Should I Send My Dancer Without Me?

Aug 15

3 min read

At some point, many dance families face the question:

“Do I really need to go too?”

Maybe your dancer has been invited to an intensive, competition, convention, performance opportunity or Dancers Travel experience. Another family has offered to take them. They’re excited, independent and ready to go.

But you’re still wondering…

Can I let my dancer travel without me?

The answer isn’t always yes or no. It depends on your dancer, the trip, who they are travelling with and how prepared everyone is.

First, Consider Your Dancer

Age is only one part of the equation.

Ask yourself:

Are they comfortable being away from home?
Can they manage their belongings, schedule and daily routines?
Will they speak up if they need help?
How do they handle unexpected situations?
Are they comfortable travelling with another family?
Will they be able to enjoy the experience without you there?

A confident dancer who is used to travelling may be ready for an independent experience sooner than another dancer of the same age.

What About Dancers Under 16?

This is where the planning becomes especially important.

If your child is travelling internationally without you, check the current Government of Canada requirements before they leave.

The Government of Canada recommends that children travelling outside Canada without one or both parents or legal guardians carry a consent letter confirming that the parent or guardian has given permission for the child to travel.

The recommended information includes details about the child, the accompanying adult, the trip and the parents or legal guardians.

You can find the current information and consent-letter guidance on Travel.gc.ca.

Don’t leave this until the night before. Requirements can vary depending on the destination, airline and circumstances of the trip.

Who Are They Travelling With?

This may be just as important as your dancer’s age.

If another family is taking your dancer, have a conversation beforehand.

Who is responsible for them?

What happens if they become sick?

Who has access to their travel documents?

What happens if a flight is delayed or cancelled?

How will you communicate while they’re away?

What happens if your dancer becomes overwhelmed or simply wants to come home?

These conversations may not feel necessary when everything is going perfectly, but they can make all the difference when something unexpected happens.

And Then There’s the Dance

Sometimes the opportunity itself is too special to miss.

An intensive in New York. A performance opportunity overseas. A convention with a favourite teacher.A Dancers Travel experience with their studio friends.

These are the experiences that can build confidence, independence and friendships while creating memories your dancer will carry for years.

And sometimes, letting them go is part of letting them grow.

You don’t have to be on every trip to be part of the journey.

Sometimes your job is simply to make sure they are prepared, they are travelling with people you trust, and they know you’re only a phone call away.

So, Should You Send Your Dancer Without You?

There’s no universal answer.

Know your dancer. Know the trip. Know who they’re travelling with. And make sure the practical details are taken care of before they leave.

Because the goal isn’t simply to get your dancer from one destination to another.

It’s to give them the confidence to step into the world, experience something extraordinary and come home with a story of their own.

Travel requirements can change. Always check the most current information from the Government of Canada, your airline and the destination country before travelling.

Travel. Dance. Grow.