Reader comments
12-year-old dancers stepping up

Hey, I know Landon. He dances at Charisma Studio where I dance in Springville. He is a fun and very nice person. He's really talented in jazz and hip hop too! I'm proud to call him my friend.

I know Landon & I willhave to agree that he is also a very good dancer i have been to many dance Recitals, & shows that his mom has put on I sure hope that they do good in this weeks Dance Compeetion, He is one talented kid and he really knows his dance moves, Good Luck Landon Tresa is also a great Dane Instructor,

Landon is not only an incredible dancer, but a very well manner young adult. He is a fun kid and a great example for kids and teenagers everywhere!
I keep telling my daughter, to keep an "eye" on this cute kid!

I think its great they enjoy it and are clearly talented after such dedication, BUT to what end?
Dancing competitively through adult-hood?
A whole life dedicated to just one thing. I know that sounds like an exaggeration, but its true for the most part. School work then 4-6 hours a day?? Childhood gone!
No other diversions, because you could injure yourself and doubtful you could hold a job as an adult competing all the time and then 6 hours a day of practice?
Adulthood gone!
To what end??

I am an adult who has also been an avid ballroom enthusiast all my life. There are thousands of us in this valley who have benefitted from the rich ballroom culture in this area. I know that focusing on a talent such as ballroom to the point of success can definitely help one achieve confidence and the ability to conduct oneself as a productive and
successful adult.

Landon's brother Ryan DiLello is one example of such an adult who has achieved success in ballroom and is also quite a successful adult. Anyone who knows him will agree.

I personally know Landon and his family well enough to know that Landon is well grounded in school, church, scouting and sporting events. From what I understand he plans to go to college and get a career. Good Luck Landon & Vashti!

I totally agree..to what?

These kids parents are putting so much stress in their kids lives...to what?

It's interesting that those that think these kids are missing out on something are the ones that didn't identify themselves. I know that when kids are passionate about something they excel in many things. These 2 dedicated kids are aspiring to be great contributers to our society and world. They are the ones that have what it takes to be great at whatever they pursue. Whatever happens, I am confident that they will continue to do their best in all endeavors.

These "end" people clearly view the world from the half empty glass.

I know Vashti personally. She just loves to dance. It is healthy. By the way she played football at recess all through grade school. Loves to snow board. Does sacrifice "hang out" friend time because of so much dance but feels it is worth the sacrifice. She seldom plays video games except for an hour or so on weekends.

The thing is they arent wasting there life because they are choosing to do it because they love it and thats what they want to focus mostly on. it doesnt sound like their parents are making them do it they just choose to do it.
If you look at mozart he started composing songs when he was six years old and he wrote amazing songs and he did that because he obviously loved it otherwise he wouldnt have done it. imagine what the world would be like if mozarts mother had insisted that he go out and play instead of composing songs.

"Knock Off"? Maybe a little too much competition? What does that teach our children about sportsmanship and character?

My daughter has danced in many competitions with these great kids this year and placed in the finals with them each time. My kids also ,have a passion for ballroom, however, I don't pull her out of school for dance, except for Nationals. My daughter is involved in choir, student government, maintaining her 4.0 GPA, attending Wednesday church activities, baby sitting, hanging out with friends, competing at comps and sometimes having either a private dance lesson or a dance practice. She is proud of her trophy shelf. It has everything from 1st to 7th. She practices 4-6 hours a week, not a day, and yet, there she is in the finals with Vashti and Landon every time they have danced this year! My daughter hopes to continue to dance thru college and continues to improve. Vashti and Landon are sweet, charming and my daughter has enjoyed spending time with them as they line up for an event, as they hang out in the halls or as they are getting ready in the changing rooms, and I can tell you that with young teens that is not always the case. I guess it's all in the way you look at

Gotta agree with Ruth, Hollie said he is well mannered? Since when do say you want to knock off another dance couple? How about "I hope to perform my best and that others will do the same". Sounds like he has learned about spite, he wants to knock off another couple because they don't dance at his studio anymore? Who taught him that? Parents? Dance teachers? My kid plays piano and if they said they wanted to knock another performer we would have a very long talk. What has happened to sportsmanship? Too many parents telling kids to win at any cost so THEY can brag to their friends.