Bree

In the ballet world, many parents (hopeful their children will get "noticed" and become famous) send their little darlings off to 'summer intensives' or SIs, where they study ballet hard-core for 8 hours a day, 6 days a week for the entire summer.

One such SI (a "feeder" program into the famous Kirov Ballet) is owned, operated, and backed by the "Moonies" or the Unification Church. The Kirov Ballet and it's schools gained recognition as a top ballet school and performance company prior to the Moonies' taking over. Parents are now more or less ignoring the fact that by sending their children to these programs, they are not only funding the Moonies' propaganda, they are using their children as "cult bait."

Being both an atheist and a dancer, I am appalled that parents would choose to ignore these facts (more can be found <a href="http://www.danceart.com/cults/kirov.htm" target="_blank">here</a>) and send their children anyway in hopes of achieving fame and fortune. Most parents on the dance side of things say I'm merely over-reacting - they want to best possible for their kids and nothing less.

I thought perhaps it was time to ask the atheist community, who may be more objective about things.

Amos

Its a constitutional right, is endorsed by government and most [aggressive] fundy churches have an elaborate gym to attract kids for the same reason.

I object? Yes, but don't count me in.

HelenM

Bree

I think people who aren't afraid of other viewpoints do better than those who are.

Is there any evidence that the children who go to those camps come out having been taught Moonie teachings? If not then I think the parents are right that you probably are over-reacting.

I would be disappointed in any parents who have their kids all year round, who can't have more influence over what they believe than a short intensive camp.

But on the other hand I would not deny that parents can lack discernment and have strange priorities when it comes to their children.

I am doubtful myself of whether parents who push their kids extremely hard have their kids best interests at heart anyway so I'm not sure you have much hope of getting them to see your point on any type of argument predicated on "is this really best for your children?"

Who wants the fame anyway? Let me see, I didn't make it so I'll try again vicariously through my kids...

love
Helen

Bree

They are taught that:

• Homosexuality is wrong and should be eliminated from the "true artists" (i.e. the students attending the program)
• When washing the body one must take care not to handle the genital areas
• As "dance ambassadors" the children must exhibit such behaviour that is pleasing to Rev. Moon

And so forth - many parents say they merely tell their children to ignore these silly teachings and to get back to the "real" reason why they're attending the program - dancing.

However, I fail to see why a parent would fund these programs by letting their children attend. There are a million and one wonderful programs without religious significance attatched (and if you want Christian ballet - ugh - they have <a href="http://www.balletmagnificat.com" target="_blank">Ballet Magnificat</a>), so I fail to see the logic.

HelenM

Oh, fair enough then, if they are taught all those things.

I wouldn't know whether the children are able to be discerning about what they are taught, or not - I agree that it's unwisee for parents to assume that the teachings will be ignored by their children.

love
Helen

Echo

Bree, I'm just curious..what makes this particular school so popular, as opposed to other ballet schools? Is it just more convenient, have cheaper fees, better instructors, easier to get into?

If the school attracts so many students because it has a good rep and respected instructors, I'd probably say "screw the moonies" and send my kid anyhow. But I see your point nonetheless.

Illithid

Well... I've occasionally wanted to use the little bugger as shark bait...

Bree

The Kirov was the staple of Russian Ballet back in the "good ol' days" of dance (think the 40s). It is extremely difficult to get into, is extremely expensive...and therefore is seen as a bit of a status symbol. In my opinion, better instruction can be found elsewhere for less money - but to have the name "Kirov" on one's resume makes a definate impression, just like everything else in life.

I just don't think a child as young as 9 could differentiate between cult teachings and good common sense.