Hey guys, remember to include your first and last names in your usernames. Anonymous comments aren't allowed according to our Terms of Use. Thanks!

Usually when people have a problem with things being "Too Sexy", it's due to their own personal sexual short-comings. There is no way a good looking Girl/Woman can dance and not look sexy, does that mean we should not have dance teams? No Way, many of these kids use this outlet and stay out of trouble. I bet you would be surprised to find that most of these girls are some of the best students in school and have much more than "dancing sexy" going for them.

Again, if you don't include your first and last name, your comment will be deleted. I'd encourage everyone to share their opinion, but only if they're willing to submit their names. Thanks!

I am a former Cheerleader of Mehlville High School. I cheered from 2000-2004. My sister followed in my footsteps and she too cheered for MHS from 2004-2008.

The MHS Pantherette coach is a friend of mine. She has always loved dance and has committed a huge part of her life to furthering her practice and mentoring young women as a leader in the sport.

I was not at the Mehlville vs. Oakville game to see the routine in question but I watched it on YouTube. The young ladies looked amazing and I commend them for joining together as rivals to work on a dance as one team in a time when high school rivalry is everything! They showcased their talents together and did an amazing job. Shouldn't we be looking at these young women working together to better one another and congratulating them and feeling proud? Our schools should have been doing this for years! Other than maybe the choice of song "Nasty Boys" they didn't do anything that hasn't been seen on that track before in years past.

To the Pantherettes at MHS and the Golden Girls at OHS: Keep up the amazing work and dedication. Don't let one persons’ opinion bring you down or make you question your abilities and style.

"Dancing is the loftiest, the most moving, the most beautiful of the arts, because it is no mere translation or abstraction from life; it is life itself."
Dancing is an art form to express your feeling through movement. Standing in a line kicking legs up might be pleasing to a crowd, but that is not what warms a dancers heart. Dancing is more then that, The reason dancers are talented individuals , is because they move their bodies in ways most people can't. To you it might be " seductive" but to anybody who has a dancing backround, understands the hard work, dedictaion, and commitment that goes into a routine. Most of these dancers, spend an average time of 20 hours a week dancing. So when you sit here and critize these " children" as you say. Please realize, you are critizing there lives, and hard work.

I happen to be a parent of one of those girls. The person who wrote this article better get with the times. None of these girls are trying to be seductresses. As thier parent I would never allow my child to do something that you claim is suggestive. These girls are honor roll students, charitable to their community, and work hard everyday. The Pantherettes happened to be Nationally ranked, if you are so offended by their dance routines its simple-don't go. Just remember that as you have written this article about our girls, someday someone will be writing something about your children. I can only expect that you will feel the need to have your voice heard. I am very PROUD of the Mehlville Dancers and HOW DARE YOU disrespect these young beautiful ladies!

Hey lady if you don't like it then don't watch it. These girls dances are always AMAZING. Who are you to be talking about these girls and their mothers when you don't even know them. You don't know what Pantherettes is all about because you were never on the team from what it seems like. Your comment about dealing with the currency of sex is totally uncalled for and you should be ashamed. Like really who do you think you are?

Also i would like to say, that children are innocent.....their perception of appropriate and inappropriate, is most of the time based on what Mom and Dad say. Children don't understand Sex, and telling them or pointing out to them that something is "too sexually driven" is you stealing their innocence, not teenage dancers.

The best way to keep your "little girl" innocent is to not even dwell on your opinion of the dance.

My daughter graduated from MHS last May. I was a Dance Team Mom for 9 years. The Pantherettes are a nationally ranked dance team. The Golden Girls and the Pantherettes are comprised of smart, talented young women who have studied dance for years. This article compares them to Toddlers & Tiara's only at an older age. This parent must not be very well versed in the arts or in particular in dance. These dedicated and hard working students are a apart of any school's athletic team. The Parents, (past and present,) and the former members of both squads know these young women are wonderful and professionally trained dancers. For someone to categorize them as anything but is truly sad. Maybe the author of this article needs to watch So You Think You Can Dance, or attend some venues were she can learn more.

My daughter graduated from MHS last May. I was a Dance Team Mom for 9 years. The Pantherettes are a nationally ranked dance team. The Golden Girls and the Pantherettes are comprised of smart, talented young women who have studied dance for years. This article compares them to Toddlers & Tiara's only at an older age. This parent must not be very well versed in the arts or in particular in dance. These dedicated and hard working students are a part of any school's athletic team. The Parents, (past and present,) and the former members of both squads know these young women are wonderful and professionally trained dancers. For someone to categorize them as anything but is truly sad. Maybe the author of this article needs to watch So You Think You Can Dance, or attend some venues were she can learn more.

I have watched the MHS/OHS routine twice (once before reading this article & once after). This routine was “riddled” with precision dance moves.You admit that its been a while since you attended Oakville so I’m assuming it’s been a while since you’ve been at a dance competition. Having recently been in that world, I can assuredly say that the standards have changed drastically since then. This dance was on level of what is needed at dance competitions.

As for the “come hither looks” (which I couldn’t see from the video): High school girls think they are adults. While this has always been the case, it is much more intense today. They think it’s natural & that they have every right to dress & act seductively. They are young. They are naive. (Disclaimer: not all teenage girls are as such). I know a lot of them will hate me for saying all this but when they get older & their perspectives change, they will understand how fleeting innocence is. I was the same way (& I’m still in college).

While I can see a couple hip movements that you MIGHT find inappropriate, I think they were tastefully done. One of them even dates back to Vaudeville years of jazz! (It’s called “foolin’ around”). If you [don’t] want to see obscene dancing, YouTube “7 year olds dancing to Single Ladies”.

I know the Pantherette’s coach on professional terms & I fully trust her judgement on appropriate choreography & costuming. I would even trust her with my own children.

Hi i find this very offensive. When we see things like this it makes us mad and puts us down. We do not need to refocus our look on dance. I will keep this classy cause i find it completely wrong to put someone down. We dance cause its our life and what we lovve to do. We dont try to "seduce" and my parents go to every game and would say something if she felt it was wrong or inapproiate. She hasnt so i feel as though people should just enjoy the halftime show. Everyone is entitled to there own opinion i know but realize it can hurt and doesnt need to be publicized.

*A comment was deleted because it was obscene. Let's keep it civil guys.

