Am I becoming a prude?

When DD2 was in Year 5 at school, and also having riding lessons, she drew 'stick' horses mating in the margin of one of her school jotters. Her teacher was concerned about this and asked me what it was about and whether I was worried. I answered that I thought it was just natural curiosity and that no I wasn't in the least bit worried but rather glad to see that DD was observant. The teacher seemed relieved. She was a newly qualified teacher, probably trained to be on the look out for odd things that might indicate something untoward.

Re your OP, G, I think various forms of dance have always strayed into what some regard as carnality and that's why excessively religious types have often tried to ban it, along with other art forms and activities that give people pleasure. Perhaps you just prefer a more formal type of dancing, which is fine. Can't say lap dancing appeals to me either — not that I've much experience of it, you understand

I agree, Great nan. It's sexualising children far too soon, they all watch the programme. And what's dancing about anyway? Yes, it's perhaps a way of meeting partners, but primarily it's a life enhancing community cultural experience. It's sad to see it becoming so sexualised.

Bring back country dancing!

You are not a prude greatnan - I find these seductive gyrations by pre-pubertal girls quite offensive. They are totally inappropriate. I went to a village school end of term show and their were top form girls (10-11) gyrating in boob tubes - some of the Dads did not know where to look - very embarrassing. I'm on the governors now and would have something to say if it happened again.

greatnan sorry I didnt reply to your post, the way the young girls dance on Gypsy Wedding seems very provocative but these girls are brought up with strict moral code, the impression I get is that they see all the music videos and imitate the moves and are totally unaware of how it looks.

I wasn't criticising children or their parents - it must be hard to prevent them seeing these videos or TV programmes. I think the school was very stupid to call in a social worker - there are so many programmes now which are supposed to be family entertainment, like My big fat gypsy wedding , where children are shown making very sensual moves in a totally innocent way. My criticism is reserved for the people who make the videos and programmes.

Greatnan Absentdaughter and her husband were called into my granddaughter's school and questioned by a social worker because my elder granddaughter was dancing in "an inappropriately provocative manner". Apart from the fact that an "inappropriate manner" is in the eye of the beholder rather than that of a seven-year-old, have these people never seen the videos issued by pop singers such as Christine Aguilera or, as you suggest, in the past Michael Jackson? My daughter and son-in-law were subjected to a lengthy interrogation with questions ranging from whether they walked around naked at home (no) to what was their "drug of choice". Absentdaughter thought it was probably beer but all they cold afford was coffee. (Where do these people come from?) My granddaughter simply loves to dance – when I was staying with the family earlier this year she begged me to teach her some ballet as she knows I used to be a junior ballet teacher. We also all had some jolly times on Friday evenings with a barbecue, music and a bit of a bop.

I could think of worse things to look at jingle

Dunno. Too busy drooling over Artem's bare chest.