Thursday, February 26, 2015

How Much Power & Influence Should Our Coaches & Teachers Have?

If there is one thing we know about Dianna Williams, she is not shy or scared to say exactly what she thinks, no matter who you are. Time after time we have watched her fuss at parents, students, opponents and anyone else who came across her path. She will tell you what she thinks and how she feels without hesitation.

That certainly makes for great TV. The fire and smoke that the high drama presents, makes it more entertaining. But in the real world, what effect does Dianna's overlapping, Mama behavior have on the real people she is dealing with? No matter what we see on TV, there are children listening and reacting to everything that is said and done on the show. When the cameras aren't on, the conversation is still the same..Work hard, do it right or move around.

Each week, we watch as Dianna directs the girls for the upcoming competitions. She yells and threatens and works them as hard as necessary to get the job done. Throughout Season 1, we watched her command the necessary behavior, for everybody on the team. Dedication and excellence are not optional and if you are going to participate in the Dollhouse, you have to be ready to give it everything you have. Which would be where "Bring It" came from.


Since Season 2 started, we have seen Dianna demand that dedication from Crystianna and Camryn. Crystianna's emerging teenage desires seem to be conflicting with her practice and with her time spent, getting ready for the next competition. Camryn, though dedicated as ever, had to step up her game to be considered for the next Captain position. Dianna appears, through the few minutes of show that we see, to be more in control of the girl's lives than their parents. She expects them to sacrifice any other activities for the good of the team.

The next episode is totally changing focus, as far as what Dianna is asking of a dancer. This weeks show will highlight Ms D's suggestion to Kayla about losing weight. We know Kayla is fixing to graduate and is pretty much working on last performances. So why does it matter? Why is it Ms. D's business? Is she wrong for getting so involved in what Kayla is doing and for sticking it out on National TV? Was it inappropriate to make this subject a part of this show?

So we thought this the perfect time to ask? How much Power and Influence should an outsider have in our families? How much control should a Dance Teacher have in the lives of our children?

That can be a tricky situation, depending on family dynamics. We are all supportive of our children in their pursuit of extracurricular activities. We want to get them to practice, make sure they have what they need and support their instructors, coaches and teachers, all that we can. When we sign kids up for any type of sport or activity, we have to be aware of expectations from both the Coach and from the kids.
If the Coach gives you advance notice of expectations, you sign up, then get mad, that's your choice. As far as kids and any activities, If they love it, they usually will hang through the tough stuff and do what it takes. If it is a passing fad, they will be whining and trying to quit, without putting the effort in to succeed.

Beyond the basics of choices, we have to determine who the adults in our children's lives are. Who has direct influence in the hearts and minds of our children? At that point, you can evaluate the amount of control you are willing to give them. Is it worth it for your child's future, to expose them to the realities of "Doing Whatever It Takes To Succeed"? Is it a choice that is positive and productive to your child?

As we watch each week, the emotions and the drama of Bring It, we have to allow for the bigger picture. Behind this show is a whole community of people. Before Ms. Dianna ever thought of TV, she was spending her time trying to make a difference in the lives of girls in Jackson, Mississippi. She hasn't changed. She just got the opportunity to show the World, her love and concern for the welfare of our young women. It's got bigger and more widespread, but nothing else has changed.

It became a Social Norm over the last 20 years to coddle our children and to tell them whatever feel good things we could tell them. Society told us it was better for a child's self esteem and well being to let everybody be a winner and to tell everybody they are doing great. Well, that may have been the talk going on in the big cities and the more liberal society, in this country or so it appeared.

However, down in Jackson, Mississippi, in the Good Ole South, folks have always been somewhat more plain spoken, than the rest of the country. The old gentler South is a myth. The fact that we usually try to throw a "sugar" or a "honey"  in the conversation, doesn't mean we aren't telling you how it is. Even saying, "Bless Your Heart" means, We want to slap you for being so stupid, but instead, we are going to try and not do that! But you need to straighten up now! Because we will slap you. LOL.. Everybody knows that, down South.

There is also another belief down South, that hasn't changed. " It takes a Village to raise a child". That saying has been around for as long as I can remember, which is a long time. When we watch Dianna Williams and her handling of the girls of the Dollhouse Dance Factory, we should be mindful of all of those facts.

She is a strong, caring Southern Woman and she believes with all of heart, in the mission she is on. The hearts and minds she comes in contact with daily are watching dreams in action. A dream she worked at and fought for, long before we ever knew who she was. If ever in life, there was an example of dedication and endurance, her story is that example. So to answer the questions: Is it right for Dianna to get so involved in the lives of the girls of the Dollhouse Dance Factory? Is she doing more harm than good to the girls for the sake of the show and for her own gain?
My personal opinion is, Damn right she should get involved. More harm than good? Not in the "REAL" World. In the world all of us grow up, to live in, nobody cares, if "you" don't like what they say about you! It is the old "Dog eat Dog mentality on every corner. To butter children's egos and not be honest, about everything with them, is where the damage comes in.

When we raise children with honesty and real life, they are more willing, to work harder for their dreams. They see what it going to take and their expectations are real. It helps them be who they really are, not building their lives, based on the theory, they are the best at something, just because they showed up.

What the TV Show has done is allow her tough rules and her determination to create a wave across the the World. A wave of "Get Involved In The Lives Of Our Children"! Stop standing by and watching them turnout bad. Be a parent! Be a Teacher! Be a Coach! Do Something To Stop The Madness!..Teach our young people to be proud of EARNING something!..That is the message! Not her calling out Kayla on TV? Kayla is a tough girl. She has been around Dianna for a long, long time...I would bet money, she steps ups to the challenge, as she always does!

Dianna, along with decent, hardworking parents, are helping the Village to raise a generation of tough, bad ass women. They won't be easy! They won't be quitters! They will always demand respect and have respect for themselves..Not because someone GAVE it to them..But because they EARNED it! How bad do you want it what they hear,not I am a failure or I can't do it.

BUT, at the end of the day, the combination of toughness and love are what gets the job done with any child. She isn't being mean or hateful or degrading to anyone. And Dianna never leaves out the praise or the love with her girls. She is the first one to tell them how good they have done or how proud she is of them. She builds confidence that lasts and a "pay it forward" attitude for every girl that comes through the Dollhouse.

And surely, Kayla's weight should be a topic on this show. There is an obesity problem across America. This show reaches millions of people.

Though Kayla is far from being obese, the bigger message is health. Her decision to be healthier than she is already, is a motivation for those millions of people watching. Her overwhelming influence with young girls, who love her, could be a turning point for anyone who wants to get healthier but hasn't.
 If reality shows tackle real life issues and show real life answers, then they are valuable to all of us who watch. Life lessons that we could all use, if we choose to recognize them, are a bigger attraction to me than any of the hype that goes with it all.

DDS Nation will remain a strong supporter of Dianna and the way she chooses to contribute to our children's lives. We are thankful for Dianna and people like her.





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