colleges for their BSNs.  I remember hearing that the main 4-year school for BSNs in my area found that the students from this particular community college were not only solidly prepared, but BETTER prepared then the students coming from other 4-year colleges.

4 hours ago, dreamcatcher said:

Does it really take one year for someone to mature from lying to employers AND family and acting so childish at work and in front of cameras? She needs to finish college at least.

 

I'd say it would vary and depends on the individual.  In some cases, the person does grow up in a year, but it's partly time, partly life experiences and part the individual.  In some cases, it takes a MAJOR shock to the system ( for some people to grow up in that short a time, mainly because they ARE so immature or otherwise stunted for various reasons.  I don't want Victoria to get such a big shock because it would mean she either was involved or very close to the situation and I wouldn't wish that kind of thing on anyone.

3 hours ago, ShellyB said:

Not true. I stated “keen eye”, because @FMRDancerNYC‘s assessment was spot on. VK’s studio doesn’t focus on ballet technique or have a pre-pro program to push students towards summer intensives. I’ve given her privates while she was growing up and talked with her about ballet technique. She knows the importance of it; but that would mean switching studios and she was comfortable where she grew up. I am a certified Cecchetti Teacher, besides being trained in other genres, and any dancer with extensive training would be able to see foot placement, body position, weight distribution, control in turns. All of which come from solid ballet training. 

I LOVE the fact that you're a certified Cechetti teacher.  Color me impressed.   As for Victoria, good that she knows the importance of proper ballet technique even if I don't think she shows it in the majority of her dancing.  I'd think a good dance studio would emphasize good technique no matter the type of dance and prefer they take ballet classes as well even if their main focus isn't on the pre-professional girl.  As for the rest and being comfortable in/with a studio, it's important, but, for those who want to improve or move on with their dancing (perhaps even going pro even if it's not in ballet), they've got to either step it up with their current studio or, if that studio doesn't provide what they need, they need to move on.  I'm not saying that this is what's going on with Victoria, but it's one theory (and one that might end up being shot down depending on the girl herself).  If my opinion matters at all (and it likely doesn't in the grand scheme of things), Victoria SHOULDN'T want to be comfortable.  She should want to stretch, to learn, to grow and NOT settle when things get easy.

3 hours ago, ShellyB said:

Everybody has their opinions from what the see on social media or the show. Unless one knows her personally, it’s a very unfair assessment of her character. Victoria is a bubbly, bright-eyed 18 year old, that is very comfortable in her own skin. She never meets a stranger and sometimes goes out of her way to acknowledge people that she is around. She’s curious about everything/everybody she encounters and always has been...far from being toxic. 

I'm glad you brought this to our attention.  I'm one who has been a critic of hers (obviously) and some may even say I've been one of her harsher critics and that's not always fair to her.  I think part of my reaction to, and about, her is how I perceive Kelli treating her versus the other girls, including Dayton and that's also not entirely fair to Victoria.   However, there's also a lot of things we've seen Victoria do and heard of things she's done that I will not always agree with and will continue to speak up about based on what I see.  We've all probably done much the same, do things that other people won't agree with.  One of those things is how Victoria behaves in the office.  Even if she's grown up with Kelli, Victoria should be treating this as a professional setting and behave as a professional.  She's too comfortable and could be seen as very unprofessional.  Would she act like that in an office setting with a high-stakes client there, even if she knew the boss for years and was comfortable around that person?  Depending on the situation and the person, "being comfortable in her own skin" could be seen as anything from cocky to confident to arrogant to amazing.  I want to see Victoria succeed, but there's too much standing in her own way at the moment, including CMT, Kelli and herself (and possibly Tina).

As much as I would like to meet her and know her for the person she is, I don't know if we'd get along.  Some would say that we absolutely would not, based on what I've said about her in the past, but I've been proven wrong about people before and I will be in the future. I'll admit that. I hope Victoria proves my ideas about her wrong in all possible ways.  Until then, I'll try to be more tempered in my responses.

Edited September 15, 2018 by EricaShadows

[Loves2Dance]

1 hour ago, ByTor said:

TBH I wouldn't want to see Dayton do this.  I don't know if she wants dance as a career, but I think having "performed in shows on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines" looks better than "performed for (insert name of sports team)" on a resume.  Not to insult dancers for pro sports teams (I obviously like the DCC and like to discuss them), but I think Dayton is getting a better experience.

