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Dirty Dancing (WE)

common sense media says

Feel-good dance-off will get tweens' toes tapping.

parents & educators say
See 2 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this reality show follows a group of aspiring female dancers competing for a professional contract. While the show is mostly fine for tweens, there's a bit of forced sexual tension in at least one episode when the male dance partners are introduced, as well as some sexual innuendo from the contestants when they're interviewed on camera, confessional-style.

Positive messages: Sends the message that even if you don't think you can succeed, there are benefits to trying your best. What's more, it's never to late to pursue a dream or start a new hobby. On the downside, there's some jealousy and rivalry among the competitors.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Some noticeable sexual tension among the dancers, and some sexual innuendo/ogling.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Maybelline is a sponsor and gets multiple plugs per episode.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Dirty Dancing

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the popularity of dance-themed reality shows. Why do you think people -- both kids and adults -- like shows like this so much? Families can also talk about the amount of hard work, patience, and strength it takes to make it as a dancer. How much training do you need to be a performer? What are your odds of success in dancing (or other creative fields)?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In DIRTY DANCING, 18 women learn new moves from six male dance instructors and are whittled down until one is left to accept the grand prize -- a professional dancing contract. Cris Judd -- a longtime backup dancer and choreographer who's perhaps best known as one of Jennifer Lopez's exes -- hosts each episode, all of which are set in a lush California resort (rather than the Catskills locale of the guilty pleasure movie that inspired the show's name...). Most of the contestants enjoy dancing but have never pursued a career on stage. They spend their time giggling their way through dance lessons before being outfitted in sparkly dresses and getting professionally made up to perform for the three judges -- Jackie Rios, Eddie Garcia, and Keith Young -- who will narrow the pool to a single finalist. Each of the six male partners works with the same three women throughout the competition, letting them get to know each other.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Since this is reality TV, it's not surprising that the women develop rivalries and jealous feelings when it seems like one of them is getting more attention from their partner than the others. And as in Dancing with the Stars, explosive onstage moves and pretty costumes turn each episode of Dirty Dancing into extreme eye candy for fans of the performing arts. It's all sorts of reality fun rolled in one: makeovers, competition, and some sexual tension. While the latter might turn some parents off, Dirty Dancing is ultimately fine fare for tweens and older, especially those who appreciate the performing arts.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: WE
Cast: Cris Judd, Eddie Garcia, Jackie Rios
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: WE
This review was written by Lucy Maher
 
 

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Evelyn88
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13
 
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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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