In a column for Dance Magazine, adult dancer and Cloud & Victory owner Li Min Tan argues that the explosion of “call-out” videos in dance culture is a complex phenomenon, reflecting deep-seated needs for validation among both students and instructors. The practice, where teachers single out groups to film a routine, has become a staple of social media, but it’s sparking debate about its impact on the art form and the community.
Tan's piece explores the visceral experience of being chosen—or not. For many, a call-out video is a physical trophy, “physical proof that you did,” she writes, comparing the feeling to pulling a “super-rare rainbow magic Pikachu Labubu” in a game of Pokémon. It’s a public acknowledgment of skill and hard work, often celebrated with posts that read, “My daughter received a call-out at a convention! Her hard work paid off!”
Distinguishing Validation from Likes
- Dance call-out videos have become a powerful social currency, offering public validation but also creating a culture of performance.
- The practice reflects a shared vulnerability, as both students and instructors seek affirmation from their peers and audiences.
- The debate hinges on distinguishing genuine need for feedback from a performative chase for likes and status.
The Psychology of the “Chosen Few”
The dopamine hit of a polished video shared online is powerful, and so is the sting of exclusion. Tan captures the quiet shame of not being selected. “If I don’t get a call-out, it makes me feel like I did something wrong,” one dancer confesses. For “longtime regulars” who are never called out, the experience can be “demoralizing.” This isn’t just about ego; it taps into a fundamental human need for reliable affirmation from trusted sources—like a teacher—to confirm we’re on the right path with our training.
The Pokémon metaphor extends to the instructors themselves. Tan suggests that for teachers, a full class of skilled, engaged dancers who post about it online is a validation of their own effectiveness. “Teachers, too, want to be chosen,” she argues. The call-out becomes a “Hyper Potion” for the insecurities of everyone in the room, a quick fix to a deeper need to feel seen and valued.
Attracting Students with Call-Outs
The trend is a double-edged sword. “But some instructors use call-outs to attract and retain students, to generate polished videos for online likes, to cultivate preferred regulars,” Tan writes.
| The Call-Out Culture: A Snapshot | Student Perspective | Instructor Perspective |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Driver | Validation & Public Recognition | Community Building & Marketing |
| Perceived Value | “Proof of skill” (A “good video run”) | Attracting/retaining students, online presence |
| Core Emotion | Exclusion or Elation | Effectiveness or Insecurity |
Bridging the Gap: Need vs. Chase
The central question Tan raises is whether we can acknowledge our vulnerabilities without being consumed by them. “Can we acknowledge the vulnerabilities we have as students or educators, while making the distinction between needing affirmation and chasing it?” she asks. This is the crux of the issue. The desire for a personal correction, for a roomful of supportive dancers, or for the simple joy of movement are all valid. The problem arises when the social media performance eclipses the art itself.
“It makes dance class performative.”
This is the kind of criticism the call-out attracts from its detractors, who see the tension playing out across a culture of online performance. The pressure to perform for an online audience can fundamentally alter the nature of a class, turning a collaborative learning space into a competitive stage.
Embracing the “Magikarp” Mindset
Tan’s ultimate plea is to reframe our value. We shouldn’t fear being a Magikarp, the Pokémon that “splashes around, not always very effectively.” Its power lies not in being the cutest or most popular, but in its persistence. “It evolves into a powerful water dragon—not because it’s the cutest or strongest or most popular Pokémon, but because it’s brave enough to keep showing up and trying.”
The question isn’t whether call-out videos are good or bad, but what kind of culture we want to build around them—one that celebrates the polished final form, or one that honors the messy, beautiful, and brave process of becoming.