She will definitely be seen by a broader group of industry professionals. If dance as a career is on her mind, she definitely chose the better route. 

[Lolfordays]

3 hours ago, ShellyB said:

Quite the opposite...from several voices. 

Keen eye ?

I am here for all of this. Oh man Shelley, please quit and write a tell all. I would pre-order.

[dreamcatcher]

...How does being a bubbly 18 y.o who is soo curious about others excuse lying to your employer exactly? Because that’s what we were talking about. I don’t care if these girls are actual saints, we are watching a show about girls who 1.can dance (VK can’t, not that style at least) 2.act nice and yes ma’am Kelli no matter what (VK can’t do that either). 

[ShellyB]

3 minutes ago, dreamcatcher said:

...How does being a bubbly 18 y.o who is soo curious about others excuse lying to your employer exactly? Because that’s what we were talking about. I don’t care if these girls are actual saints, we are watching a show about girls who 1.can dance (VK can’t, not that style at least) 2.act nice and yes ma’am Kelli no matter what (VK can’t do that either). 

I said she is a bubbly 18 because people have labeled her as entitled. I’ve known her her whole life and wouldn’t say that. She’s very confident, and that may rub people the wrong way. She speaks her mind, which some think is entitled. She’s just bright eyed...doesn’t think negatively at all. She can dance; and yes ma’am is part of her everyday. You just haven’t seen it. 

Edited September 15, 2018 by ShellyB

[sleepyjean]

7 hours ago, Rubyslippahz said:

Of course VK is going to be back next year.   There is no pivot or backup plan there.  There is no other dream.  Just DCC.  

That does seem to be the case.  North Lake College....it doen't seem a very impressive institution in general, and in the dance department in particular. It looks like she'll basically be doing 13th grade while she waits for next year's audition. I know 4 year college isn't for everyone, but your first year out of high school can be such a time of amazing growth. Looks like her plan is to stay in her little bubble and take lots of DCC prep classes. If she is as confident and outgoing as Shelly has said, I'd like to see her go out there and take some chances. Invest in her education. Take a lot of different dance classes. I really hope that she takes the opportunity to stretch herself. But I fear that she won't.

Edited September 15, 2018 by sleepyjean

[CrazyInAlabama]

My guess is that like any other dance studio owner, Kitty knows her best clients will be people who take multiple classes a week, for years on end, and tell their friends how great the studio is.   I can't wait until the next episode when KC comes to town, but I'm afraid we'll have another person ignoring the elephant in the room (yes, I did that deliberately) and not mention any flab.    I know very little about dance, but I think of clunky, out of control, and flabby dancer, then I see VK.    

[McKinezeInFloMnd]

The Victoria "Edit" will be extremely interesting how they handle it. Got a feeling we will see the warm and fuzzy version.....and if it really was a "Lie" and not a misunderstanding, isn't that one of the "7 DCC Mortal Sins" meaning VK will not be considered in the future for any chance at becoming a DCC?

[CrazyInAlabama]

Since it's another season, I don't know if this is allowed, but I watched the 2011 season on Throwback Thursday, and in the makeovers Taylor had her extensions, or whatever they were, taken out and got that edgy haircut.    Then she got talked to about hating her hair, and showing it by Kelli.    Does anyone know what happened to her later?     And if she got her extensions put back in after she left the DCC/TCC?     I think she would have been great on another cheer team, so I'm hoping she went some where else that might fit her better.       I loved seeing the 2011 DCC/TCC and so many familiar faces. 

Edited September 15, 2018 by CrazyInAlabama

[jlc]

4 hours ago, ShellyB said:

I personally think her struggles were highlighted....that’s #mom talking. She had great moments as well...that’s dance teacher talking. I’m not naive to Dayton’s strengths or weaknesses. She’ll continue to grow as a performer on her new journey. You’ve all stated there are other TCC’s that you’re still trying to figure out who they are. The storylines have fallen into place and get edited to support. 

No shade for VK, I’ve known her since she was born and her mother is good friend. 

 

Shelly you are an amazing woman. I wish I lived in Dallas and we could hang out and gossip over coffee. You must be a joy to your friends and family. I am really glad you check in to this f orum, because every time I read one of your responses i feel like I learned something new, and that I need to be a nicer person.