I do not typically comment on such articles thinking it is not worth my time since we are all entitled to our opinions but as a mother of one the the pantherettes, I feel the need to give my view. My daughter is a senior and has been a part of the pantherette dance team all 4 years. These girls are a very talented bunch of dancers and perform all types of dance from hip hop, pom, kick and jazz routines. I have never felt any of the performances were too suggestive for their age. To be competitive in the dance world you must stay current with the latest dance trends. The pantherettes has been the best thing for my daughter during her high school years. Their coach instills many great values such as teamwork, staying out of trouble, getting good grades, etc. along with teaching them them the dances. Pantherettes & Golden Girls, I think you are all awesome!

The only thing inappropriate in this whole thing is the fact that The Mehlville Patch decided to publish such a short-sighted article criticizing the best our school has to offer!! They are beautiful, talented dancers who are current in their choreography and very dedicated to their craft. I am very proud of the routines they perform and the wonderful ladies that they are, and I have nothing but respect for their coaches.

LADY....... these girls are not just " pom pom" girls......these girls are DANCERS! I think this is where your confusion lies. In the here and now and not in the past where you are living, high school squads emphasize DANCE. Many are competitive DANCERS at their DANCE studios with nationally ranked solos and group numbers. I realize you probably have not seen a large number of routines that are done by other teams and DANCE schools, but after seeing thousands of routines from across the country, these routines are MILD. DANCING needs to be current in order to entertain and hold the attention of not only their peers but the other spectators at the games. The days of shaking pom poms to Fire Cracker Fire Cracker Boom Boom Boom are gone!
This is a free country and you have the right to voice your concerns but as a mother of one of those girls, I have to defend not only her but the rest of the girls in both squads. I initially laughed before I became irate after reading your opinion as my daughter is the direct opposite of the picture you have painted. I also ask you to search for articles in the Patch that have been done on these girls. If you read these articles and attend other games where you will see a variety of dances, I
imagine your vision may be different.."..One cannot judge a book by its cover."

As a mother of a 3-year-old daughter, who LOVES to watch the Pantherettes and Golden Girls peform, I believe these young women deserve more respect. Because a football player has an angry expression, doesn't mean he is violent. In the same way, a dancer is a performer. All too often uninformed spectators voice their opinion on our students, athletes, coaches and performers because they have a little time and a forum on which to post. I would by lying if I said I do not fear what the world will look like for my son and daughter. I don't know what dancing will look like when they are in high school. I only hope that as a parent I can teach them to be critical observers and know the difference between real life and acting. I also hope that I can teach them the difference between thoughtful criticism and biased attacks on individuals. These girls, their sponsors and their parents all work very hard and deserve better. I teach and advise many of these bright young women and feel saddened that they have been reduced to temptresses. If we really want, we can find sexually explicit references all around us. Take Disney films - Ariel's costume is a little risque. That doesn't mean my daughter can't dress as her for Halloween. My point is, take responsibility. Don't blame the 21st century - that is taking the easy way out. Parents must arm their children with knowledge so that they may take part in the world, rather than be sheltered only to rebel against and resent them later.

P.S. Girls, I am very proud of you. You can't please everyone. But I still think you guys rock!

I am a PROUD Mehlville Pantherette Mother!! My daughter is a 4.0 student, involved in numerous community organizations and has been dancing since the age of 3! I find it disturbing that this author would have the nerve to comment about an entire group of young women who have what I suggest to be “the most” school spirit of any of the students in both of the high schools combined! The Oakville Golden Girls and Pantherettes spent countless hours this past summer and the week of the game “perfecting” their routine to share with all of us that evening. And to use the word “obscene” makes me cringe. Seriously? Do you honestly think that we has parents would spend the time, money & make the sacrifices we do for our daughters to have them involved in a group that would behave as seductresses? We have the utmost confidence in our fearless Coach Sarah Roth and she always has our daughters’ best interest in mind! Dance itself has changed over the years, as does everything. So I say to this author…Get out a little bit, open your eyes and free your mind. These are high school girls, ages 14-18 ~ Young women enjoying the best years of their lives doing what they LOVE to do…DANCE! It’s an earned privilege to be a Pantherette and each one of the girls wears this name proud, on and off the field. Good thing you did cover your daughter’s eyes, because moments later…THE STREAKER, no comment about that?!

To the Editor: Why would this be an acceptable article to publish in this forum? I visit this site nearly everyday. I read it to learn what’s happening in my community and to rejoice in the achievements of students and athletes. Why would an author use this site to “slander” our daughters who are highly respected members of their high school community? I understand the right to freedom of speech, but I really used to think that this was a positive community bulletin site? I’m one disgusted and disappointed reader today!

Well at least people are reading her blog now.

I propose burqas outlined in school colors, but nothing too flashy. I especially don't want to see any ankles. This policy should be enforced by stoning and/or arranged marriage.

Notice that most people commenting are Pantherettes or parents of them. As someone who doesn't have an affiliation, I can see how the routines can be viewed as vulgar.

It's called an opinion, people share it all the time in editorials. Agree with it or don't, but at least make a valid argument instead of saying the writer is stupid or the editor is stupid.

You people act like this is the first person who has shared their opinion on the internet or in a paper. Maybe you guys should get with the times.

Jenny, I loved your comment that it doesn't take talent to seduce but it does take talent to dance. I for one in am in agreement that the choreographer (be they teen or adult) has a responsibility to protect their dancers from overindulging in the risqué. I'm sorry ladies, but suggesting that the teenage boys and/or adult males in the audience aren't seeing these girls in a sexual manner when they dance is naive in and if itself. And suggesting that our girls at MHS and OHS should be doing sexually suggestive dance moves because that's what everyone is doing is like nodding your head that they should go ahead and drink or do drugs or jump off a bridge because everyone else is. I applaud Jenny for writing her opinion in her opinion column without defiling the girls on the dance squads in any way other than to ask them and their leaders to show a level of responsibility to their audience. I am appalled at the lack of maturity I see in response from the "adults" who have subsequently attacked Jenny for her writing.

