When the topic of dance moms comes up, it often conjures a very specific image, largely thanks to popular culture. Robin Fuller, the board president of A.V.A. Ballet Theatre, hinted at this perception when expressing her reservations about a column focusing on dance moms. “Are you sure you want to go there?” she asked with concern, adding, “It could be treacherous.” Her apprehension stemmed from the widely held, often negative stereotype associated with the term. However, the reality of dance moms, especially those involved with organizations like A.V.A. Ballet Theatre, is far more nuanced and overwhelmingly positive.
For those unfamiliar, the term “dance mom” can unfortunately carry a derogatory connotation. It’s often used to describe mothers who push their young dancers excessively, sometimes demanding preferential treatment for their children in performances. This phenomenon isn’t unique to dance; similar pressures exist in youth sports with “hockey moms” or “football dads.” The stereotype has been amplified by reality television shows like “Dance Moms,” which often portrays mothers in a highly dramatized and negative light. While such portrayals might reflect some extreme cases, they paint an unfair picture of the vast majority of dance moms.
Fortunately, the stereotypical “dance mom” is not the prevailing norm, particularly within the Reno dance community. While isolated incidents of pushy or demanding parents might occur, they are far from representative of the dedicated individuals supporting organizations like A.V.A. Ballet Theatre. It’s crucial to differentiate between for-profit dance studios, where parents are paying clients with understandable expectations for their child’s involvement, and non-profit ballet companies like A.V.A. Ballet Theatre. A.V.A. Ballet Theatre operates as the resident ballet company of the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, holding open auditions to select the most qualified dancers for each production, ensuring artistic integrity and professional standards for ticket-paying audiences. This selection process, overseen by Artistic Director Alexander Van Alstyne and Co-Director Miriam Allen, prioritizes talent and skill, sometimes leading to difficult decisions when friends of the company or their daughters don’t make the cut. However, maintaining the quality of performances remains paramount for the ballet company’s board members.
It’s imperative to state unequivocally: A.V.A. Ballet Theatre simply would not exist without the unwavering support of dedicated dance moms. From its inception, mothers of dancers have been instrumental in the company’s growth, from assisting in its establishment as a non-profit organization to the countless hours spent creating and sewing the elaborate costumes that have become an A.V.A. Ballet hallmark. They also serve as essential chaperones during productions and diligently coordinate fundraising efforts.
Above all, these exceptional dance moms generously give their time. The commitment required to bring dancers to multiple rehearsals each week, sometimes up to four, is immense. This dedication to both their children’s passion and the ballet company is the backbone of A.V.A. Ballet Theatre’s success.
Beyond good dance moms, there are super dance moms, and Yolanda Huffmire, the wardrobe mistress for A.V.A. Ballet Theatre, perfectly embodies this category. Her son David, a talented dancer now training with Ballet West, has benefited from her unwavering support since he was a young child. Yolanda’s super dance mom status stems from her extraordinary contribution to the company’s costumes. The sheer volume of work required to prepare costumes for each production is herculean, yet Yolanda and her team of dedicated mothers accomplish it with remarkable dedication and positivity.
Robin Fuller herself is another shining example of a super dance mom associated with A.V.A. Ballet Theatre. Interestingly, Robin’s daughter Erin chose not to pursue dance intensely. Demonstrating true parental wisdom, Robin supported Erin’s exploration of other interests. What elevates Robin to super dance mom status is her continued, significant contribution to A.V.A. Ballet Theatre long after her daughter moved on from dance. This selfless dedication truly exemplifies the spirit of a real dance mom and a genuine patron of the performing arts.
Perhaps it’s time for a reality show that showcases the reality of dance moms like those at A.V.A. Ballet Theatre: committed, hardworking, incredibly capable, and filled with humility and gratitude. These are the dance moms who truly deserve the spotlight.
