How We Let Kids Be Kids | Netflix Cuties

As I’m sure you’ve seen, opinions and outrage have been circulating social media over the new Netflix film “Cuties;” while many parents want to let kids be kids. #cancelnetflix is trending as people are cancelling their subscriptions in protest of this content. 

Have I Seen The Movie?

While I have not seen this film, I have read quite a bit about it and have seen a few clips. I feel strongly that someone should never give an opinion about something that they have not directly experienced. However, I have also learned to limit the amount of darkness I allow into my head and heart.

Some of The Issues Raised

So while I will not be saying anything about the film itself as I haven’t seen it and don’t intend to, as a dance teacher and studio owner, I feel the need to address some of the issues the film has raised for the public. 

Let Kids Be Kids

One of the core values at Dance Without Limits is “Let kids be kids.” These are not words that were chosen lightly and half-heartedly. They are at the core of who we are as a studio. And they were chosen intentionally as our culture and the dance industry continue to fail to safeguard the children we are responsible for. 

Keeper of Their Innocence

As a teacher and studio owner, I know I am responsible for what my students are exposed to. As much as possible while they are in my care, I am a keeper of their innocence. I (and my staff) take this role very seriously. This is why we try our very best to limit our students’ exposure to anything inappropriate. For this reason, we only use age-appropriate music, choreography, and costuming. Our programming is fun, safe, wholesome, and kid-friendly. If that means we’re less trendy or cutting edge, we’re cool with that. 

Dance Industry Gets a Bad Rap

Movies and TV shows like this are giving dance studios and the dance industry a bad rap. But in my decades-long experience in the dance world, I’ve found the vast majority of teachers and owners love children. They build a dance family out of their studios, and are passionate about using their art to build strong, confident, caring and wonderful dancers. Dancing can bring joy and light into people’s lives.

As parents, you have a choice.

The world can be a dangerous and scary place. I have two pre-teens and a teenager, so I am with you. And, as parents, we cannot bury our heads in the sand and pretend everything in our culture is fine. But we can do our research. Learn about what’s happening in our kids’ worlds. Seek out people and places that protect and love our children instead of exploit them. And let what others are using for evil be used for good in our children’s lives. 

We’re On Your Side

These are important topics that need to be talked about, and I am only just scratching the surface of a huge cultural problem that has thankfully been brought to light. Sometimes the troubles in this world can feel overwhelming and parenting through it feels impossible. But we are on your side. And we’ll continue to do all we can to join you in protecting your children and let kids be kids.