First of all, let me say that I (now a college senior) was a Pantherette throughout high school, and my sister is currently a senior on the squad. When it comes to hip hop and certain styles of jazz, it is important to remember that they are types of dance and therefore have there own style and moves. Just like ballet is built on classical moves and elegant lines, hip hop is based on popping, locking, hips, and fun. That is the STYLE. Hip hop was not popular back when you were in school, but now it is, so that is what you will see at all sorts of dance performances. Whether at the high school, college, or professional level, you will see the same moves for hip hop. Aside from being a Pantherette, I also trained and competed with a studio since I was 3 years old. Dancing is a lot about acting and portraying the style and feeling of different types of dance. What you see on stage has nothing to do with dancers in real life. Judging the girls based on their dancing is like judging an actress who plays a questionable character in a play. The girls on this squad are honor roll students, STUCO and Honor Society members, volunteers, and all around beautiful, wonderful girls. This one style may not appeal to everyone, but the girls also perform classy pom and kick routines as well. Also, these "inappropriate" dances go to national competitions judged by experienced professionals and WIN, so in the DANCE world, they are completely normal and take lots of talent and training.

I'm really missing where this is defacing or disrespecting the kids. the writer is saying that the girls should focus on dancing instead of trying to be sexual. I dont think that's wrong.

Everyone is acting like she called them names or suggested they be disbanded. Let's get real people, just because she said your hobby wasn't perfect doesnt mean she should be cruicified.

I am the proud grandmother of one of the Mehlville Pantherettes and find this article to be so biased and offensive in so many ways. My granddaughter has been dancing since she was 2 years old. We were all excited when she made the team and are very proud of the way she has honed her talent and her passion for dance. To call the routine "obscene" is ludicrous and to suggest that these girls are not talented, is offensive on so many levels. My daughter and her husband and my granddaughter have put many hours of hard work into their daughters love for dance and to suggest that they are not pro-active is insulting. When the girls perform they are moving and doing their interpretation of the music. The interpretation (the choreography) and the moves and facial expressions are what makes the dance entertaining and a true performance. Every one is entitled to their opinion - so, if you find the routines to be "obscene" then I suggest you not attend. I for one, plan to attend every performance that I can, to support the Pantherettes and Sarah and enjoy the "entertaining" performances, and watch my granddaughter get better and better.

Patricia Tucker

I am very proud of every single girl on the squad. I danced with a lot of them growing up, and I know how much discipline, respect, and work ethnic they have learned by training as dancers. Young girls should look up to the talent present on these squads. Even since I graduated high school, the Pantherettes have grown so much and have much better technical dance skills than my squad ever had. If you were familiar with dance, it would be clear in every single performance how good their turns, leaps, and technique is when judged from a dance perspective. A little fun every once and a while in no way takes away from that.

Girls, keep on dancing your hearts out! You all ROCK! :)

Sean, I guarantee you 90 percent of the people who watch the dance routines at the football games know things about dancing. Knowing what you're talking about in terms of dance skill has nothing to do with it. It's about how an average person sees the performance.

You're letting your defensiveness cloud your reading comprehension. The author doesn't say the girls only do suggestive dance moves, and no where does she say they don't work hard. She doesn't say it's their fault, but part of a larger societal issue. Re-read the piece.

If you found it so offensive at Oakville, why did you take kids to Mehlville the next week to have their picture taken watching the Panterettes.?.

I went back and looked at all of The Patch's articles on the dance team. They're nice and are clearly good. And then I looked at the photos. Some people could say that they are dressed inappropriately for their age and their faces are sexual. It's a matter of opinion, but I would not feel comfortable if it was me or my child.

"I want to challenge the girls on these teams to refocus their attention to using their talent to perform well."

The girls do perform well. They are an award-winning squad.

I would also like to add to comments about opinions. We all have the right to give them and debate others. But, let's remember that many students are reading this. In fact, many of my journalism students have looked at this today. As an educator, it is a great opportunity to teach students about First Amendment freedoms. It is okay to disagree, but let's not teach them that disparaging one another online is the way to do it. After all, everyone here seems to be on one side; protecting and doing what is best for children, even if we disagree on how to do that.

As a former Pantherette I would just like to say that I believe that the dancing was done in a very classy way. Look at who the target audience is, you are at a HIGHSCHOOL football game. Yes there are families and people of all ages at these games, but the primary audience is to get the students, who currently attend the highschool, pumped up for the game. Without the proper music selection the audience will not respond and that would be a waste of time and effort to perform at the games.
Many people may think we are biased because we are former Pantherettes and some are parents, but in reality what we are trying to accomplish is to protect an image. Nobody likes to be bashed and I believe that some of us are hurt because we know the hard work these girls put into dancing. Then to have somebody to interpret their hard work as vulgar comes off as an insult and the mamma bear comes out in us all.
Lastly, the girls facial expressions throughout the routine are not “suggestive” they are misinterpreted. When rehearsing routines we are told to be sassy and have attitude. If pouting lips and audience eye contact is how the girls interpret sassy then I commend them for performing the choreographer’s demands to the best of their abilities. These squads work too hard to have a bad shadow cast over them. Girls: remember it is what you do on stage and the blue ribbons you have that matter, and above all, we’re classy!!! ;)

Check out all of these opinions! http://www.stltoday.com/news/opinion/

Now you guys can go crazy and misinterpret them all you want! This concept is crazy!

I agree that you are entitled to your opinion, but while voicing your opinion you also crossed a line using words like 'obscene' then comparing the dancers to 'toddlers in tierras - all grown up' and also using phrases like 'dealing only in the currency of sex'. Every High School has a Dance Team, not just Mehlville and Oakville, and they are a DANCE TEAM, not cheerleaders and not pom pom girls, I don't know where you have been hiding out to not realize this. With this title they perform dance routines of various styles of dance. If you don't like Hip Hop then you will obviously not like the Hip Hop routines, but the majority of their viewing demographic does. Some dances you may enjoy and some you may not - but regardless, the numbers are choreographed to be true to thier individual and unique dance styles. The reason you are being attacked in other comments is because of your narrow-mindedness and lack of understanding at what a Dance Team represents and what the meaning of dance is all about. When I see these Dance Teams perform, my eyes do not see 'sex'. The fact that your eyes do, seems very wrong.

Yes, it is apparent that you are in the minority with your opinion and sometimes it is best to keep those opinions to yourself.

