Dancing on the Line: Sexualization of Young Girls in Performing Arts

Controversy surrounding dance costumes for young girls is an ongoing issue that goes much further than simply what they wear. It is not a new issue that girls are being put in overly sexualized outfits for performances, whether that be sports, dance, theater, or entertainment. There are so many times that young girls are expected to portray or act like adult women when that is not really appropriate. So many dance costumes are modeled after “sexy” concepts or simply do not provide the coverage that should be required for literal children on stage in front of an audience of strangers. One questionable practice is that many costumes are not paired with tights underneath as an added layer of coverage and protection, which is either from the costume manufacturer or the choreographer. It may start with adult, mature clothing for performers, but it leads to a slippery slope of sexualization of girls and women which is a larger problem in society. There have to be safeguards and rules in place to protect women and girls from falling into the pattern of subjecting young girls to dangers they may not yet recognize or understand.

One big case that exhibits the danger and violence potentially in this situation is Jon Benet Ramsey. She was a six year old beauty pageant queen who was violently murdered by an unknown person in her home in 1996. She became very successful in the pageant circuit and well known locally, but became truly infamous following her death due to the media coverage and spectacle surrounding her death. Although there is no confirmed connection between her pageant participation and her murder, her case sparked broader conversations about child beauty pageants, the public exposure of young girls, and the potential risks associated with placing children in the spotlight.Her case highlights the importance of protecting young performers, particularly when their public image and exposure can create vulnerabilities.

Another historical case of the sexualization of a young girl is Shirley Temple and her experience in Hollywood. She started acting when she was just three years old in 1932, dancing and singing in movies. She was put in inappropriate clothes for her age to portray an adult woman or adult situations in some movies. In her memoir she even recalled being told inappropriate things and being in intimate situations with executives and producers before she was even a teenager. It’s not fair for her as a child to have to know what is right and wrong concerning adults in her life. There should have been regulations to protect her and her image.

A more modern example is the USA gymnastics scandal with former team doctor Larry Nassar who is currently serving a life sentence in prison for various sexual crimes, mainly against gymnasts he treated. It is no secret that gymnastics leotards are designed to be tight-fitting and not cover the body fully for gymnastics function, but then there should be additional guidelines to help protect the athletes from unnecessary sexualization. This shouldn’t be needed in the first place, but considering the world we live in it is the organization’s responsibility to keep the athletes safe and comfortable. This should include multi-adult supervision, regulations on choreography, and support for athletes that choose to cover up rather than penalization.

This subject that I originally found relevant in the dance competition world is actually applicable across so many platforms and performance styles. Girls in so many situations are unfortunately at risk of being sexualized or worse, and as such the people in charge of these settings have a moral obligation to create a safe environment which should include boundaries, rules, and protections for girls and women. Young girls should be able to participate in dance, sports, and entertainment without being pressured to meet adult expectations or placed in situations that compromise their safety and dignity.