A group of our senior girls have requested that I choreograph this number. However, I do not feel the content, much less the words, is appropriate for 16 and 17 year olds to be using.

I sent the parents an email letting them know that both myself and my SO regarded this music as inappropriate and that I would be glad to help them find another piece to work with.

To my surprise and horror, the parent sent back an email blasting both myself and my SO because she felt the "clean" version would be appropriate and that "other" groups had done dances to "Body Language", "Look at Me Now" (from Wild Party) and "Dance with Somebody". Did I mention that 3 years ago, we told this parent the same thing about this same music. Granted the girls were 13 and 14 then, but the song has not changed.

I am so appauled that 1) this parent would question our judgement as teachers and choreographers and 2) that she would even want the girls dancing to something with this type of content.

I would really like some input from anyone out there as to what how they think I should handle this parent and your opinion on this.

Thanks

Honestly, I've seen this song too many times at competitions.. and each time it's just not a good idea. I've even heard people try to clean it up more and literally had BEEEEEP in the music.. if youi've gotta do that, don't use it! I agree with you, that music is inappropriate to dance to, no matter what age. It also scares me that you had a parent defend the song and be okay with the idea of her TEENAGE daughter dancing to it! Stick to your guns, who cares if other studios didn't have the good taste to just find another song for choreography - don't use it. Perhaps try and search other songs with the same style - cutesy, same era sound, but with less suggestion. I applaud you!

Most importantly - Stand Your Ground! Do not change because one parent acts like a child. She will lose respect for you and will
give you grief in the future anytime she disagrees with you. If YOU don't feel the song is appropriate, don't use it! It's just one song - there are a million other choices out there

I personally wouldn't use the song at my studio. It's a shame too because it could be a great one to use if it was clean.

First, I think that this is a situation that the SO should care of. Her school; her decisions on appropriateness. However, here's how I would address things.

I would let the parent know that this issue is not up for discussion. The two of you have decided that you will not be using this song (doesn't matter if it's inappropriate or you just don't like it) and that is the final decision. If she doesn't like the way this business is being run, she has the option of taking her money to another school.

I absolutely think its innapropriate! I think you were right on...the song does have a great beat but the words are not so good....I have seen many studio's do this song in competition and it amazes me everytime....and most times it is uncut! Good For You....stick to what you believe in!

Thanks for your support. The SO will be handling it and will back me up all the way, but knowing this parent, she will circumvent around her to try to get to me, not that I would change my mind. Actually, I went to the SO because she was the one they tried to run this by 3 years ago, and ironically, I was the one that pointed out how inappropriate it was back then! Just don't think this parent knew that!! LOL

She is definitely barking up the wrong tree here. I am always checking lyrics before I use any music! And I have no problem pointing that out to parents or the other teachers at the studio!

Thanks again!

Hey,

I agree that the song is inappropriate however, I did it with my teens a few years ago and cut out everything inappropriate and it ended up really cute. I have a good editing system and am able to tweak songs so that the girls can dance to (some) of the song that they enjoy, just without the bad words and nasty conotations.

alioopjc wrote:

The SO will be handling it and will back me up all the way, but knowing this parent, she will circumvent around her to try to get to me, not that I would change my mind.

Unless otherwise instructed, I would redirect this parent back to the SO. "I'm sorry, but that is not my decision to make. You would need to speak to the SO concerning this matter." Repeat as necessary. =)

As far as editing music, I find that you can clean a song up, but the message is still there. The audience and dancers (especially when it comes to popular music) still know the song's message. While removing an inappropriate word may fix some problems, I think that with a song like this, you are dealing with the underlying message... something that you can't clean up.

I agree, it is inappropriate.

Stand your ground, parents don't understand that the dance piece represents you and reflects on your studio.

We have one mother that picks highly inappropriate songs for her 10 year old, and since she has 3 kids at the studio my SO won't tell her no. I was mortified at compeition when all 3 judges said "When I Grow Up" was inappropriate, I felt like I should have refused to choreograph it. I didn't agree with the song choice and tried to change her mind but she wouldn't budge. I just can't believe what these parents will let their baby girls dance to.

Stand your ground*You will thank yourself in the end.

I totally agree this song is inappropriate. I love the beat, it's very catchy, but even cutting out all the bad stuff you know what the judges are thinking, you know if the kids buy the version on itunes it comes complete with the "panties drop and make my cherry pop". If parents don't mind them listening to that on their own time that is fine...however I am not going to promote that when there are thousands of other songs that are far more appropriate and not OVERUSED at dance competitions. Tell the mom you are striving for something more original than that garbage.

Okay, how come NO ONE EVER objects to "Hey Big Spender" from Sweet Charity?

Well...this song had me at "makes my cherry pop" Not to mention "with a real big *insert sexy moan."

Love the song, use it for aerobics but not so much for the kids.

I am also in the camp that "Hey big Spender" is not cute, no matter how dated people think it is.

I'll go adjust my puritan hat now.

