 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
So You Think You Can Dance
- Fox
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
Dance version of Idol struts its stuff.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this series is the brainchild of Simon Cowell and bears many similarities to his mega hit American Idol. In the early auditions, some aspiring dancers are clearly looking for their 15 minutes of fame, while others are earnest but lacking in skills. And a few are physically hurt in the process. The judges can be mean-spirited in their critiques of the dancers. When the dancers are good, it's awe-inspiring, but there's too much fluff to sort through to get to the real meat of the show. Once the final 20 are selected, wannabe hoofers young and old will enjoy the competition.
What's the story?
It'll be hard to keep your feet still while watching SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE. After a series of auditions around the country, 20 dancer hopefuls tap, break, or sashay their way to Las Vegas for the formal competition, where they work with five of the nation's top choreographers. Live results determine who keeps dancing, who's going home, and who's crowned America's No. 1 dancer.
Is it any good?
When the heat is on, it's great fun to watch a show that combines all types of dance, including ballet, salsa, hip hop, jive, ballroom, tap, and more. But the series needs work. It doesn't have American Idol's polish or fluidity; exchanges between judges are awkward and lacking in conviction, and they give unclear advice to competitors who are turned away.
Kids who like to dance or like to watch dancing will enjoy the program. But some questionable material needs to be screened: One contestant talks about drinking problems interfering with his dancing, another calls himself "Sex" and describes himself as a male sex symbol, others get bleeped when responding to the judges, and so on. If kids (and their parents) can see past this and focus on the dancing, it's very inspiring to watch the dancers' hard work. It's contagious, too.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about the amount of hard work, patience, and strength it takes to make it as a dancer. Do you think you could do it?
What do you think of the judges' critiques? Which ones are constructive? How can someone bounce back from such disappointment?
How do you feel about the competitors who weren't serious about the audition? Do you think that impacts the show's integrity?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Kid, 11 years old
July 31, 2011
AGE
Worst show I've ever seen
In my opinion, I think it's crazy that people actually like this show!! It's so boring! Dancing with the Stars is such a fun and entertaining show compared to this show. So You Think You Can Dance is very boring and there is nothing entertaining about it. I don't recommend this show at all to anyone.
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Parent of 4, 5, and 6 year old
September 11, 2009
AGE
Alright for 5 and up after final 20 are picked
Some dance moves are very sexual in nature (Latin ballroom) but it is just dance and it's amazing to see how far people can come with perseverance and dedication. My kids enjoy watching it but I don't let them watch it until after the final 20 are selected.
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Kid, 10 years old
June 7, 2010
AGE
best tv show in the world!!!!!!!!!
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Kid, 10 years old
November 15, 2009
AGE
Perfect for Children
I love this show, mostly because I'm a dancer. the worst words they say is a-s and d-n.
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Kid, 11 years old
August 18, 2009
AGE
Kewl
It's a fun family show. I watch it with my parents all the time!!
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Kid, 12 years old
April 13, 2011
AGE
L-O-V-E I-T!!! =)
I love this show. I think I can dance but I can not but at least I try!! LOL
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Kid, 12 years old
August 6, 2010
AGE
A great show for older kids!
If you're old enough to handle some of the dances and outfits, it's one of the best shows out there. I'm a dancer, and these people show me what some of the best look like. It's a great show for teens and above and I LOVE it!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's a great show with some of the best dancers. I hope Kent of Lauren win this season!
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Kid, 12 years old
August 10, 2009
AGE
awsome
best show ever!!!!! this is one of my favorite shows. i start to like it more as it gets to the end ( top 20 or so) because at that point all the dancing is good, no one gets hurt and the judges arn't as mean. yes some of the feelmale dancers wear some reaviling outfits, but no one mentions them so it's not anything bad. all in all wath this show
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Teen, 13 years old
November 28, 2009
AGE
10+ :)
i can't dance:) i love this show though. but mary murphy(judge) is the most annoying peson alive. and i don't think cat deely is a real name. go karen:) i just started watching season 8 and i love itt.
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Teen, 15 years old
February 16, 2010
AGE
I really recommend!
This is my absolute favorite show (it got me interested in performing arts!) that I really appreciate for it's variety. The dancers can go from classical ballroom one week to traditional African to avante-garde to Bollywood another. There are a couple salsas that could be considered a little... spicy... but nothing ever over the top.
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | Fox |
| Cast: | Cat Deeley, Lauren Sanchez, Nigel Lythgoe |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
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