Ensuring proper nutrition for children and teen dancers participating in dance competitions is unfortunately a struggle. Dance competitions can be long and rigorous, often lasting 8-12 hours a day, over several days. Many participants are on tight schedules during these events, not allowing them to step out of the auditorium to have a meal. In order for our children to perform at their best, they need access to timely and nutritious meals and snacks that fuel their bodies and support their endurance. Proper nutrition is especially crucial for dancers between the ages of 3 and 18, as their bodies are growing and developing.

Despite this, current rules restrict families from bringing their own food into the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium, pushing us to purchase from concession stands. 

These concessions, however, often fail to meet the nutritional needs of our young dancers. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, young athletes require a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates to support their growth, physical performance, and overall health. Unfortunately, typical concession stand offerings (hot dogs, french fries, popcorn, etc.) fall short of fulfilling these nutritional guidelines (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2021).

By restricting our ability to provide our own food, these rules potentially hinder dancers' performance and overall health. Thus, the plea is simple - allow parents and guardians to pack healthy meals for their children during dance competitions. Health should not be compromised for the sake of financial gains from concession stands.

Our Request:

We respectfully request that Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium allow parents to bring meals and snacks for their children during dance competitions. This will ensure that our children are properly nourished and able to perform to the best of their abilities.

We propose that the following guidelines be considered to maintain the cleanliness and safety of the venue:

1. Designated areas for families to enjoy meals together.
2. Allowance for sealed containers or coolers for food storage.
3. Flexibility in terms of food that meets a variety of dietary needs (e.g., gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.).

The Benefits of This Change:

Allowing parents to bring meals will support the health, focus, and energy levels of our children. It will also provide an opportunity for families to teach their children the importance of making healthy choices, properly fueling their bodies, and maintaining a positive relationship with food. This is crucial in fostering both physical and mental well-being, especially for young girls who may face societal pressures around body image.

Join us in advocating for our dancers and sign this petition to permit parents to bring nutritious meals into dance competition venues. Let's promote a healthy and supportive environment for our young dancers to excel.