"The kids compete in plain costume, and do the promo circuit in the show outfits, n'est-ce pas?"
I wish!
I have two problems with what they are doing with the kids.
1) The wigs. They look fine but are expensive and distracting for the dancers. I hate to see the wee hands going up to hold the wigs on. Most parents will tell you that it's better than sitting in a hotel room all night, curling the weans hair but for goodness sake isn't any wee girls hair just lovely whether it's straight or curly?
2) The dresses cost around $1.800Ca. A hefty price so before the parents can afford a new one, the dress is far too short.

It will take one or two brave young girls to go out and win a "First" with her own hair and one of those old dresses to turn things around.