We have been attending Monsters Dance Conventions for years, and though the training has been…read moredecent, a pattern has been consistent-- the seeming favoritism for awards and making Cast/Kids Cast, toward kids that dance super aggressively, jerky, and overly animated; even when they have zero musicality or natural talent. Anyone can learn choreography and dance "big", but not every child has the natural gift of musicality and creative dance ability. Just because someone is dancing HARD, doesn't mean they're dancing WELL. This important differentiation is often disregarded by Monsters staff/choreographers, and the kid who has aggressively bogarted their way to the front row, is moving very jerkily, and throwing hair around to compensate for their lack of musicality, is often the one praised and recognized for top honors. Unfortunately, this has in some cases, created a group of arrogant dancers whom have been pumped up and groomed to believe that they are more talented than they actually are, while some phenomenally talented kids with the TRUE gift of dance, are left doubting themselves, season after season. I have also noticed, especially in the Junior and Intermediate rooms, a leaning toward choosing White/Hispanic/Asian children for the highest awards; though they were clearly not the best in the room, nor had the best character-- while the little black girl/boy in the corner, that is able to dance circles around them, is left without even an acknowledgment. Though black kids are certainly nominated for Kids Cast, there appears to be a different bar for what is worthy of being recognized for top awards--and again, for some kids, a hard jerk, hair toss, and unnatural animation of facial expressions, is often all that is required to receive scholarships and Kids Cast nominations; while others with undeniable talent, that give 1000%, receive nothing. This has been consistent in the 8 years that we have been attending. And though they would likely deny such, there is strong evidence of politics going on... when you consistently see kids from certain studios, or whose parents have strategically created relationships with upper staff by being door monitor for classes, etc., win top awards, though again, they were inarguably, not the strongest dancer in the room, nor had the best character, it becomes pretty apparent what is occurring. Because of these things, we will no longer support Monsters Dance, nor line the pockets of staff who sell expensive dreams to kids, season after season, whom they know they will never acknowledge, nor give equal consideration to; while providing recognition and a career path, to some whom haven't earned it, nor were the most deserving.