[LisaWl7TR]

16 hours ago, sleepyjean said:

 

Because she's young and immature and people who are young and immature often do incredibly stupid things. But in many cases, that's what causes them to grow up. Or start to, anyway. 

I don't think VK is malicious or irredeemable. At least not based on what I've seen. She needs a few years somewhere else, but I believe she can be better and do better. She can earn a second chance. It's up to her whether she does it or not.

 

Honestly, I  don't think I could  take anything that happens on this show as a slap in the face. It's a show about some cheerleaders who wear sexy outfits and do dances like "sexy hips" for mediocre pay and the glory of it all. It is so far removed from my real life I just cant take it that seriously.

Dont forget to sell/work it from the backside. I guess that would be sexy hips but some need reminding. ;) 

[Trixi]

50 minutes ago, FMRDancerNYC said:

 

VK might very well be a wonderful and darling person but that is not how the show is portraying her. Maybe next weeks episode will promote a different topic, yeehaw. Plus, the fact that we have not seen the other gorgeous dancers like Rachel, Gina, sassy KaShera, Hannah, Bridgit, KelliS, etc whom are WOW DCC worthy. Its all been VK front and center like Cassie's Wedding show. I will push back on the VK defenders who shame the opinions of others as haters. I FEEL the frustration. Fakers only state false compliments and feed the fire of deceit which doesn't do anyone any favors. I prefer the truth. Make an excuse for one then make an excuse for all. Don't set different rules. 

I’m really frustrated to not see more of the other rookies. Esp Ashlee, Amber, Bridget and Caroline. I really cant get a feel for them, and of course like many others I just want more dancing. 

[pizzaandcatsrlife]

18 minutes ago, JohnGalt said:

She’s mainly continued to do pageants. She was Miss Dallas USA 2017. She still wears extensions most of the time.

She looks like Gigi Gorgeous.  Not a compliment (google her)

[tinabee1967]

I am watching Season 4 and I can tell you honestly, Lacey Minchew is a million times more obnoxious than VK. 

[CrazyInAlabama]

I almost forgot about the Minchew sisters.    I couldn't believe they wanted to work DCC around their pageant obligations during the year, and thought Kelli and Judy would be OK with that.   And then the one sister coming back later just floored me.   

[ATLGirl]

As someone who spent most of her life growing up in the South, I have to say that the characterization given of Southern mothers was true...maybe 20 years ago. The notion that you went to college to get your MRS degreee was still floating around. When I returned from college (with a BA and MA, went straight through) in 1992, a lot of girls I knew then were getting married. I waited until I was 35 to get married and enjoyed my freedom and a career. But the pressure did exist. My parents never did this to me but I know I felt it from others. 

 

While this attitude may still exist in Dallas, it doesn’t in Atlanta anymore. There are a few holdovers but honestly, I don’t see the “you need to get married and have babies before you’re 25” nearly as much as I used to. Young women are becoming doctors, lawyers, nurses, architects, etc. Whatever they want to be. They aren’t waiting on a man to fulfill their existence. I find it unfortunate that this stereotype still exists. Then again, when a friend of mine moved to Seattle, someone actually asked him “Do they wear shoes down there?” As if all of us are uneducated hicks straight out of a L’il Amber comic strip (may be dating myself with that reference).

 

As for community colleges, I am not ashamed to say I went to one for my first year and a half on a full scholarship while working part-time before heading to a state school. A big ticket school is not always a guarantee of academic excellence but more often a load of debt to spend years paying off, which I thankfully had paid five years out of college. Conversely, we will be paying off my husband’s Vanderbilt law degree for many more years to come. 

 

I will say VK might indeed benefit getting away from her parents and going to a state school far from Dallas to grow up and meet people from different walks of life that have nothing to do with dance. To become her own person apart from Mom and the Dallas dance world. 

[TexasBorn]

30 minutes ago, Trixi said:

I’m really frustrated to not see more of the other rookies. Esp Ashlee, Amber, Bridget and Caroline. I really cant get a feel for them, and of course like many others I just want more dancing. 

Cassie had a wedding show?! Give. Me. A. BREAK.

There are other candidates besides VK?