I gotta insert my 2 cents in here about why "Hey Big Spender" isn't even a 10th as bad as "Candyman". The only bad lyrics in "Big Spender" are "I don't pop my cork for every guy I see". The rest of the lyrics, if you take the time to look them up, are not even close to being as raunchy as "Candyman". And besides, it's not that "Big Spender" is 'outdated' like someone said. "Big Spender" is from a musical, a really good musical in fact, and people are going to continue to dance to it (hopefully) for years and years and years. It's an amazing show and a great song. The lyrics of "Candyman" are trashy and will always be trashy and the song will always be inappropriate to dance to. I'm not really sure why we keep getting new posts about this song every few months. It's inappropriate, everybody! Quit asking!

*Off my soap box now*

I didn't say it was OUTDATED, I said people THINK it is dated, implying that since it comes from the 1966 musical "Sweet Charity," back when the world was young, dinosaurs roamed the earth, and nobody talked about s-e-x in songs it is okay for kids to dance to it. Obviously, while it doesn't come right out and say like Xtina or whoever she is these days "makes my cherry pop" the whole tone of the song and the musical that it comes from is not really apropriate for children.

Great song? Ya betcha! Would love to see it done by people that are of an age to understand what the heck they are trying to portray AND by a choreographer that can unlease their inner Fosse. Having to sit through a bunch of 11 year olds vamping and dancing to "I can show you a *bum bum* good time"? Awkward.

I LOVE Fosse and all that he created- seriously, all of it. But of all the broadway shows out there, I just don't think Sweet Charity is the right way to go. For kids.

Does that clarify what I was trying to state? And for the record the two songs ARE apples and oranges.

Well, please don't rip me a new one, but I don't think Candyman is that bad. Most songs on Billboard now are way more inappropriate if you analyze them. Having said that though, if you feel that the song is inappropriate, the parents should respect your decision and your view and back you up, not blast you.

I would not use it and anything like it. Just because it is on the radio and elsewhere, does not mean that I approve of it. When in doubt... don't.

JLL wrote:

When in doubt... don't.

I agree ^^^ My rule is if you have to think twice about it, don't use it.

Thanks to everyone for your input!!!! I have stood firm, as has my SO and hopefully all will pass without any more incident. I truly do not believe these parents have any idea what this song suggests. I'll bet none of them have listened to the entire song!! What else is new? It has great musicality. Too bad the lyrics are so bad!

thanks again!

I just keep thinking... in my spiteful "HA" I know what I'm talking about way... i would LOVE to just print the lyrics to that song and hand them to parents that would want their children to dance to it... and say, if you feel comfortable reading this to your child, you're crazy! but... sometimes I just like to prove a point to prove a point!

I swear if I have a child or parent come in and request "LoveGame", or "Birthday Sex" I will quit!

I don't think Candyman is appropriate like I said before but I agree that it doesn't hold a candle to most Lady Gaga songs or "Birthday Sex", which are both played on the radio. As a hip hop teacher it is hard to find a song these days that isn't blantantly saying something sexual or highly inappropriate.

Oh my goodness, I agree dwd! As a hip hop teacher, and a hip hop teacher in a very conservative, suburban area it can be VERY tricky to find music. Obviously it's out there - but even some top 40 hip hop songs are highly inappropriate WITH the editing the radio stations do. It's not always cussing, it's the content. I understand that I may catch onto more 'hidden meanings' but I feel uncomfortable exposing my students - even if they hear it outside of class. There are some songs that have been suggested even on DDN for hip hop songs for recitals, etc. that make me say.. WHAT?! a parent didn't complain about THAT song? I mean, I'm 23, and I love hip hop music, but I understand that I'm responsible for my students' ears while they're in my class.

I just dont understand why the music industry can't create good, cute beats that are good for all ears. With that said, my studio really works hard to always have appropriate music. Last year we used a song by kreesha turner "passion" for a competition jazz dance. It has a good beat and is very fun. Does anyone know of some more fun, powerful jazz music that we could use this year(as competition music)?

Thanks

Well, please don't rip me a new one, but I don't think Candyman is that bad. Most songs on Billboard now are way more inappropriate if you analyze them.

Not trying to rip but here are featured lines:
Sippin' from a bottle of vodka double wine
He's a one stop shop, makes my panties drop
We drank champagne and we danced all night
He's a one stop shop, makes my cherry pop
Well, by now I'm getting all bothered and hot

What part of that isn't so bad for kids to be dancing to?? Would you allow your kids in class to be talking about drinking vodka or dropping their panties? If not then why would you even play the song in class much less set a competition piece to it.

Yes I agree a lot of Billboard music is less than appropriate and that doesn't make it okay to use for competition in my opinion either. Are you trying to say there is a lack of music being produced today or available music to choreograph to? REALLY? Maybe some people are lazy or don't have a high standard when it comes to music representing their dance studio or themselves.

You could substitute a similar sounding song. "Candyman" sounds like a big band 1940's song and I heard it was inspired by "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" by the Andrews Sisters.

Here's a live version by Bette Midler

www.youtube.com . . .