Dance Camp

Movie review by Barbara Shulgasser-Parker, Common Sense Media
Dance Camp Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 13+

Teens compete in engaging dance movie; some profanity.

PG-13 2016 83 minutes
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Parents say

age 10+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 1 review

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that YouTube Red production Dance Camp is the Pitch Perfect of dance, with teens competing in their summer dance camp's coveted dance championship. In this production, the kids choreograph and rehearse, demonstrating teamwork, focus, and dedication. Romance brews, but only brief, clothed kissing is seen. There's some brief innuendo. The kids say "hell," "s--t," "a--hole," and "bitch," and we see the middle-finger gesture. One character is a bully. Underage drinking gets the hero in trouble at first, but he seems to reform himself.

Community Reviews

Kasocon
Kasocon Adult
September 24, 2018
age 2+

Rip off

This is a rip off of camp rock made by a bunch of youtubers! It’s a waste of time, so don’t bother even watching the trailer.
CSMContentDefault
CSMContentDefault Adult
August 27, 2017
age 18+

Jake paul is a threat

Do you know whats going on? 11-16 yr old fangirls keep watching jake paul and heading too his house. I would never let my children watch him. Logan is better and will always be better for my children too watch. Do not let your kids watch this or jake paul. Logan is better

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much consumerism
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

DANCE CAMP begins as Hunter (Nadji Jeter) and his underage friends throw a party where alcohol is served. A judge sentences him to community service -- work of his dance teacher mother's choosing. She sends him to work at a friend's summer dance camp where Hunter's self-suppressed talent as a dancer is unleashed. He joins a team in the annual dance competition and makes it to the finals, learning loyalty, dedication, and focus in the process. He even finds a little romance.

Is It Any Good?

Terrific performances and a solid comic script make a largely formulaic scenario fun to watch. Nadji Jeter, a talented dancer, is charismatic and self-possessed as the streetwise kid stuck in the woods at summer camp. Philip Labes is a standout, bringing a sweetness and precise comic timing to his portrayal of Hunter's sidekick, Jeb. Teens will enjoy the gentle romance and the impressive dance scenes, and parents will appreciate the positive messages about working hard to achieve a goal.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about dance movies. Why are they so popular? Which one is your favorite, and why?

  • What do you think "don't judge a book by its cover" means? Why do you think it's important to give people a chance?

  • This movie is a YouTube Red production. Why do you think YouTube is producing its own movies? What are the benefits of doing so?

Movie Details

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