My Son Can Dance

One Mom's Musings About Boys in the Dance World

A Dance I Can’t Do Alone: Winning the Top Dance Blogs Contest

by 55 Comments

It’s difficult for most of us to talk about ourselves. Yet, sometimes it’s necessary–like when we want to win a contest.

Some of us also find it difficult to ask for help–or for partners. But there are times when we just can’t do the dance without someone there to do it with us.

That’s the case when it comes to winning the 2nd Annual DanceAdvantage.net Top Dance Blogs contest. (Yes, here we go again…just like last year.) For me to get on the list of the top 20 dance blogs (and to later make it to the list of top 20), I need some dance partners. Actually, I need a lot of dance partners.

How do you take my hand and lead me out onto the dance floor–to the top of the list (or at least into the first cut of 20 blogs)? If you enjoy this blog and find it offers value, please take the time to vote for it simply by leaving a comment on this post explaining why you read it, why you find it beneficial or enjoyable, what makes it special, which are your favorite posts, or even just nominating it. Yes, that’s all it takes. Please leave just ONE comment (or I’ll have to delete your second one).

Let me explain why I care about winning what some might think of as a stupid contest, why I care about making this list of dance blogs.  I care because winning extends the reach of my blog. Getting on the list gives My Son Can Dance more exposure, which means I can touch more readers–more parents of young boys wanting to become professional dancers or even just starting out on their dance journey and more young boys struggling on their path to become professional dancers. That’s really important to me.

My mission here at My Son Can Dance is simple: By sharing my experience of raising a son with aspirations of becoming a professional male dancer, and by drawing on the experiences of professional male dancers and experts in the field of dance, I hope to help many parents help their boys reach that goal. I also help to help young male dancers as well. Here at My Son Can Dance I have a motto: From purpose, passion and perseverance, inspired professional dancers flow forth in abundance. Or so I hope…

So, do you want to dance with me? Do you want to show your support for this blog and for me and what I’m trying to do by writing it? If so, please help me win this contest by joining the dance. You need only know one “step”: how to leave a comment on this post. By leaving a comment (remember…just one) you help me twirl my way to the top of the list.

Thank you so much (in advance) for your support.

I’ll let you know if I make the first cut and, if so, what you need to do to help me make the second one! Last year you helped me land in 2nd place–and I’m still grateful for that!

LET THE VOTING–COMMENTING–BEGIN!!!!!!!!!!

Comments

  1. DONTE ROGERS says

    Wow I got your tweet on twitter about voting for your blog, so I was intrigued. After reading the html address that got me even more intrigued, as I am a male dancer who’s mom supported me in my journey. After reading your reason of wanting to be on the “list” I ican’t but help support in this cause. I wish more people & parents would support the dreams of young male dancers & artist period. There are to many stigmas, taboo’s & traditions placed on what a young boy should want to grow up & be. My mom saw my passion at the age of 3 for dance & has not stopped supporting me. I commend you, support you & love the fact that you feel the same way as my mom. You truly deserve the top spot for your blog.

  2. Ron Lacey says

    I love this blog. It has great advice, useful posts by industry professionals on the dance world, interesting interviews, great stories, and I get to follow my sons journey and revisit it later. Thank you Nina for writing it all these years. You and it are the best. Love you!

  3. Vicki Hudson says

    I don’t have a son, but a daughter who loves to dance. She’s only two, so that could change, but reading about the experiences with your son is useful for me.

  5. Sheri Candler says

    Having just started back to ballet after being off for many years, I am finding there is such a wealth of information,experiences and connections with people available on the internet. I am also connecting with this community again through my work with the documentary film Joffrey Mavericks of American Dance and it is great to read about the experiences of male dancers instead of only female. Both Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino strongly believed that males had more to give on stage than simply being a female dancer’s partner, lugging her around the stage. I am glad there is a blog that reaches young boys newly in training to give them advice and inspiration.
    Sheri Candler recently posted..Interview with Executive Producer Jay Alix

  7. Kristi Fears says

    This blog has been, and continues to be so very valuable to me. As the mother of a 10 year old boy ballet dancer I look forward to each and every post; it had been incredibly helpful to learn from your experiences with your son. I have often thought back to your previous posts when comforting my son when he has, once again, been made fun of for dancing or being different from the other boys because he looks forward to the Nutcracker instead of the Superbowl. It can be frustrating and extremely time consuming searching the internet for information that is relevant and specific to issues that affect male ballet dancers – your blog wraps everything out there up into a neat little package plus you go above and beyond in seeking out interviews that address issues that affect male dancers. Bravo!!

  10. Audrey says

    I am officially nominating this blog for consideration for the top 20 dance blogs. It seems these days that everyone has something to say, and with the availability of the internet and the ease with which someone can sign up for a free blog, they go right ahead and say it. It’s rare, however, to find someone worth listening to. My Son Can Dance is smart and well written, and addresses topics worth talking about. A vote for this blog both is a positive vote for young men who are brave enough to follow their passions and a vote for the dance community as a whole.