I do believe that everyone is entitled to their opinion and I know this is an opinion column, but I think this article could have been approached in a much more professional manner. If the author's real point of the article was to be a "call for action" to challenge the girls and coaches to change the direction the dance team community is going then she could have done it in a more general sense instead of calling out specific teams. I do understand her point of view, but you also have to take it from the girls' point of view. They are trying to take their team to the next level by competing at higher level competitions and to do that they need to follow and keep up with the trends. With that being said, there are several different styles of dance and not every style appeals to everyone and each style portrays a different feeling or mood. Performance art is about pushing the envelope and if you don’t appreciate that then it is your right to not be witness to it and remove yourself from the situation. I am sure the first time people saw a kick line it was considered to be “obscene”. With the nature of everyone having to do the next big thing, yes, the sexuality envelope is going to be pushed too.

CONTINUED...
. In covering your daughter’s eyes you emphasized it and drew negative attention to something that your daughter more than likely didn’t even pick up on. I just think that rather than trying to make these girls think about how they want to be portrayed (which was her point of the article) she put a sour taste in their mouth which made her point of view powerless to influence change.
I would have loved to see an article on how the two teams put the rivalry aside and came together to give a great performance for their community.

*Comments that attack those who use the site will be removed. Let's keep it to the subject matter at hand, rather than personal insults.
Thanks

Here I thought we were trying to eliminate bullying. Now any kid reading this "OPINION PIECE" can now say horrible things to these dancers because a "parent" said they are too sexy, etc... The author should appologize immediately. Her opinion could lead to far reaching consequences with these high-school kids. I applaud the parents defending their kids. Isn't there enough hate in this world that we dont have to focus on high school dance teams.

In no way does the author attack or insult the members of either dance squad. If it did, I assure you, it would not be published. We publish opinions that will spark conversation and debate in the community, which is exactly what this is doing. It is no different from any other column on the site.

Pantherettes & Coach Sarah Roth-Don't let one narrow minded individual's opinoin influence your hard work, dedication and awesome performances the vast majority of us anxiously await every game. Keep dancing!!

"Dance for yourself, if someone understands, good. If not, then no matter, go right on doing what you love." Louis Horst

Geez, you would think someone added cupcakes to the lunch menu or something with all the yelling going on here.

I disagree with the opinion of the article, but I think these teenage girls are plenty capable of defending themselves...unless of course they have been raised to be fickle and self-conscious.

Reality dictates that there are social conservatives and social progressives on any and every kind of issue. Perhaps this is a good lesson for the girls. Something that is completely acceptable and mundane to some is profane and obnoxious to others. (This is the whole premise and target audience of Fox News.)

If you have to, pull out your old VHS of Footloose and have a Pantherette movie night. (Speaking of that, when you go to the zoo, have you ever seen a pantherette?) But I digress.

This is just another example of how conservative minded folks want their freedoms, while at the same time criticizing the expressions of those freedoms in others in that it might offend "the children."

I can see where some of the middle and high school kids could take some of the dance moves and expressions on the girls faces as sexually provocative. To say that your four year old daughter or six year old son looks at that and says that that it is sexually explicit would be FALSE! Unless, you are pointing that out to them.

If you feel that a particular dance move is geared to sexually arouse someone, you have a right to that opinion. Maybe some of the moves hit a little to close to home? It is of my opinion that these girls are not choreographing these dances to excite someones labido, but merely show off there abilities.

In closing, I hope not too many people read this article, because as you described the dances we'll have every freak in St. Louis County attending thinking they're going to get a cheap show. Don't get excited people, It's not like she makes it out to be.

I think this is a well put together opinion and I completely agree.

It's the same thing with volleyball players and their non-existant spandex shorts, or the cheerleaders who show their midriffs. These kids can dance well performing to other songs with other dance moves.

It sickens me to think every member and coach of each of these two squads will have to deal with this article on some level. It sickens me to think that even one girl will lend credence to this article and consider for a moment that they are doing something wrong. It sickens me to think that one parent will have to spend time convincing a daughter they are nothing like how they are being portrayed. It sickens me to think that one squad that has already this year had to deal with very serious real-life issues, now has to deal with the uninformed ranting of those who believe that free speech means you can say whatever you want whenever you want and direct it at whomever.. I won’t defend the girls here because they don’t need it. I respect your right to find offensive whatever you find offensive. As an adult, however, I would have thought that a more appropriate action would have been to contact a school administrator or team coach and express your concerns in private. Your decision to publish nothing less than a hit piece against kids, yes 14-18 years olds are kids, who do nothing but give there blood sweat and tears to their schools and their communities is nothing short of deplorable. And the Patch’s decision to publish it under the guise of it being legitimate journalism is amateurish at best.

I know nearly every Pantherette on the squad and have followed and covered the team for four years at Mehlville High School. The team could possibly the most talented at the school. The girls work hard to block and form a dance that is targeted towards high school students and spectators at the game. Before submitting a biased attack on the teams, think about who you are talking about. As said in your opinion, "I admit it’s been quite a while since I went to Oakville, but something has certainly changed." Well Duh? Of course something has changed. The style and music of dance has changed. And your comment using the "currency of sex" is inappropriate. These girls have class and do not solicit sex from their dancing. It's called talent. I encourage you to come out and support the Pantherettes and Golden Girls at their other performances. The Pantherettes are the best! Don't forget your kids.
Brent Pearson

Dear Opinion Writer, Jenny, and Editor, Sarah: Not all opinions need to be printed or said out loud, especially when they are insulting to hard working girls and their 2 very hard working, dedicated coaches. It is obvious that neither of you are familiar to the world of dance. Ms. Opinion Writer's comments have now left it wide open for slanderous comments to be made to these girls during school and after games, of course, only by those closed minded individuals as yourself. I am a parent of a dance team member - These girls work hard and their coaches devote their personal time to guide and teach these girls. There is nothing that I can say that has not already been said. PATCH you were wrong in printing this article. Ms. Opinion - some times an ADULT needs to think before they speak (write). Mr. Frank - why are you even responding to this. What's your point, "have you ever seen a Pantherette at the zoo?" You sound like a fool. But that's just my opinion. . . . .

Beth, my apologies. I often forget that many people need things spelled out for them.

In case anyone missed the dance... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRssg5zzpog&feature=autoshare

It might have been a good idea to interview some of the high school kids to find out what their opinions are concerning this topic, after all, the dance teams are there at half time representing them. Also, this is an opinion piece, and anyone has a right to express their opinion. It is called "Freedom of Speech".

