Sport losing out to dance classes

CENSUS data revealing a shift away from traditional sports to dancing among Austrlaian children have been mirrored in Geelong, according to coaches.
An Australian Bureau of Statistics study found almost twice as many children aged five to14 were in after-school dance classes as playing netball.
Dance enrolments had risen about 27 per cent since 2003 but the number of children playing netball was down around six per cent.
Geelong Academy of Performing Arts’ Michael Ward said the figures were “not surprising”.
“Children want something fun that they can do with their friends that they can feel rewarded without needing to compete,” he said.
Mr Ward said increasing public acceptance of dancing as an activity for children was also behind the rise, “particularly for boys”.
“It (previously) wasn’t as commonly accepted to say you danced. It was like you were Billy Elliot.
“Now parents are so supportive for their sons and daughters.”
Geelong Netball Association president Lisa Hatton said she had noted a decrease in children playing netball.
The association had about 650 juniors in 2009 but only around 500 last year, she said.
Ms Hatton blamed part of the fall on a redevelopment of the association’s courts.
She hoped parents would encourage children to participate in netball.
“Anyone can join a sport like netball without prior learning.”