Children under the age of 10 have been banned from wearing make up in Irish dancing competitions. So when is the right time to allow children to wear make up?
As a child, make up is one of the things that signifies growing up. I remember being a little girl wanting to try on my mum’s make up because she was an adult and if I could wear her lipstick, that made me a ‘grown up’ too.
Outlandish costumes and thick make up are the norm at any kind of dance competition. But is some of it a unnecessary?
Under the bright lights of a stage, I don’t see the problem with a little bit of make up. I used to compete and perform as a dancer from a young age and a sweep of blusher, a triangle of eyeliner just outside my eye finished with a dash of lipstick didn’t do me any harm. It was just a tiny part of the dancing experience.
However, now there’s fake tan and false eyelashes to contend with, the lashes being one of the things Irish Dance commission have banned. There’s just no need for them whether it’s in a performing capacity or otherwise.
The row over make up being banned in dance competitions has sparked comparisons with beauty pageants.
Last month, the craze of ‘no make up selfies’ took over social media sites and promoted natural beauty, while raising money for Cancert Research UK.
That’s the message we should be promoting to children. But ultimately, it’s up to parents. A little bit of make up for special occasions, such as dancing can be ok. But it shouldn’t be the norm for little ones.