[scorpio1031]

2 minutes ago, TexasBorn said:

Cassie had a wedding show?! Give. Me. A. BREAK.

There are other candidates besides VK?

You didn't know that????  Actually it was another episode for the show, and it probably helped pay the wedding bills cause it featured a lot of the area's vendors. 

[bigskygirl]

29 minutes ago, tinabee1967 said:

I am watching Season 4 and I can tell you honestly, Lacey Minchew is a million times more obnoxious than VK. 

I cannot stand her either. I think she was there for her five minutes of fame. I do not care at all for the way Victoria has been shown on the show. I feel bad for her in a way because we obviously are not seeing the real her. I hate the way CMT uses the girls for a storyline.

[TexasBorn]

16 minutes ago, scorpio1031 said:

You didn't know that????  Actually it was another episode for the show, and it probably helped pay the wedding bills cause it featured a lot of the area's vendors. 

Smart move on Judy's behalf ;)

[tinabee1967]

44 minutes ago, pizzaandcatsrlife said:

She looks like Gigi Gorgeous.  Not a compliment (google her)

Her other IG photos are pretty. I like her better without all of that makeup.

[sleepyjean]

50 minutes ago, pizzaandcatsrlife said:

She looks like Gigi Gorgeous.  Not a compliment (google her)

Wow, she really does!

[Stee]

1 hour ago, pizzaandcatsrlife said:

She looks like Gigi Gorgeous.  Not a compliment (google her)

Gigi Gorgeous with a hint of Laganja Estranja!  ??????

[ladybug525]

6 hours ago, Loves2Dance said:

I honestly wonder if Victoria, in Kelli's mind, is her shot at having a daughter on the DCC like Judy had Cassie. Sam is never going to be a DCC...Victoria may be all she has. And sadly, mother Kelli did not prep her "daughter" well.  

I've been wanting to say this exact same thing for awhile. Im still relatively new but i've read these forums for forever and i totally agree with this ^^^^^. So i had to come out of hiding to second it lol.

[ShellyB]

6 hours ago, EricaShadows said:

I'd think a good dance studio would emphasize good technique no matter the type of dance and prefer they take ballet classes as well even if their main focus isn't on the pre-professional girl.

3 types of studios in Dallas, probs everywhere:

Rec - take what you want, no emphasis or requirement for any certain genre, end of the year recital

Competition - require a certain amount hours week; little emphasis on technique class due to choreography practiced all year long; several conventions and competitions all year, along with nationals, end of the year recital (Dance Moms ??)

Pre-Pro - require certain amount of hours per week, most being in ballet and pointe work; emphasis on summer studies at intensives, end of the year recital

My personal opinion is that the studio is a reflection of the owners training. There are certainly students that are naturally gifted at every studio. But if the owners/teachers don’t have the background to push students OR decide to take a different route with their studio, students can only do their best with the tools & lessons they are given. My kids are all older, but when people ask me where to go, I always ask what the interest level is and how much do they want to dedicate to time in a studio. I also tell them to go watch....but, watch their highest level of students to see if the training is what they are looking for. 

Edited September 16, 2018 by ShellyB

[5678Pixie]

23 hours ago, MamaV said:

Do we think Kelli was caught off guard by Neecie’s VK comments or was it all scripted?

There is a deleted scene on Facebook DCC MTT  I wish I could upload it on to here but it wont let me.  Did you see it?

[cardsfan720]

On 9/11/2018 at 11:39 AM, edelweiss said:

I'm amazed at how many times she tried out before she made training camp.  When I went back to watch old seasons, I was surprised to see how many times that I saw her in the background.  I was really shocked to see her all the way back in Season 4!

You're not the only one who found it shocking that it took Kelli so many attempts to make the squad!  She's gorgeous and is an amazing dancer.  Glad to see her finally have the success she worked so hard to achieve, and wonder why we heard so little about her (as compared to Christina, for example?)

[Trixi]

6 minutes ago, cardsfan720 said:

You're not the only one who found it shocking that it took Kelli so many attempts to make the squad!  She's gorgeous and is an amazing dancer.  Glad to see her finally have the success she worked so hard to achieve, and wonder why we heard so little about her (as compared to Christina, for example?)