  11. tDP says

    As a ballet teacher I have had the pleasure to teach some boys and men over the years. I see what they are up against. It is important for them to have many areas of support and this is one of them. 🙂

  12. Monique says

    As a ballet coach of young boys I thank you so very much for generously baring your soul, inviting us into your confidence and sharing your sons disciplined and dedicated dance journey from the highs and the lows, the excitement and the disappointments, the emotions, the drawbacks and the rewards and the raw reality of your dance journey as a ‘Dance Mum’ with other dance parents. I recommend all my male students and their parents read your blog to help them appreciate and understand that although the male dancer is in the minority they are definitely not alone! I look forward to further instalments and wish you and your family all the very best!
    Monique recently posted..A Dance I Can’t Do Alone: Winning the Top Dance Blogs Contest

  13. Loden says

    I really enjoy reading your posts as I am myself a boy that does ballet. My mother has always been supportive of me and I know how important that can be as many people seem to find it hard to understand why men would want to dance.
    Here’s a vote to you!

  14. Mindy Clyne says

    Supporting this blog is important.
    If only one professional dancer ‘flows forth’ after having read just one post, it makes a difference.
    If more dancers flow forth, it’s a bonus.

    If one mother understands that her support of a child’s ambition helps her to encourage them, it makes a difference.
    If more mothers understand, it’s a bonus.

    If dancing with you gets you to the top of the list, it’s worth it–even if I still dance like I did in the 9th grade.
    And if we get many to dance with you, thus extending the reach of your blog, the bonus is certainly worth my vote.

    Here’s my hand.

  15. Melissa says

    I have checked out the majority of dance blogs for boys and I always come back to this one. My son is the same age as Julian…and has similar aspirations. I look forward to following Julian’s story…and perhaps someday our sons will meet! You certainly have my vote for best dance blog!

  16. Immashel says

    I very much enjoy reading your blog and as a mum of a male dancer from Israel about the same age as Julian, I find it helpful indeed. Thank you so much for being so honest in your writing.

    I vote for your blog!

  17. Fred says

    Keep up the good work, Nina. Is Julian dancing in the Nutcracker at SAB this season? I saw that they produced the Ballanchine version a few years back, and was wondering if this is an annual event, as it is so many place.

  18. dinkalina says

    love, love, LOVE this blog. So nice as a mom to a dancer boy to hear first hand experiences! 8)

  19. Anthony LoCascio says

    An excellent blog with great insight into a world with-in a world of the Dance Studio Industry, My Son Can Dance offers excellent information and knowledge. Simple, yet rich in content, this blog is more than worth my time and at the very least deserves my vote.

    Thank you for sharing you knowledge with those who seek out quality information.

    Tap w/u Soon,
    Anthony.

  20. Bril Barrett says

    I remember always being the only or one of two male dancers when I was starting out as a child dancer. I, now run one of the most prominent tap companies in the U.S. and I am proud of the male/female ratio of my company and my dance schools! Keep being supportive and your son will reach every height possible!

  21. Harvest Mom says

    I hope this will let me post this time, and I hope I’m not to late to be counted in the voting!

    This is my absolute favorite dance blog, and I think THE most deserving of this award — it is an absolute lifeline for us parents of young aspiring male dancers! Thank you Nina for sharing your life and son’s journey with those of us on the trail behind you!
    Harvest Mom recently posted..one weekend down, one to go!

  22. Oren Pardes says

    While it is possible to dance alone, it isn’t nearly as much fun as dancing with others. Most males like music of one kind or another. Most males enjoy some kind of movement and physical activity as well as creative ways to express themselves. There are many different forms of dance. But for some reason, far fewer males than females (in the U.S.) dance. Starting young is a definite advantage – and a social asset when older. Regardless of the outcome of the blog contest or whether or not your son ever dances professionally, what matters most is your support and encouragement and his pursuit of his passion and dream. Best wishes!
    Oren Pardes recently posted..Dance As If No One was Watching

  23. glas says

    For me, this blog is a valuable resource. Although my dancing boy (and girl) are both younger than Julian, they are both very serious about their dancing. If they continue moving forward, we will face many of the milestones that Nina talks about. It will be very helpful to me to be able to have gotten a peek into some of the possible choices and options we will be considering in our future. Thank you Nina for posting this info, and Thank you Julian for not minding!

  24. Julian Lacey says

    This blog is so different from any other dance blog, because not only does it teach people about dance and the dance world, but it helps men. Men obviously have a lot of difficulty in the dance world and this blog has helped so many. Also, the focus for dance is usually not on the guy and this points to the guy as a main focus. I believe this blog helps more then just the guy as well.

    Being Julian…the original focus of this blog, I do feel biased, but I think the info in this blog is like none out on the web at all. It’s unique, original and truly helpful, even to me.

    Thanks, Mom–for everything! Love you!! Nice to be home.

    julian

  25. Margaret says

    A vote for you! As the mother of a teenage male ballet dancer, I have read your blog with interest. Following your journey has been encouraging and inspiring. Thanks!

  27. Stefanie says

    What a worthy and valuable purpose and goal. Kudos to you for supporting your son and sharing your experiences as a parent so others won’t feel so alone. I wish my teachers and parents had been more encouraging during my journey as a dancer as a child. If there had been someone supporting me like you are supporting your son, maybe I wouldn’t have quit after high school and missed out on years of dancing. Luckily, I’m back on the dance floor. I hope your son never leaves it!

    -Stefanie, dancingwithstefanie.com

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