Tracing the Shift: How Adult Styling Made Its Way into Children's Latin American Dancing
Throughout the past several decades of my dance career — as a former Amateur Champion, Professional Finalist, and now a National and International Adjudicator, Teacher, and Coach — I’ve witnessed a shift that began subtly, but in the last 5 to 10 years has accelerated with startling speed. Nowhere is this more evident than in our youngest dancers.
There now seems to be less emphasis on understanding of fundamentals, authenticity, and age-appropriate musicality. Instead, it’s increasingly common to see children dressed, moving, and performing with the style and expression typical of adult competitors.
When Did This Become the Norm?
The trend of children imitating adult choreography, body actions, styling, mannerisms, and expressions has emerged gradually, beginning around the 1990s. The influences have been many and varied: artistic trends, evolving competitive standards, shifting societal norms, global aesthetics, and later, the explosion of social media.
Here’s a breakdown of how — and when — it happened.
Today, at competitions around the world, it is increasingly common to see Juvenile and Junior dancers replicating adult performance styling — from choreography and body language to costuming and expression. Often, the very systems meant to support their growth are reinforcing this trend, consciously or not.
But as the adults in the room — coaches, teachers, adjudicators, mentors, and organisers — we must pause and ask:
Just because it has become the norm… does that make it right? I’ve written this blog as an exploration — not only of how we arrived at this point, but also of the choices we have moving forward, with greater balance and intention. By returning to the core fundamentals, principles, and artistry appropriate to each unique stage of growth, we can embrace a version of Latin American dancing that honours both tradition and the dancer’s individual journey — a foundation that builds dancers for the long term.
When confidence, clarity, and artistic integrity are nurtured in young dancers, we raise not only champions — but artists. Artists capable of preserving the soul of their craft.
Where It Started
The essence of Latin American dancing lies in its rhythm, character, and connection — not just with the audience, but with oneself. It is not meant to be an imitation of others. As I’ve already shared, in years past, the fundamental principles of technique and musicality were at the heart of a child’s dance development, while still preserving the joy of dancing as a child. Arm styling was simpler. Costumes were more modest. And expressions were genuine, rooted in age-appropriate emotion and natural presence.
There was a general consensus throughout the 1980s and 1990s — a time when coaches across the world shared a common set of values and upheld clear principles. A distinct line was maintained between children’s dancing and adult performance. The emphasis was on timing, posture, partnership skills, and a young dancer’s ability to interpret music with authenticity — not mimicry. These standards weren’t just personal preferences; they were widely accepted by both teachers and adjudicators as the foundation of quality development.
So When Did That Start to Change?
In the early 2000s, with dancers across the globe gaining access to elite-level coaching and a growing library of video footage — from competition performances to coaching clips — youth training began to shift significantly. The focus started to move away from clarity, musicality, and age-appropriate development, and instead toward the polished styling and intense interpretations of movement seen at the highest adult levels.
The competition system also began to change, and in many countries, adjudicators — perhaps without realising it — increasingly rewarded dancers for their mature presentation. Mimicry often mistaken for maturity, and performance for presence. Foundational skills and age-appropriate representation of the dances were gradually overshadowed. Choreography, styling, and even musical interpretation began to reflect adult performance ideals, rather than supporting the natural progression of young dancers.
The arrival of the internet accelerated this shift. Platforms like YouTube and Instagram began offering a constant stream of world-class performances, viral dance videos, and trend-driven content — all curated by algorithms rather than pedagogy. The digital world now shapes many young dancers long before a teacher does — style is copied from screens, not cultivated in the studio. Young dancers started modelling themselves on what they saw online, often from the comfort of home — no teacher required. The result? An increase in adult mimicry, exaggerated styling, and emotionally charged storytelling that often bears little relevance to the dancers’ age or life experience.
While this wave of influence and imitation may have produced impressive short-term results, it has also marked a deeper erosion of child-focused development in our dance industry.
The Cost of Imitation
On the surface, it may seem harmless — even impressive — when a young dancer replicates the lines, styling, or intensity of an elite adult couple. But beneath the polish lies a deeper cost that needs our attention.
When we encourage children to imitate adult performances, we risk hindering their ability to grow into their artistry organically. Instead of discovering what they feel, they simply reproduce what they’ve been shown. They become a copy — not a creator — and artistic integrity is lost. In doing so, we strip away the charm, innocence, and honest musicality that make Juvenile and Junior dancing so uniquely special.
This kind of imitation also bypasses crucial developmental building blocks: clarity of footwork, understanding of rhythm, correct posture, and coordination. Rather than mastering these essentials, children may become focused on affectation — over-stylised hips, exaggerated leg action, overly decorative arms — all without understanding the purpose behind the movement. It also limits their ability to develop patience and resilience, both of which are essential for long-term growth and mastery.
It has emotional consequences too. How can we ask children to portray feelings they haven’t yet experienced, or tell stories they cannot fully grasp? How can a nine-year-old girl be expected to evoke longing or seduction in a Rumba? She can’t — she is simply acting out a borrowed adult narrative which not only is developmentally inappropriate, it also distorts the nature of performance itself. It replaces truth with pretence.
The consequences are many — and far-reaching. We lose promising dancers, not for lack of talent, but because they were taught to perform before they were truly ready. The pressure and premature stylisation can lead to burnout, injury, creative plateau, or a quiet withdrawal from dance altogether.
This is the true cost: in striving to win early, we risk shortening the journey.
Across the world, there are parents, dancers, teachers, coaches, and adjudicators working tirelessly to preserve what truly matters: age-appropriate development, artistic authenticity, and the integrity of childhood in dance.
