Dance school lifts ban on dads backstage for heartwarming reason

A single dad has persuaded a dance school to overturn a rule banning men from being in the dressing room.

Michael Ray, 54, was upset when he discovered he would not be able to be with his daughter Charlie for her performance at Melbourne's Parkwood Dance Academy because no men are permitted in the dressing room.

The dad, who has been sole carer of his daughter for two years, said banning him would leave Charlie as the only child without a parent backstage to support her. All the other children would have their mums.

Michael admitted he was the “only bloke” and understands child protection issues, but the thought of Charlie being alone brought him to tears, he told Kidspot. 

The single dad went on to request the ban be lifted via email. 

“While Charlie has constant hurdles and reminders of the fact that our family situation is different from that of her peers I try my hardest to minimise the potential harm it may do to her emotional well being and self-esteem," he wrote. 

Not long after, the school agreed. “It’s an arbitrary ban," said Michael. "The school was really good after I sent the email. Next year I won’t be allowed, because Charlie is older, but then all parents aren’t allowed backstage, so that is perfectly fine.”

He added: "It means everything to me to be this little kid's dad. I've never been so proud or happy since she came along."

Source: New Idea