The  difference could be that Kellie is an excellent dancer that they kept over-looking compared to Christina who is just a so-so dancer but kept trying until she made it. IMO

[bigskygirl]

2 hours ago, CrazyInAlabama said:

I almost forgot about the Minchew sisters.    I couldn't believe they wanted to work DCC around their pageant obligations during the year, and thought Kelli and Judy would be OK with that.   And then the one sister coming back later just floored me.   

I do not believe Kelli and especially Judy wanted them in TC. I think this has Charlotte and CMT written all over it. I do not think either girl was going to make the team.

[Trixi]

And Hannah reminds me of Kellie. Brilliant dancer but not quite the right look for TPTB altho I think they’re both beautiful. So it takes those girls try after try but the ones with the rite look get into camp 1st try whether they can dance or not. 

[ByTor]

3 minutes ago, Trixi said:

The  difference could be that Kellie is an excellent dancer that they kept over-looking compared to Christina who is just a so-so dancer but kept trying until she made it. IMO

I think Kelli may have tried even more times than Christina.  Someone posted a while ago screenshots from several past seasons where you can see Kelli sitting in the background.

[cardsfan720]

On 9/11/2018 at 5:44 PM, Tootie said:

I THINK this is it....  Has anyone seen any pictures to suggest otherwise??

Thanks for the diagram! So cool to see where everyone is in the formation!  Looking at it in terms of tenure, I'm surprised that Amy hasn't been mentioned as possible point!  Opinions, please?

[bigskygirl]

6 minutes ago, Trixi said:

The  difference could be that Kellie is an excellent dancer that they kept over-looking compared to Christina who is just a so-so dancer but kept trying until she made it. IMO

*cough storyline cough* Christina was a struggler trying out for the fifth time and almost did not make the team. Kelli came in and kick behind. Now if Kelli was struggling and barely made the team I am sure CMT would have focus on her a lot more.

Edited September 16, 2018 by bigskygirl

[cardsfan720]

On 9/11/2018 at 7:27 PM, EricaShadows said:

I'm surprised Tess is so far back and so in the middle of things.  I would think she would be further forward and more towards the outside instead of buried in the middle.  Frankly, I think the more years you have on the squad, the further forward you should be in the triangle until you can go no further for whatever reason because you're a stronger, better dancer (especially at the DCC style, then the new girls).  I would like to be surprised that there are THREE 3-year vets so far back, but really, Tess is the only one that does and, if she has to be so far back, she should be where Yuko is, on the outside.  I'm not surprised that Gina and Lauren have moved up some in the triangle because they're rock start dancers and pretty (Gina is more sultry and Lauren is more girl-next-door).  What DOES surprise me is that there are so many rookies so far up in the triangle.  Well, that and that they put Christina on the outside row.  She's probably the only one of the current 2-year vets who will permanenly stay in the back two rows of the formation until she retires or gets cut.

The rookies that are so far forward are in SG, right?  That might explain it.

[ByTor]

On 9/11/2018 at 9:54 PM, Monique said:

Does anyone know if height plays a role in placement in the triangle?

It should.  The spot Khalyn has, for example...if you're not particularly tall you could get lost in that spot.  And I assume, as you said, since the tallest are in the center of kickline, where they are placed in the triangle also determines where they are placed in the kickline.

[JustRosie]

23 minutes ago, 5678Pixie said:

There is a deleted scene on Facebook DCC MTT  I wish I could upload it on to here but it wont let me.  Did you see it?

Yes I did!  Awkward and uncomfortable! ?

[scorpio1031]

Just now, ByTor said:

It should.  The spot Khalyn has, for example...if you're not particularly tall you could get lost in that spot.  And I assume, as you said, since the tallest are in the center of kickline, where they are placed in the triangle also determines where they are placed in the kickline.

That's what I was wondering cause in video of past pre-games/halftime routines, Kristin G, Tia and Meredith are near each other in about the same location Tess is now.  

[sATL]

On 9/11/2018 at 6:44 PM, Tootie said:

I THINK this is it....  Has anyone seen any pictures to suggest otherwise??

Ahhhh.. pretty... was this on the DCC site ? Looks like Excel.

Is there a story why Amy is on row 4 - even though she is a 4 yr vet.

Edited September 16, 2018 by sATL

[cardsfan720]

9 minutes ago, ByTor said:

It should.  The spot Khalyn has, for example...if you're not particularly tall you could get lost in that spot.  And I assume, as you said, since the tallest are in the center of kickline, where they are placed in the triangle also determines where they are placed in the kickline.