So it is not too late to change course.
We can consciously — and courageously — choose a different path. One that prioritises authenticity over mimicry, and long-term development over early trophies.
What We Can Do Differently
Reclaim the Purpose of each Age Group. Juvenile dancers should be allowed to look, move, and feel like children. Their dancing can be full of character, joy, and dynamic rhythm without borrowing from adult narratives. Let them explore personality through playfulness, musical timing, and clean action — not exaggerated sensuality or copied expression and styling.
Teach Movement from the Inside Out.
Prioritise structure over styling. Develop coordination, balance, core use, foot pressure, and musical understanding. When a child knows why they are moving, they gain ownership — and artistry emerges as a natural outcome.
Use Language and Imagery That Match Their World.
Avoid phrases like “give me drama” or “look sexy” — they’re not just inappropriate; they don’t belong in a child’s creative vocabulary. Instead, find language that speaks to their world. Use age-appropriate imagery, analogies, and storytelling that children can genuinely connect with. Let expression arise from imagination and connection — not imitation.
Protect Costume Rules and Regulations.
Encourage age-appropriate dancewear. A dancer can shine without being overly exposed.
Modesty doesn’t hinder performance — it often enhances it, by drawing the eye back to what truly matters: the quality of movement and the dancer’s musicality.
This standard shouldn’t apply only on the competition floor. Children should be encouraged to wear age-appropriate dancewear in lessons and practice settings too.
It’s also time to hold dancewear manufacturers accountable. They have a responsibility not to profit from the trend of adult emulation but to design and promote clothing that supports healthy, age-appropriate development. The industry must stop normalising miniature versions of adult Latin costumes for children — and begin leading by example.
Education for All.
We must continue raising awareness that great dancing does not require premature maturity. A clean, musical Junior Cha Cha — danced with joy, discipline, and genuine character — is far more compelling than a polished imitation that misses the true spirit of the dance.
Adjudicators have a critical role to play. They should feel empowered to uphold standards that protect and nurture young dancers, not pressured to reward adult mimicry.
There is great power in the pen — and it should be used for good.
Honour the Process Over Pressure.
Not every child needs to win their first final — and that’s okay. There is learning in losing, too. But every child deserves the chance to be developed well, with care, patience, and the right tools.
When we nurture dancers with clarity, consistency, and compassion, we don’t just keep them dancing longer — we keep the soul of the artform alive.
It is our responsibility as adults not only to develop better dancers but also to help shape better people — resilient, expressive, technically sound, and artistically honest. Dancers who don’t just aim to impress but have something truthful to say through their movement.
Returning to What Matters
We live in an age of everything instant — including results. But it takes real courage to choose the slower, steadier path, one built on patience, respect, and trust in the process.
And yet, that’s where the real magic lives — not in rushing to arrive, but in growing into greatness, step by step.
The goal shouldn’t be to create children who look like champions. It is to create dancers who grow into champions — with roots deep enough to carry them far.
By protecting the innocence of Juvenile dancers, honouring the growth stages of Juniors, and upholding the fundamentals of clarity, musicality, and artistry at every level, we are not only preserving tradition — we are preparing dancers to thrive for a lifetime.
This is how we honour the past, shape the present, and safeguard the future of Latin American dancing.
Because excellence isn’t rushed. It’s cultivated.
I highly recommend these article for further Reading:
The concerns raised in this blog are supported by a growing body of research exploring the developmental, emotional, and ethical considerations of children’s performance in Ballroom and Latin American dance:
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Russell, A., et al. (2018). Sexualization of Prepubescent Girls in Dance Competition: Innocent Fun or ‘Sexploitation’?A peer-reviewed article examining how adult styling, costuming, and choreography may contribute to the early sexualisation of young dancers in competitive environments.
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Sandlos, L. (2023). In the Land of Dance: Unpacking Sexualization and the Wellbeing of Girls in Competitive Dance. An ethnographic study showing how early performance expectations and aesthetic norms can affect girls’ self-concept and emotional health. Read here →
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Zhang, X. & Li, Y. (2025). Latin Dance Participation and Social Physique Anxiety in Pre-Teen Girls: A Pilot Study.A recent study linking Latin dance participation with increased body-image anxiety in adolescent girls, especially in performance-driven training systems. Frontiers in Psychology →
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Tanenbaum, L. (2021). Sexualization of Girls Through Dance.A thoughtful paper discussing how commercial and competitive dance environments can blur the line between healthy performance and inappropriate adult mimicry. Read on Digital Commons →
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Canadian Sport for Life. Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) Framework.A respected coaching model designed to ensure age-appropriate physical, emotional, and cognitive development across youth sport and performance. Explore the LTAD model →
A Note to Readers
This blog shares my personal reflections — drawn from years of teaching, observing, and adjudicating dancers of all ages and categories. It’s not written to spark debate, but to open conversation and invite thoughtful reflection on a complex and evolving issue in our dance world.
This post was written to explore age-appropriate development in children's Latin American dancing — not to serve as a platform for unrelated or personal views. This space is intended for respectful conversation around the themes of the post. It is not about politics, identity debates, or ideology. Any comments that drift into unrelated, inflammatory, or discriminatory territory — regardless of viewpoint — will be removed.
Everyone will take something different from it — and that’s the point. Let’s keep the comments respectful, on topic, and mindful of others wishing to contribute.
Thank you for reading — and for helping to keep this a thoughtful, constructive space.
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Hallo, darf ich ihren Artikel in Deutsch auf Facebook und Instagram zitieren?
Mit freundlichen Grüßen