Tools for this page
Print

America's Ballroom Challenge

(Rated TV-G, Reality TV, Starring Jasmine Guy, Ron Montez, Where to watch: PBS)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 4, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Snipe-free dance competition is fun for all ages.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The series educates viewers on the different types of dances and highlights the artistry and strength it takes to perform at this level. It demonstrates how traditional steps can be performed to contemporary music and shows how classic dancing can be accessible to kids. None of the sniping by judges that marks network dance/performance competition shows.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Some costumes are skimpy, especially in the International Latin division.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Some couples dance to popular music by artists like Eminem and Sarah McLachlan. One couple dances to a Disney song.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About America's Ballroom Challenge

Parents need to know that this series offers an educational look at competitive ballroom dancing, skipping the sometimes-snide judging that is the hallmark of similar network competition shows in favor of celebrating the dancers' artistry and athleticism and attempting to make dancing both entertaining and accessible to kids. Female dancers sometimes wear skimpy outfits, and some of the dance moves are a bit suggestive, but they're presented as part of the overall art form.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about why there's been an increase in movies and TV shows that feature ballroom dancing. What does traditional dancing offer to kids today? How can traditional dances like waltzes be adapted to contemporary music? Families can also discuss the stereotypes that society tends to have about dancers. Are dancers really athletes? How much work goes into dancing competitively? What does it take to compete at the national and international level?

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about America's Ballroom Challenge?
  •  I think this show is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • New in Theaters

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Offbeat family adventure may charm adults more than kids.

  • Issue Spotlight

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Set limits long before they get behind the wheel.

  • Book of the Week

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Wildly inventive, wonderful fairy tales for mature teens.

  • Issue Spotlight

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    Our video game experts weigh in.

  • Download This

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    Dark, cool tunes OK for kids too young for the movie.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name