When I was on drill team our kick line always had the tallest girls in the middle, then each side tapered down to the shortest girls.  Is it the same way with the DCC?  Kind of hard for me to see it clearly.  

[MyFavShows]

20 minutes ago, ShellyB said:

3 types of studios in Dallas, probs everywhere:

Rec - take what you want, no emphasis or requirement for any certain genre, end of the year recital

Competition - require a certain amount hours week; little emphasis on technique class due to choreography practiced all year long; several conventions and completions all year, along with nationals, end of the year recital (Dance Moms ??)

Pre-Pro - require certain amount of hours per week, most being in ballet and pointe work; emphasis on summer studies at intensives, end of the year recital

My personal opinion is that the studio is a reflection of the owners training. There are certainly students that are naturally gifted at every studio. But if the owners/teachers don’t have the background to push students OR decide to take a different route with their studio, students can only do their best with the tools & lessons they are given. My kids are all older, but when people ask me where to go, I always ask what the interest level is and how much do they want to dedicate to time in a studio. I also tell them to go watch....but, watch their highest level of students to see if the training is what they are looking for. 

It’s not true that comp studios don’t teach technique.  Around me most of the “good” competition studios max out around 4-5 hours of ballet a week, and probably ~4-5 hours of leaps/jumps/turns/legs technique.  They may do an hour or two of tap, and the same w/ acro.  Then usually there is a full day (usually on weekends) spent rehearsing group dances.   A dedicated dancer at one of these studios is normally devoting around 16-20 hours a week to dancing, and many of them are very, very good.   These studios will often also send their dancers to conventions (like ASH, Nuvo, NYCDA, etc.) where they spend a weekend learning combos from industry professionals (just like Travis and the quest choreographers do for the DCC, but for multiple days and more than just one industry person) and essentially auditioning for scholarships to take more conventions and longer programs in the summer - my daughter’s studio, for example, does two mandatory conventions (and 2 more are optional).   I know dance moms gave this type of dance studio a bad name, but there are many really good dancers that come from competition studios.   A lot of the really strong girls on DCC MTT come from competition studios.  Holly, Erica, Megan from SD, etc. they were competition dancers.

Pre-pro programs are almost exclusively ballet focused with the intent for the dancer to get a job at a professional ballet company upon graduation.   These kids decide pro ballet is their goal at a young age and focus on that, spending 20+ hours a week just on ballet (some even home school to do more hours).  They may add a few contemporary classes here and there, but it is not their real focus.  Most of these programs really frown on doing dance mom type competitions (some will do ballet competitions but they are very different than the “Star”-type comps).   We know a couple people in schools like this (they usually don’t even call themselves studios, but rather schools or academies) and it is very expensive too, but in a different way.

The hour commitment of each (comp or pre-pro) makes it virtually impossible to do both.  You kind of decide what you want and pick one (usually around age 10 is the decision point where the hours of each are too much to do both).  You may have the occasional comp dancer who takes some extra ballet at the pre-pro school, or the occasional pre-pro girl who will do a solo only at a comp (they usually do really well, btw), but you just can’t do both things full out.

The ballet technique of a comp dancer will likely never compare to the ballet technique of a pre-pro dancer (it would be like comparing the tumbling technique of a competition cheerleader to that of someone who trained to be an elite gymnast is the analogy I always use), but it doesn’t mean a comp dancer can’t have good ballet technique and extension.   It’s just never going to be “as good” - and it actually doesn’t need to be cause they aren’t dancing swan lake, etc. they are doing things like a hot jazz routine to something upbeat and entertaining.

It would really shock me if a pre-pro dancer would ever be involved w/ pro cheerleader type dancing so it’s really useless to try and compare any of these DCC hopefuls to those types of dancers.   You might have some that trained pre-pro to a certain age and then switched to comp as a teen, etc., but not someone who was still on that track.  Lol - some of those old school ballet teachers would probably have a stroke if one of their pupils ever thought about trying out for a pro cheerleading team - they legit would probably prefer them do any other dance job.

