So, a professional associate of mine - from the fitness world (not the dance world). Posted a video of her daughters recital on FB.

It was her pointe class and first year en pointe.

Ok...so it was scary! Very, very scary...not a single girl had any technique what so ever, the choreography was way beyond what they could handle, their shoes we're improperly fitted...etc...etc.

I'm not close friends with this woman, but we have a lot of respect for each other. She's a highly respected individual in the fitness industry and she knows I'm a dance professional. Should I say something??

I just hate to see her daughter in such bad training. It's not only a waste it's down right dangerous.

Would it be totally out of line for me to give my professional opinion - in a very diplomatic way as one pro looking out for another?

The other thing is, we don't live in the same area. So it's not like I could just casually say, oh you're daughter has so much potential, I'd love to work with her

Just curious what you would do?

If you do say anything, then I would start off with how the girls are talented or something like that and then say that you do have a few concerns, ending up with pointing out that as you have nothing to gain professionaly you hope she won't see it as sour grapes.

As a fitness instructor she'll understand the anatomical side more than most parents will and she should understand how there are many bad dance teachers, just as there are many bad fitness instructors.
If it was me it would depend on how serious her daughter was and how much dancing she was doing because the more she does the more she'll damage herself.

No, I wouldn't say anything unless she would ask me for my opinion. To a close friend yes, but you don't know this woman that well.

But... if I really feel the need to say something, I would start asking questions about if her daughter likes her studio, her teacher, does she has the feeling she is in the right place, that she is improving enough. And hopefully I can turn that conversation in a direction where I could mention something about the lack of quality of what I've seen. And HOW I could see the pointes were not fitted well. Proven facts to make clear I know what I'm talking about.

great opinions. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I'll see her in a month as we're organizing a workshop together so I'll wait until then and feel it out.

Although I totally understand your frustration, say nothing. She will not hear you but feel attacked.

Advice is only good if someone asks for it and even then some people do not really like what they hear.

^^^ Ditto. I say let it be. People only see and hear what they want to anyway and if she proudly posted it on Facebook (gotta love FB) then she must think it's post-worthy and completely unaware that her child's gonna snap an ankle.

If you have the chance to offer classes to her, do so and let her discover what's wrong.

I'm really torn on this one. I wouldn't' be comfortable knowing that a child is in danger and not saying anything. While many students receive poor training and don't end up doing any real damage to their bodies, some do. What if this child breaks an ankle or tears a few tendons?

While I am all for making sure kids are getting proper training and are not doing anything that could potentially harm them, I don't think you should say anything. From what I understand from your post, you are professionally aquainted with her, but you know personally know her. If so, I feel that she would be offended by your remarks, more than gracious that you cared enough to say anything.

The only thing I can think of that might show her what it should look like is to take a video of some of your pointe students(your first year if you have any) and post it. Put a friendly comment there that your friend shared a video that got you wanting to share one too, or something like that. Maybe she will watch it and get the idea herself that something is wrong when she sees the difference.

^ DancingDiva, I actually was just thinking that might be the best way to hopefully educate her a little, without over stepping boundaries or offending her.

Thanks for your input everyone. Great advice as usual.