November Monthly Minute

Happy November!
 
Yes we are Happy for many, many reasons!
Happiness comes from within us and not from what we have or what we do but how we experience the world around us.
We all understand that living from a life of gratitude can shift our mood from what is not enough to enough.  Easier said than done and how do we teach this to our children? This is so important as we realize all of the simplest things that we did without this past year and as we rebuild our lives adding the things that are most important.
For our children, helping them move past disappointments and take the time to honor the experiences and express gratitude for the lessons learned will allow us to turn the negative into a positive and help us move forward. This is one of those lifetime skills we want for our children as we nurture them into adulthood.

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The Pegasus Faculty and Staff have been talking, discussing and brainstorming for the last few months on what is most important in our Studio and classes. We are focused on creating a space that looks at more than just the physical dance class, to what our students need mentally, emotionally and physically.   We know this is bigger than showing up to dance class, but as educators it is important to understand the whole child and how best to meet their growth and development to be happy and successful adults.

And so when this study (Pandemic Impact on Girls in Sport) was brought to my attention, it outlined everything our hearts were feeling and our Studio’s Faculty have been keenly aware of.  I hope you will take the time to read this, but I will outline the main thoughts.             Dance, although is a Performing Art, is categorized as a Sport when it comes to guidelines for COVID-19 impact and shut downs. 

2021, Published by Canadian Women & Sport and E- Alliance, COVID Alert (2021)
https://womenandsport.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/COVID-Alert-final-English-July-2021.pdf

• One in Four girls are not committed to returning to sport (dance)
• If we don’t act fast this trend might become the new normal for over 350,000 girls in Canada, 6-18yrs were polled in this study.. 
• What's at Stake for the girls if they don’t return; lower levels of physical health and well-being; lower levels of confidence; increased anxiety; lack of leadership competence; loss of educational and career opportunities; lack of social connections.
• What’s at Stake for all Communities; increased mental and physical healthcare costs for society; loss of the talents and contributions of women in decision making, resulting in reduced creativity and reduced ability to meet the needs of diverse groups.

 
 
Based on this study there are many ways to support Girls as they return to their dance, sports and other activities. We have seen first hand that our dancers have lost confidence and skills and so much has changed in their physical health, fitness and for many their physical appearance which all contribute to feeling self-conscious and may opt-out instead of trying to overcome their perceived loss.
Many of this study (see the link above: Canadian Women & Sport and E- Alliance, COVID Alert (202) suggestions and our ongoing Faculty discussions and training, we are committed to;

• Find ways to support social connection in order to rebuild trust.
• Emphasize on the effort, not perfection.
• Avoid comparisons with others and be specific in providing positive guidance.
• Create body-positive spaces with a focus on what we can do, not what we look like.
• Giving choices of Option 1 or Option 2 for dance uniforms not specific to gender.
• Priority on ongoing skill development while maintaining a sense of competence and confidence.

We need to act now and model our own physical well being for our children. We also know that it takes a village to raise a child and we continue to support you in providing a healthy, happy and safe place for your child. We have a tremendous opportunity and we need to continue to provide, encourage and support our children of all genders to return to activities and support them as they rebuild their way back!

Our mission is to nurture and empower children to be confident leaders of tomorrow through the arts - taking that one step further we know that if we can give our children the tools and understanding to be self-leaders they unlock the secret to create a happy and fulfilling life. 


Studio Happenings Stay tuned for more information;

• November 15: Spring Showcase Costume deposit payment due.
• Week of November 15 and 22: Spring Showcase Costume measuring.
• November 20: Jingle Jam mini camp - space limited so register early.
• November 30 to December 13: Show and Tell Weeks - Junior Classes in studio, Seniors Classes on zoom. More details to come.
• December 4: Winter Wonderland Show with the Performance and Ballet Companies performing. All Proceeds to Darby’s Dancers.

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