[UnicornKicks]

2 hours ago, ATLGirl said:

As someone who spent most of her life growing up in the South, I have to say that the characterization given of Southern mothers was true...maybe 20 years ago. The notion that you went to college to get your MRS degreee was still floating around. When I returned from college (with a BA and MA, went straight through) in 1992, a lot of girls I knew then were getting married. I waited until I was 35 to get married and enjoyed my freedom and a career. But the pressure did exist. My parents never did this to me but I know I felt it from others. 

 

While this attitude may still exist in Dallas, it doesn’t in Atlanta anymore. There are a few holdovers but honestly, I don’t see the “you need to get married and have babies before you’re 25” nearly as much as I used to. Young women are becoming doctors, lawyers, nurses, architects, etc. Whatever they want to be. They aren’t waiting on a man to fulfill their existence. I find it unfortunate that this stereotype still exists. Then again, when a friend of mine moved to Seattle, someone actually asked him “Do they wear shoes down there?” As if all of us are uneducated hicks straight out of a L’il Amber comic strip (may be dating myself with that reference).

 

As for community colleges, I am not ashamed to say I went to one for my first year and a half on a full scholarship while working part-time before heading to a state school. A big ticket school is not always a guarantee of academic excellence but more often a load of debt to spend years paying off, which I thankfully had paid five years out of college. Conversely, we will be paying off my husband’s Vanderbilt law degree for many more years to come. 

 

I will say VK might indeed benefit getting away from her parents and going to a state school far from Dallas to grow up and meet people from different walks of life that have nothing to do with dance. To become her own person apart from Mom and the Dallas dance world. 

THANK YOU. No goal but to be a MRS by 21 is such a bad stereotype. 

2 hours ago, TexasBorn said:

Cassie had a wedding show?! Give. Me. A. BREAK.

There are other candidates besides VK?

Not quite. There was a DCC bride special with Cassie, Sunni and Trisha. Yeah, it just so happened when Cassie got married, not a coincidence there, but it wasn't just the Cassie show. 

18 minutes ago, cardsfan720 said:

Thanks for the diagram! So cool to see where everyone is in the formation!  Looking at it in terms of tenure, I'm surprised that Amy hasn't been mentioned as possible point!  Opinions, please?

Face.

11 minutes ago, ByTor said:

It should.  The spot Khalyn has, for example...if you're not particularly tall you could get lost in that spot.  And I assume, as you said, since the tallest are in the center of kickline, where they are placed in the triangle also determines where they are placed in the kickline.

Khalyn is not that tall. Maybe 5'5" average. They just had a ton of short girls lately. Lacey is about the same. 

 

4 minutes ago, cardsfan720 said:

When I was on drill team our kick line always had the tallest girls in the middle, then each side tapered down to the shortest girls.  Is it the same way with the DCC?  Kind of hard for me to see it clearly.  

Yes.

[MyFavShows]

34 minutes ago, cardsfan720 said:

The rookies that are so far forward are in SG, right?  That might explain it.

Yeah - not being named to SG seems like the kiss of death when you’re a vet based on that formation.   Dancing behind rookies has got to be a little rough for some of them.   Show group versus not show group seems to cost someone two rows in the triangle regardless of whether they are a rookie or vet.

And wow - 5 rookie SG members this year (is there usually so many?).  I thought there were only 4, but I guess Amber is in SG too.  I thought she wasn’t doing too well on the show, but guess not.  

Edited September 16, 2018 by MyFavShows

[PrincessLeia]

4 hours ago, ShellyB said:

I said she is a bubbly 18 because people have labeled her as entitled. I’ve known her her whole life and wouldn’t say that. She’s very confident, and that may rub people the wrong way. She speaks her mind, which some think is entitled. She’s just bright eyed...doesn’t think negatively at all. She can dance; and yes ma’am is part of her everyday. You just haven’t seen it. 

I actually think Victoria is bubbly and happy. Her office visit on episode 7 didn’t do her any favors, and it firmly put me in the WTF is Kelli thinking camp. That being said, she’s an 18 year old kid. I actually blame Kelli for all of this... it’s like everyone can see Victoria isn’t ready for this but Kelli. 

[scorpio1031]

2 minutes ago, PrincessLeia said:

I actually think Victoria is bubbly and happy. Her office visit on episode 7 didn’t do her any favors, and it firmly put me in the WTF is Kelli thinking camp. That being said, she’s an 18 year old kid. I actually blame Kelli for all of this... it’s like everyone can see Victoria isn’t ready for this but Kelli. 