There is honestly a simple solution to this problem, dont take your kids to a high school football game. If you are that worried about them being exposed to something as little as a dance routine, they should not leave the house. Our world is faced with so much more that is worse for kids than a group of talented, nice, smart high school girls. These girls from both schools have worked alot on this routine, and have put a lot of time and effort into it. Its a great way for the two rival schools to come together. SO sitting there and saying it was inappropriate, is some what rude.

Well said, Lisa!
Also, not stated in any of these comments, is that these coaches check the dancers grades before every performance. They are top students, dedicated and driven. The writer should only hope that her children are as involved in a school activity that keeps them as disciplined as these young dancers!!

Dance routines should be applicable for everyone. Shame on you people for thinking that your daughters and your dance routines are perfect. Shame on you for so countering an opinion that makes us think about the status quo. And most of all, shame on you Patch, for allowing these comments to happen. I would have cut these people off long ago in respect to Mrs. Wescoat.

Hey guys, it appears we're having problems with our comment stream right now. Several of you have emailed me to say that your comments aren't showing up. I've let our help desk know, and we'll get this fixed as soon as possible. It'll probably be fixed by morning. Thanks for your patience.
Sarah

Jenny,
Good for you for sharing your opinion. Aside from all the crazy parents on here, it's been great to read the comments and hear what other people have to say.

I completely understand where you're coming from. My daughter danced for several years, and even at an early age, I felt uncomfortable with all of the make-up and some of the clothing. Just because it is 'part of the industry' does not mean it is perfect.

For those of you that say if you don't like the dance routines, don't go, you should take your own advice. If you don't like this article, stop reading. You're making it a much bigger deal than it is and completely missing the point. Helicopter parents, it's ok if someone disagrees with you.

I am a current member of the mehlville pantherettes and felt very targeted by this article because of the phrases used, we are not trying to sell ourselves, we dance because we love it and have done it our entire lives, and my 7 year old sister watches every performance and looks up to every single pantherette and our coach and I was extremely upset by the writer for putting that we aren't being "heroes" because I know we are my sisters hero and that kids her age come to watch us. We are nationally ranked and wouldn't be if we didnt keep up with modern day dance styles, if that's suggestive to the writer of this piece I understand that but it upsets me by the way you wrote the piece.

Wow! I am not a dance team mom; however, my daughter is a junior at Oakville and dances. I personally know many of these girls and they are awesome, respectable young women. I have seen the dance in question and there is nothing inappropriate about it. It’s hip hop, it’s current, it’s sassy and it’s fun. Does anyone remember the furor over Elvis and his pelvis? Yes, everyone is entitled to their opinion, that’s what makes our country great. However, as a responsible adult, this opinion probably should have been kept to ones self. In this day and age when teens must deal with too much ugliness from their peers to begin with, they don’t need it from adults too.

School is like movie ratings. G is for little kids, PG for a little older, etc. This parent chose to take her children into a high school environment which is NOT a G place to be. Of course the young adults are not going to behave, talk or act like they are in grade school! To expect these young women to dance in that manor is ridiculous. If I’m not mistaken, this dance was approved by school administrators who obviously didn’t feel it was inappropriate for a high school foot ball game.

“Toddlers in tiaras” all grown up they are not. They are teens dancing in a style that all teens dance too. This is the music that kids listen to. Of course they are going to dance to it. Wouldn’t it look a bit silly if they played hip hop music and preformed a kick line?

Terri Kunst

I have been involved in High School Dance teams for over 4 years. The dance team performance witnessed at the OHS/MHS game is no different than what is observed at the State level Competition each year. I guess at this point, you are insulting all school's dancers, coaches, and parents in both the 5A/6A division- so here goes the list: Eureka, Seckman, Truman, Fox, Pattonville, Francis Howell, Wentzville Holt, Marquette, Parkway South, Lafayette, Hazelwood West, Hazelwood Central, Francis Howell North, Joplin, Blue Springs, Rock Bridge, Ritenour, Fort Zumwalt West, Jackson, St. Joseph Central, Park Hill, Blue Springs South, Raymore-Peculiar, Lee's Summit, Lee's Summitt North, Hickman, and Liberty. I have no doubt that this article had a clear agenda, as it surely was NOT about the dance performance or the football win at Oakville on September 16th but rather the young male who ran the length of the football field naked during the band performance and climbed not one, but two chain linked fences. Your article, opinion or not, clearly looses credibility in the eyes of anyone present at the game that evening. How is it you can actually write an opinion piece about how you had to shield your daughter's eyes from the MISHA regulated dance team's performance, yet no word on the young man's naked appearance at the half time show and the effect that it had on the audience. For truly that was "all the talk" the night of September 16th and possibly the entire weekend.

I totally agree with Terri Kunst, this world has evolved, if you are offended by the dance routine, then you better not turn on the TV because even the commercials are suggestive. What was inappropriate in my day is common place today. I found nothing wrong with their dance routine. As a parent we make decisions about how to raise our children and we must keep an open mind to this changing world or lock ourselves behind our doors, close the blinds and turn off the TV. It will never be the same as our generation. Dance your hearts out girls, you did great.

Everyone is being way too overdramatic. "Dance your hearts out?" This article isn't near as insulting as it could have been. It was incredibly tastefully done and if people can't see the point of it, they're more narrow-minded than they're calling the writer.

I didn't think the routine was that bad, but that's my OPINION. No one gets mad when someone criticizes the football team.

No one is insulting these girls and if they're that upset about it... just ignore it.

Hi, My name is Morgan. I'm a dancer at a nearby school. I really thought I'd be offended by this article, but once I read it, I understand Ms. Wescoat's point.

When we dance, we're putting on a performance. Our coaches have even told us to "look sexy" and "show what you got". I love dancing and performing in a certain way is something we all do.

Yes, we wear a lot of make-up so people can see our expressions and wear short shorts or costumes so people can see our bodies. We shouldn't get upset when someone calls us out for it. We take that risk by performing and doing what we love anyway.

Fellow dancers, take this moment to be proud of what you do and how well you do it. Also take pride in the amount of support shown here. But don't lower yourselves and be hateful towards the writer of this. I'm sure several people share her view and she has the right to write about it.

