When a "good thing" happens to your teen that you did not want to happen...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ooh tough spot Mom. My mom made my sister quit ballet around that age. Her teacher was pushing professional classes and programs etc. I'm sure sis was PO'd at the time, but I think we would all agree it was the right decision. I will steer my dd away from ballet even earlier than that. It's not just the eating disorders- it's terrible for your body especially feet.

A close friend who works in orthopedic medicine sees a lot of athletes She once mentioned that ballerinas have pretty mangled feet and tend to be "head cases." I am sorry to say that as I love to watch ballet. But it does not seem to be healthy to stare at yourself in a mirror for hours at a time.

I commend your daughter for her discipline and accomplishments though. It takes a lot of hard work and discipline to excel at ballet! Most girls seem to quit at a young age because it's not "fun."

[Anonymous]

OP - your decision is an easy one compared to the parents of this young dancer:

http://seekernetwork.com/rituals/meet-the-dancing-prodigy-who-turned-down-harvard/

FWIW, in 9 years of ballet, my DD has had one minor stress fracture on her little toe. The number of injuries among her ballet peers is far less than that of her school classmates who play soccer, LAX, and field hockey. One non-ballet friend had a concussion last year, broken arm this year, and is having knee surgery over the summer. ITA that ballet is not for everyone as it seems very boring and tedious. But for those like the OPs child who love it, ballet can be a wonderful activity with many positive benefits.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I understand OP. I am certain that TJ is not a good environment for my daughter but she got in and wants to go. I don't know how to stop this train before there's a wreck. I hope all my instincts are wrong about this one but I don't think so.

I think about this scenario a lot (although I don't think its even a possibility for many reasons, including possibly leaving the area, but I have friends who are teachers and those who work in education so we talk about education and policy and stuff a lot)- I seriously would have to be convinced HARD to let my DS attend if accepted.