Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Problem?

Dolly Dinkle | Apr 07, 2009 | there are 3 comments 3
Costume Available at A Wish Come True

Costume Available at A Wish Come True

An interesting headline from the CBC caught my eye today:

"Mom's Itsy Bitsy music complaint bounces girl from T.O. dance school"

A five-year-old girl has been dropped from a Toronto dance school after her mother complained to school officials about the use of the classic 1960 song "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini" in class.............read on for the full story from CBC News.

Kara Holm's daughter was enrolled in the jazz, tap and ballet programs at the Randolph Dance Academy in the Annex neighbourhood.

Holm told CBC News she found the content of the song "a little bit alarming" because the lyrics portray the girl as being ashamed of her body.

The song describes a girl who is "afraid to come out of the water" because of her revealing bathing suit.

"I know people are going to think, 'Oh, she's overreacting it's just a silly nonsense song, Holm said. "I just really felt there was no need to choose that particular song for kids."

When Holm questioned why instructors didn't choose from hundreds of other songs that were more age-appropriate, she said the school kicked her daughter out.

The Randolph Dance Academy said it stands behind the musical choice and has issued a refund to Holm.

A spokesperson told CBC News a number of options were presented, but in the end, parting ways seemed to be the only solution.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2009/04/06/bikini-dance-dispute.html

What Dolly Thinks:
As a teacher, I don't see anything wrong with the song IBTWYPB, but I can also respect the mother's concern. I think that asking the family to take their business elsewhere is a bit of a harsh solution to such a minor complaint (I mean, it could have been handled in so many ways). Hard to believe that this was the only solution. What do you think?

holla!

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tags Teacher, Parent, Studio, Apropriateness (all tags)


Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Problem? | 3 Comments | Post a Comment
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shut up or get out?

I agree, I see no problem with the song, I think its cute. But did the little girl have to be kicked out just because her mom complained? Honestly! I get that parents are protective of their young kids being exploited, as they should be, but I think the mom totally came out on top here. The studio completely overreacted, and as a result, lost alot of buisness. If this is how they run their studio, they wont be around for long.

user icon Lizzie Miller | Apr 07, 2009 | rated none by 0 others

Itsy Bitsy Irate!

As a parent of two show dogs I strongly agree!  I would never let Mr. Sniffles or Lady Godiva be subjected to the humiliated in such an AWFUL fashion.  I think they should sue everyone and get lots of money...and with that money erect a small fountain in honor of all those chubby little children who, through not fault of their own, never become dance divas.

I have spoken!

S

user icon slucas | Apr 12, 2009 | rated none by 0 others

Itsy Bitsy Bigger than Itsy?

If this child is five years old and the parent is already complaining about the cute music used in the class, imagine what would come in the future. Were the mom allowed to overstep the choices of the studio owner at this level, what about next year? What happens when the student is older and becomes part of a competition entry focused on a deep social issue, is the mom going to protest? I believe that would be a yes. This is a studio of people, not show dogs. Take the bite early on, get rid of the trouble makers in the beginning, they won't change their bark!

user icon Barbara Prokopovich | May 05, 2009 | rated none by 0 others

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