Since my comment may not have made it to the site, I will repost.
While I can appreciate articles to insite commentary, such as this, I do think we need to realize that ALL the young ladies involved with this dance worked very hard at their choreography and it is just a dance. If you have ever performed in front of a live audience either on stage, in an arena or any outdoor venue, you would realize that exaggerated expressions are necessary. This type of suggestive dance, as some may wish to call it, is nothing new. This has been going on in the history of dance for generations. I wish we would be more concerned with issues such as teen depression/suicide, bullying, under age drinking and lack of parental involvement among adults. Mary Jones

Funny how you did not have to cover your children's eyes for the steaker...

Wow, this has definitely hit a nerve. I do think we, as moms, have a responsibility to direct our girls and help them through the tough decisions and fine lines. They're still kids, living in a world of advertising that is throwing tons of images at them.

When I was a teenager, I didn't even understand the power of my looks. But as a grown woman, I now understand the drastic differences between how men and women process things. Men are visual. I would think the moms would want to guard their daughters' image. They can't be so naive to think that the guys in the stands are watching because they respect the girls’ hard work and dedication?

Instead of insulting the editorial writing, maybe they should be reflecting on why it's stinging so much. And remember, it wasn't that long ago when women were fighting to be taken seriously due to their accomplishments, skills and intellect. Are the dancers’ achievements being showcased during these routines or is something about the routine diminishing their credibility as hard working dancers?
Just a thought.

Perhaps you should watch the video that is linked above..... it pretty much says it all.

Here's a novel idea.....if everyone in the Mehlville/Oakville community who had an issue with this "opinion" show up at a school board meeting and voice your "opinions" on their school boards routine they might see that the community actually is involved in our schools! School board meeting starts at 6:45 pm tonite.

Bruh what you been saying is not killerboots.. They're just following they're hearts

I too am now a proud parent of a dance team member, not at Oakville or Mehlville, but at Seckman High School. I would be very proud if Fox and Seckman were able to come together to pull off an outstanding, precision performance like the one I just watched on You Tube. I personally know and my daughter has danced with many members of both of these schools dance teams. I too was a member of my high school pom pom squad back in the days and yes things have changed. I think the problem with the article is the wording used and the comparison to Toddlers and Tiaras which is created for ratings. These girls' or any dance teams' routines are not created for ratings or sexual intentions.

I agree with our First Amendment of free speech, but I think we often forget and what we are not teaching our kids is that even though it is our opinion we still have to be mindful of the feelings of the other person. I teach my children not to judge someone by the way they dress, what they can afford or what they believe in, but to find out what that person is really like and what they may stand for. I understand this is an opinion area, but I still feel the paper has an obligation to consider the feelings of the children, parents and friends of the girls in the article. Maybe we need to go back to our parents ideas that some things we just need to keep to ourselves. Maybe we need to be more considerate before opening our mouths. These girls know that they are upstanding members of their high school and their community, that they work very hard at the art of dance, that they achieve everything they set out to, and that they deserve all the awards and honors they have received.

I, a freshman on this year's Pantherette squad, will never forget the day I found out I made the team. I will also never forget what our wonderful coach, Sarah Roth, told the new freshman about Pantherettes, this being how controversial our dance team is. I was shocked to hear that a group of teeange girls dancing and having fun could get so much negative attention from their peers and even adults in the community.

Sarah told us to always keep our head high and take pride in everything we do as Pantherettes, but it is proving very hard to do so when adults are writing articles saying how offensive our dancing is. To the people who are telling us to "just ignore it", put yourself in our position. Would you be able to ignore such negativity coming at you from every angle?

I understand that everyone is entitled to their own opinions, and mine is this: As a member of one of the teams mentioned in the article, I have been directly affected by the comments made by the writer. I hope people realize that they can have an opinion about something, without harming others' feelings.

Great article!! Thanks for telling the truth!!

As the father of a young daughter and two young boys, I was encouraged by this article. Many of the responses above defend the dance based on the fact that it is hip hop. Hip hop may be current and relevant in society today, but it will never be current or relevant in my house. There is a reason why my kids don't hear most hip hop music or see the music videos, it is intensely sexually-suggestive and inappropriate. I think it is sad that we can't turn on the TV anymore without being bombarded by suggestive images in commercials and television shows. For anyone to say that a child doesn't notice when they see something like this is just flat wrong. The child may not know what name to give it, but they do take notice. The line of appropriateness that our society demands is growing more and more blurry - almost unrecognizable at times. I applaud the author for taking a stand for what she believes is good and decent. I can only hope that more people will follow in her footsteps.

Jay Heddell

As a freshman in college I was super excited to make dance team. I couldnt agree with the writer more when she talks about how little girls look up to us. I remember being a little girl at high school football games and not being able to take my eyes off the dance team. I wanted to be just like them. If we reevaluate the way we move our bodies so that people dont just see that we look good or are "sexy" but we actually can dance and dance well, I think people would respect us even more. This artical encourages me to be careful about the way i move my body because honestly I never know what little girl might be looking up to me.
Thank you for having the courage to speak to me and several other girls.

p.s. yes we do hip hop

Jay I believe you applaud the author because she is your sister.

Bottom line, I can’t add many more comments that have not already been repeated multiple times. I can however say that I am proud to be a parent of one of the girls on the dance teams mentioned and friends to many of the girls on both teams. I am proud of their every accomplishment, no matter how big or small. I do believe this was an intentional plot on both the part of the writer and the editor to bring negative light to teams that have to fight to even be viewed as participating in a sport. I believe it was also intended to rattle our coaches. Congratulations, you succeeded in rattling a large audience that you get to hide behind with “freedom of speech” and “right to your opinion”. All at the expense of innocent teenage girls and their awesome coaches who stand by them, through thick and thin. Shame on you.

