Any parents sit in on kids dance or gym practice?

[peppersneezes000]

My daughter is a young competive dancer, I've always sat in on classes as parents are allowed & I feel I can listen to her corrections & help her at home... However now I'm doubting it's a good thing as I've started comparing her to other kids & finding fault with her dances. I find I'm not picking telling her to focus etc.... I'm afraid if I don't sit in she won't progress as all the other mothers of the girls in her age group sit in & observe... Obviously I want her to progress & do well at her dance as she loves it & really enjoys the competive side of it too... She's 7, please advise on what's best

My DD trained as a professional dancer and is now teaching. She started classes when she was 2, so I have been a "Dance Mum" almost as long as I have been a Mum.
We were never allowed to observe group classes at our local dance school with the exception of end of term "showing classes" and sometimes private lessons. My DD's teachers said it is disruptive, distracts the children and leads to problems between the parents. Now my DD is a teacher she takes the same view.
However, you are in a different position OP. It sounds like it is allowed and even encouraged at your school which puts a different perspective on things. Let's be brutally honest tnough. The issue here is not watching, it is the way you are starting to feel/behave. It is good that you have picked up on the issues as I have met quite a few uber competitive dance parents who have no insight into their own behaviour. It is natural to want your child to do well, but there is a line between being enthusiastic and encouraging and being a pushy mum. I think the question is, can you stay on the right side of that line and still keep watching? Also, how does your DD feel about it all?
If it is reaching the point where your DD is getting anxious and enjoying her classes less then yes, you should definitely step back a bit. If she really wants you there then you are probably going to have to work really hard on suppressing your inner pushy mum. One thing I would suggest is to avoid the other mumxs as much as possible, or specifically, avoid being drawn into conversation about dancing, particularly anything that involves comparison. Don't arrive too early and have somewhere you are in a rush to get to after class. Find someone you have something else in common with and talk about that. Basically avoid people who reinforce your feelings and find those who don't.
Of course you could always take a break. Have something you have to do during class time so your DD doesn't pick up on there being anything "wrong" and give yourself a bit of breathing space. Remind yourself repeatedly that this is supposed to be fun. You may find that after a few weeks off (and presumably there will be a break over Christmas too) you go back with fresh eyes and a new perspective.