Would you let your daughter take part in a hobby/activity you 'disapproved' of, from a more feminist angle?

[NellyBluth]

Of all things, i started thinking about this when watching Got to Dance on Sky

The other day an episode focused on several competitors who dance what I think is called Freestyle Disco. There seems to be a very specific look for these particular dancers, one that I actually felt quite uneasy about, as a mum. The girls were all heavily fake tanned, wearing almost beauty queen levels of make-up and false eyelashes, and their costumes were extremely tight, sparkly and extravagant. There's an old article from The Sun about it I've just found here if you haven't seen these costumes before. Now I know that a lot of dancers will wear revealing costumes because you need to see their body move, but there was something about these particular outfits and the need to wear make-up, tans etc that doesn't sit quite right with me. It reminds me of child beauty pageants, which also make me a feel a bit uneasy.

Yet I believe freestyle disco is a pretty common form of dance for young girls to learn, and it started me thinking. My DD is only 1 so I have no idea what hobbies or sports she will be interested in, but it could be dance. And she might really love freestyle disco. And then she might want to compete, and would 'need' these outfits that I basically disapprove of, she might 'need' fake tans and false eyelashes and all that at a very young age. But could I actually stop my daughter doing something she loved because of that?

What do other people think? This applies just as much to boys taking part in more traditionally feminine hobbies too, I know, but I know I was thinking specifically about what to me seems an unnecessary sexualisation of a dance style that is more popular with girls. Would you let your feelings stop your daughter taking part in a hobby she loved?

It isn't something I'm particularly passionate about either way tbh.

(Although, if I didn't have to go to work, there might be small merit in a discussion about a supporting/ cheering role versus an explicit sexual performance. I can see the nuance, even if you can't. Neither is particularly grand, but there is a difference.... )

It isn't that cheerleading is sexually explicit, it's that it traditionally only exists as a frothy adjunct to serious male sporting activities.

Men do, women stand there and giggle. Zzzzzz.

That was kind of my point. In that the vast majority of five year old cheer leading classes are 'doing', not supporting anyone, let alone the under tens boys soccer team.

But never mind. I can tell there's something of an issue with nuance.