Intentional or unintentional, targeted or not targeted, it is beyond obvious now that the article has a caused an enormous amount of stress, drama and negative attention to a group of high school girls that did nothing to deserve it. And apparantly neither the author nor the editor really care. They make it clear that their desires to not have their children see 'pouty lips' and that their paper 'spark controversy and debate in the community, is far more important than the social well being of 'someone else's' children. I have know way of knowing whether the decision to publish this article was malicious or just irresponsible, but I can assure you it was one or the other. Unfortunately the damage is done here, but in the future Ms. Wescoat, next time you feel compelled to make the world a better place for your children, please find a way to do so that doesn't worsen the life of someone else's. I am sure it can't be that hard. And Ms. Flagg, next time you want to present an opinion , I implore you, please leave the kids out of it. They deserve much better from adults

Well, out of respect for everyone that was hurt by this "community" discussion; you and I will just have to agree, that we disagree on how intentional this was. Trust me; there was a very clear agenda in this article. There is no need to keep patting yourself on the back for the previous coverage; this is all about here and now.

My comments are now complete in this forum. I will be moving on with my own agenda.

It's astonishing how quickly you all hang Mrs. Flagg out to dry. Before Patch, no one talked about the dance teams, student achievement or any other activities in the district.

You're only fueling to the fire with continuing to comment and keep this article alive.The best thing for you to do is to ignore both Mrs. Wescoat and if you're that upset, the Patch in general.

Just because the Patch publishes one opinion that sheds a different light on your no doubt perfect children does not mean it is invalid.

Shame on you for being so narrow-minded.

1. Never once questioned the Patch's value to the community. Only questioned one decision, which I believe is appropriate in a comments forum.
2. Burying your head in the sand and hoping this never happens again is foolish.
3. Never once said any of the girls are perfect, nor that her position was invalid. Her position is her position.
4. If narrow-minded means defending children from unwarranted attacks from adults and doing what I can to stop it from occuring again, then I'm guilty as charged.

After learning that adults can hide behind their journalistic "freedom of speech" and our children have no where to go while being cyber-bullied, I've realized that this site is nothing more than a tabloid. If a person with 6 years of motherhood experience can write as an expert with no concern for the feelings for impressionable high school girls that deal with image problems everyday, and boldly say they will NOT issue any kind of apology, just saddens me. UnIntentionable or not. I agree with the person that said to keep supporting her article is what they want --so this will be my last.

I nominate this comment thread for the most obnoxious and dramatic of 2011.

Covering eyes of daughter = helicopter parenting defense of parents.

It's all the same. Right or wrong, this article touched a defensive nerve...Jenny, you stumbled into a pit of momma lions here. :) If you think the dances are bad (and I don't) you ought to see some of their Facebook accounts. It's clear they are not poor, defenseless little girls.

I think it's pretty cut and dry. If you dance in certain ways to seductive lyrics and seductive music, some people aren't going to like it. That doesn't make it right or wrong, it's just the way that it is.

While I disagree with Jenny's prudishness here, she was plenty within her right to make comments and editorials on things she witnessed and experience at a public venue.

It's the parents that are acting like children....and they aren't being very good models for their poor, defenseless daughters.

So in your world Karl, it would be ok for me to go to a band concert at Bernard Middle and publish the next day that I thought the majority of the boy flute players appeared to be homosexual. Come on, does it really take that much common sense to agree that words have consequences, at that when it comes to children, regardless of what is on their facebook page, we really should error on the side of caution, and not pretend that we have any idea how they will be effected. and please look up helicopter parenting. I hardly think expecting that your children not be attacked in a public forum qualifies...

Dan, that is what we call a "Straw-Man Argument." If they were making googlie eyes at each other and flirting with their flutes, then maybe.

Jenny was doing the same thing...defending her daughter from something she felt was inappropriate.

If something is done out in the public for all to see, it is open for criticism. That's just life.

Again, I don't agree with Jenny's prudish conservatism, but I have to admit, I usually just choose not to watch the performances and their very woman-like dance moves. (For example, plug a male in to any spot in the routine doing the same moves and same faces, and witness the reaction. Or, instead of thirty 100 pound teenage girls, plug in thirty 225 pound teenage girls.)

Again, I think this is all fine. I don't have a problem with it...but the parents should not be in denial about what is going on. The dance moves may be technical and difficult and require a lot of practice, but they are still very feminine and tribal.

The boys are in the game and the girls are on the sidelines. The dances are different, the plays are different, but it's the same as it has always been.

Right or wrong, I sometimes feel the need to look away like it's inappropriate for me to watch as a 35 year old man. (I sure did what I was 16 though.) I've also been on the sidelines and heard many a racy comment from the typical male in the audience.

You might not like that reality, but it is the reality nonetheless. Rationalize away!

I'm a parent of a Mehlville Pantherette and I'm shocked and disappointed that a mother could write something about these young ladies. These girls are honor roll students, talented young ladies, and still kids. The Pantherettes are a hard working team and they practiced hard over summer and still they continue to work harder through football season. All the moms on the team have been in the dance world for many years. Many people don't understand the dance world but as mothers we wouldn't put our daughters out there if we didn't think it wasnt right for them. My daughter has been dancing ever since she was three and her first teacher was Ms.Sarah Roth. This young lady works so hard for the girls and I watched her dances throughout the years and I never thought that her dances were inappropriate for the girls. All of her dances win or place very high at competitions. Some people only come to the football games just to see these talented young ladies perform. Many younger girls look up to them and think "I want to be them someday" These girls were hurt by this article, but girls keep your heads up and keep up the hard work! We will be there supporting and cheering you on! Sarah, keep up the hard work. We are there for you and your the best coach in the world!
-Coco Mom

I would like to say that in spite of this woman's opinion I think it's amazing the amount of support these dancers have gotten within these comments and I hope that is what they will take away. They are competitive athletes the same as any sports team. Football, soccer, hockey, players are all permitted to grow within their sport. Why not dancers? As young children they begin playing soccer without goalies and hockey without checking. As they advance, these things get added in along with the levels of aggressiveness it takes to continue advancing into high school, college and professional levels. No one would tell a football player to hit less hard because the young kids in the stands may not understand it. The players want to win. They may be training for their future. These girls are 1-3 years away from graduating and moving into the professional world of dance should they choose. They’ve spent their lives preparing for it - it is not just a pasttime. Their dedication and passion can’t be matched. After attending school, they have 5-10 hours of practice after school for their school teams and yet they are not done. Most of them go on to put another 15-20 hours in at their respective studios each week where they’re trained by successful, and sought after choreographers. These girls aren't dancing only to entertain us just as a football player doesn't play football just so you can watch a game. They play for themselves.

