Parents' Guide to Dance Moms

Dance Moms squeezes entertainment value out of tense verbal exchanges between adults, infighting among the dance company members (both adults and kids), and Miller's extreme coaching style that often wreaks havoc on the students' emotional well-being. Watching her berate her dancers and encourage competition among them is downright uncomfortable to watch at times, and it's impossible not to feel for the kids when the adults –- some mothers included -– disregard their emotions. It also raises the question of how much pressure is too much to put on kids and what effect the dancers' perceived failure will have on their self-confidence.

This series lends itself to discussions about body image as well, since so many demands are placed on these young dancers to look and act a preconceived part. Sex appeal is a stated goal in some of the dance moves, which creates tension between Miller and the dancers' parents and forces the kids into the middle of the exchanges. Most strong language is edited, but drinking alcohol is presented as a reliable method for adults to cope with the stresses of the competitive atmosphere. Ultimately this is just another example of sensationalized reality TV, made more offensive by its willingness to thrust kids into the spotlight, but it's still bound to draw viewers who like to watch controversy unfold. It does, however, expose viewers to a little-known atmosphere of dance competition and includes some fleeting celebratory moments when the dancers achieve their longstanding goals.