The way you behave as an 18 year old can be excused somewhat by your age.  If you continue to act that way, as you get older, it's not so "cute" for lack of a better word.

[bigskygirl]

24 minutes ago, PrincessLeia said:

I actually think Victoria is bubbly and happy. Her office visit on episode 7 didn’t do her any favors, and it firmly put me in the WTF is Kelli thinking camp. That being said, she’s an 18 year old kid. I actually blame Kelli for all of this... it’s like everyone can see Victoria isn’t ready for this but Kelli. 

I do not think Kelli forced her to try out for the squad. I put some of the blame for the way Victoria is being shown on the show and the way Kelli is trying to sell the viewers and fans Victoria deserves a spot on the squad, but Kelli should not be blamed for Victoria trying out in the first place. I also think Tina, Charlotte and CMT need to take part of the blame also for the whole mess. Victoria is being used by Kelli, Charlotte and CMT for a blasted storyline. The poor girl needs to get away from her mother, Kelli, Charlotte, and CMT and get some real life experience before thinking of trying out again. Take a page from what Dayton has done since she was cut. She got a much better job and chances for wonderful experiences, and she has definitely has proven a girl does not need to be a DCC to have a happy, healthy life and rewarding experiences.

Edited September 16, 2018 by bigskygirl

[Stan39]

2 hours ago, ladybug525 said:

I've been wanting to say this exact same thing for awhile. Im still relatively new but i've read these forums for forever and i totally agree with this ^^^^^. So i had to come out of hiding to second it lol.

Maybe. But keep in mind how excited everyone else is about her. Charlotte raved about her at auditions and one of the other judges gave that poor weatherman a death stare when he dared to offer an honest opinion of her that didn’t completely kiss her ass. And Kittie practically cried after seeing her dance. Actually, did half the judges start crying at her audition? Talk about unprofessional. I don’t know what spell her mom and her have on the organization, but they’re all totally smitten with her. 

[ShellyB]

1 hour ago, MyFavShows said:

It would really shock me if a pre-pro dancer would ever be involved w/ pro cheerleader type dancing so it’s really useless to try and compare any of these DCC hopefuls to those types of dancers.

Erica Jenkins and Olivia Sharber both trained at a Pre- Pro studio, one that has been recognized twice by Dance Magazine and Dance Teacher Magazine as one of the top 20 studios in the country. It is also the same studio where the Simpsons trained, Jessica and Ashlee, who was NYCDA’s Teen OD, and has also produced dancers on Broadway, LA, RCL, Celebrity Cruiseline, to name a few. They have won National awards several times over from NYCDA, along with countless regional competitions from Nuvo, Jump, 24Seven & Radix. Most students are strongly encouraged to attend ballet intensives every summer...Houston Ballet, Ballet Austin, The Rock, ABT,  SAB and Jillana, it makes a better dancer. If you remember Bree Hafen from a couple of seasons, it is where she teaches, along with me and the owner...who was also a DCC for 4 yrs and a DCC staff member.  Not every pre-pro studio is geared towards being in a ballet company. There two in the Dallas area, that gear towards the professional world of dance...contemporary companies, stage & film work, etc. They both have strong ballet requirements for company kids and compete successfully. 

Dance Moms did not do any favors for comp studios, but from Abby’s mouth to my ears, her girls didn’t take regular class because they were too busy working on comp dances. They never took classes at any of the conventions I saw them and their technique wasn’t great. They got by on lots of tricks. 

Edited September 16, 2018 by ShellyB

[bigskygirl]

38 minutes ago, Stan39 said:

Maybe. But keep in mind how excited everyone else is about her. Charlotte raved about her at auditions and one of the other judges gave that poor weatherman a death stare when he dared to offer an honest opinion of her that didn’t completely kiss her ass. And Kittie practically cried after seeing her dance. Actually, did half the judges start crying at her audition? Talk about unprofessional. I don’t know what spell her mom and her have on the organization, but they’re all totally smitten with her. 

The only judges who were crying were Brenda and Kelli. The other judges were not as impressed as Charlotte, Brenda and Kelli.

Edited September 16, 2018 by bigskygirl