I would like to thank the author for having the courage to write this article. I don't think that it's "prudish" at all. Some people are saying things like "get with the times", - but what is suggestive and seductive has not changed in modern times, we all know what that is, and it's not appropriate for girls to dance in this way. The dance still could have been fun and modern without the suggestive moves, questionable choice of song, facial expressions, etc. The author gives a particular example, about how in the past the girls would just smile, but in this dance it was very different. For those who disagree, - okay if you disagree, but people do have freedom of speech to express what they think and the author gave her point of view of this dance. I personally don't see the purpose of having a dance like that. Why not show the girls' talent instead? No one is saying anything personally against the girls, but rather at the lack of judgement of the organizers.

I am personally thankful that I do live in America and that there are now 140 com- ments posted to substantiate that freedom. Frustration would be to read the article and have no outlet to voice my concerns. HOWEVER, I agree with the reader who brought up freedom of speech vs defamation/bullying. I believe the distinction lies with any resultant humiliation to an innocent human being.[In this case 40+ human beings] Do I need to say more? Do I want an apology to the girls who have endured this unexpected negative attention? OF COURSE I DO! Do I think they will receive it? I HOPE THEY DO! But being realistic, I hope at least there is a lesson learned by all individuals involved with this. 1] be careful how and to whom criticism is given. 2] realize that people interpret art/dance in many ways. 3] understand that the media/society does not always portray youth as innocent. But has this just recently surfaced? Even the old cheer says." Boys got the muscle, teachers got the brains, GIRLS GOT THE PRETTY LEGS and we've got the game". The sad thing is after watching the routine again over and over on UTube, I cannot detect inappropriate dance moves. Granted it was taken from the stands but that is where the audience sits. Another reader wrote that when you perform, you do need to over exaggerate expressions as the audience is sitting away from you. Unless she was right in front of their faces, I really don't understand why she created this whole issue in the first place.

Thank you for posting this article. I wholeheartedly agree with the author's viewpoint. No doubt these girls are talented, but their talents are better spent on dancing in a way that reflects their dignity and respects the purity of the men watching. I danced (ballet/tap/jazz) in grade school and high school, and participated in competitions. I remember seeing dances from other dance companies that were sexually suggestive and at the time it was looked down upon. We were able to win awards without going to that level. These girls would do better to raise the bar and cut out the sexuality.

If the girls can't get the guys attention without being suggestive, why are they on the football field in the first place?

*Comment deleted. Let's keep it clean guys.

I’m afraid many of us will have to agree to disagree. If getting with the times is your parenting method, we don’t have much in common. However, I just want to point out that the article clearly does not take aim at the girls in the way the comments suggest. It is not a personal attack on the girls. It is only biased in the way any good opinion piece is. Rather, it issues a challenge to the girls to think about the message they are sending. Thank you to the dancers that took it as such.

I can’t help but think that the only reason this piece has caused the girls so much stress, as the comments suggest, is because someone on the team forwarded it to everyone else on the time and asked them to comment. I have a hard time believing that all the Pantherettes and their parents regularly read Jenny’s column. In other words, I think you guys made a mountain out of a mole hill, or possibly proved Karl Frank’s suggestion that the controversy sparked because there is a hint of truth to this argument.

If you feel confident that you are a “hero to little girls” and work hard to “perfect your sport in the name of excellence,” this article should cause you no distress. But if for a moment you feel like you’re using your talent in a seductive way, use this as an opportunity to talk to your coach and your teammates about it so you can continue to improve and be the best you can be!

I don't think that getting with the times is what people are saying, rather that the world of dance is in the talent to be able to interpret the music with movement and facial expressions. Yes, I do think that some of the movements could be construed as sensuous, but that would be in the eye of the beholder to discern.
As far as Karl Frank goes, any man that would make the statement that he feels as if he needs to look away at times, is very telling. He also made a statement that "you ought to see some of their facebook accounts. It's clear that they are not poor, defenseless little girls." If he has to "look away" and also checks out the facebook accounts of 14-18 year old girls, that concerns me more than the article that Jenny wrote. Obviously, the article has spawned a wide array of views and also brought out the protectiveness of the parents of these girls (which is a normal reaction of a parent). Had the article been more general rather than specific to the Oakville/Mehlville dance teams, I think that the dialogue would have been very different.
Do I believe that the article is going to have a negative impact on some of these girls? Yes, I certainly do. There will always be people that take a situation and use it to be a bully or to make negative/sexual remarks. High school is difficult enough without all of the drama and negativity that this article has generated. As Mr. Frank calls it, "obnoxiousfest 2011" rallies on...
Pat Tucker

That's the thing about Facebook accounts and dance squads...they are out there for everyone to see whether they ask for it or not...like when they post commments and pictures on other relatives posts...etc.

The looking away is out of embarrassment, like when you are watching a character in a movie and you can't watch because you are embarrased for the character.

http://video.foxnews.com/v/3941956/much-ado-about-nothing/ - A relevant dance team commentary report....

Your rude bro. straight up bro hater.. like foshnazzy.. just give it up mannnn.

With all due respect to everyone, lets get real this really wasnt the most seductive dance the Golden Girls or the Pantherettes have done,yes they have done more "dirty" dances. But this whole article has made them think that they have done something wrong. and this is me sticking up for my friends and classmates now. Again with all due respect, yes everyone has their opinions,Mrs. Wescoat,i apologize for my previous comments,but im still sticking to my opinion on how this issue should of been brought up in a different way.It takes a lot of guts to go down on that track and perform a dance in front of a big crowd like ones at the game.But these girls are also performing during school at pep assemblys,The dance are looked at before performed by our school athletic director Becky Czuppon, whom i look up to for all the hard work she does at our school. She also has little kids who attend football games and such. So, if the dance contained "seductive looks", why would she approve something like that.You mentioned in your article "For much of the dance, smiles were replaced with a come hither look. These girls had serious eyes and open, pouty lips." In all honestly, do you really think these girls are down there thinking "I have to make me face look seductive" ?Again i respect your opinion, but it came off has these girls did something terrible,and their parents didn't raise them right. But i really dont think they are selling it short by dealing only in the currency of sex.

Well said Kellen!

Jenny Wescoat, i don't know how to put this other than its a dance performance of 2011, not lets say 1990. thats 21 years. things change. get over it i guess?
Supposedly,
jack johnson