Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Reality spin-off goes South with parents behaving badly.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
DANCE MOMS: MIAMI gives viewers a second backstage pass to eavesdrop on the workings of competitive dancers -- and more importantly, their moms -- as they train for national competitions. Set in the well respected Stars Dance Studio in Miami, this follow-up series to Dance Moms spotlights five new dancers: class leader Jessi, laid-back Hannah, petite Kimmy, newcomer Sammy, and Lucas, the troupe's lone boy. Mixing things up in the waiting room are the kids' moms: Susan, Debi, Ani, Abby, and Brigette, respectively. Under the direction of studio owners/instructors Victor and Angel, these dancers have their eyes set on multiple national titles this season, but to get there, they'll have to first meet the approval of their toughest critics -- and fiercest supporters -- their moms.
Is It Any Good?
This excessive show offers precious little substance and serves as a prime example of how wrong reality TV can go. It's hard to believe that any aspect hasn't been staged in some way, nor do these wealthy, flamboyant moms who love to make spectacles of themselves and apparently live to strong-arm their kids into a hobby in any way reflect the average parent. (Or, at least, one would hope not.) Sure, we all want to be our children's biggest cheerleaders, but these women take that role to dangerous extremes, and the infighting that results sends damaging messages about the true spirit of competition and the relationship between a parent and child. What's more, it's the adults' bad behavior that usually rubs off on their kids and instigates animosity where none previously existed.
Fans of the original Dance Moms will find plenty more of the controversy here in Miami that kept things interesting in Abby Lee's studio. Interestingly, her Floridian counterparts, Victor and Angel, often come across as the voices of reason amid the mom-instigated madness, and there are some genuinely touching moments between them and their students. They're still steel-nails tough on the dancers and encourage competition among them by rating them in everyone's presence, but there are some instances in which they step in to tone down an overbearing mom for the kids' sake. Sadly, though, no amount of bedazzling could shine this series to the point of admiration, which is a shame, considering the kids at the heart of it are truly talented dancers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the subjects of this show. What do you think was their motivation for getting involved? Do you think they play up the negative aspects of their relationships for the camera? What could they hope to gain from allowing such unflattering behavior to be filmed? Does the series showcase the kids' talent enough?
Teens: How do you resolve differences of opinion within your family? What types of issues are up for discussion and which ones are subject to your parents' rules alone? Do you find it easy to talk to your parents honestly about your feelings? What might make it easier for you to do so?
What is the purpose of reality TV shows like this one? Do you find this entertaining? Does it offer anything in the way of positive content or life lessons? Should it? How has reality TV changed the nature of our entertainment celebrity status? What does that say about our society's infatuation with stardom?
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 3, 2012
- Cast : Angel DeArmas Salabert , Victor Smalley
- Network : Lifetime Television
- Genre : Reality TV
- Topics : Arts
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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